How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Your Comprehensive Career Guide
Compartir
What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a trained healthcare professional who offers essential support to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Sometimes called nurse aides or patient care technicians, CNAs play a critical role in patient care, helping with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, mobility, and monitoring vital signs.
Because of the short training time and accessible certification path, becoming a CNA is one of the fastest ways to begin a rewarding healthcare career. It’s also a stepping stone toward more advanced roles in nursing and patient care.
In this guide, we’ll cover what CNAs do, where they work, how to get certified, and what kind of salary and growth opportunities you can expect.
What Does a CNA Do?
CNAs are the hands-on care providers who keep healthcare facilities running smoothly. They work closely with nurses and physicians to ensure patients are safe, clean, comfortable, and supported.
Common CNA duties include:
- Repositioning or turning patients in bed
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Assisting with meals and feeding
- Bathing and dressing patients
- Helping with restroom needs
- Setting up rooms for new patients
- Helping patients move or walk
- Preparing supplies for nurses and doctors
- Supporting basic wound care and dressing changes
- Answering call lights and responding to patient requests
The exact responsibilities may vary depending on the facility, your state’s regulations, and your supervisor's guidance.
Steps to Become a CNA
Becoming a CNA is straightforward, but it must be done through a state-approved program followed by passing a certification exam.
Here’s how to get started:
Enroll in a CNA Training Program
CNA programs are commonly offered at community colleges, technical schools, high schools, hospitals, and specialized training centers. Most programs last between 4 to 12 weeks.
Meet Admission Requirements
These often include:
-A high school diploma or GED (or passing a reading/math assessment
- Criminal background check
- Recent physical and TB test
- Proof of age and ID (driver’s license or state ID)
Complete Classroom and Clinical Training
Programs typically include both classroom learning (covering healthcare theory, safety, ethics, etc.) and clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
Pass Your State Certification Exam
After training, you must pass a written exam and a skills test to earn your CNA license.
Get Added to Your State’s CNA Registry
Once certified, your name will be placed on the official registry of certified nurse aides for your state.
Where CNAs Work
Certified Nursing Assistants are employed in a wide variety of settings, depending on community needs and patient populations.
Most common CNA workplaces:
- Hospitals (public or private)
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Long-term care centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Assisted living communities
- Adult day care centers
- Home health care agencies
CNAs usually do not work in outpatient clinics or physician offices, as these environments typically don’t require direct long-term patient care.
What Makes a Great CNA?
Being a CNA requires physical stamina and emotional resilience—but also a heart for service. These are the traits that help CNAs succeed:
- Compassion and empathy
- Patience and a positive attitude
- Strong communication skills
- Physical strength and endurance
- Time management skills
- Reliability and integrity
- Attention to detail
If you enjoy helping people and thrive in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment, CNA could be a perfect fit.
CNA Salary: What to Expect
As of 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual salary of $38,130, or about $18.33 per hour for CNAs.
However, your salary will vary based on your location, experience, and the type of facility you work in. For instance:
CNAs in dentist offices earn the highest average wage ($57,450 annually).
Those in home healthcare settings tend to earn the least, around $35,640 annually.
Highest Paying States for CNAs
-
State Hourly Wage Annual Salary District of Columbia $23.01 $47,860 Alaska $22.63 $47,080 California $22.63 $47,070 Oregon $22.58 $46,970 Washington $22.32 $46,430
Top-Paying Cities for CNAs
-
City Hourly Wage Annual Salary San Francisco–Oakland, CA $27.18 $56,530 San Jose–Sunnyvale, CA $26.72 $55,580 Salem, OR $23.63 $49,140 Seattle–Tacoma, WA $23.23 $48,320 Salinas, CA $22.96 $47,750
Online CNA Programs: Are They Worth It?
Some schools offer online or hybrid CNA programs, which allow students to complete coursework online while completing clinical hours in-person. While these can be more flexible, it’s important to make sure the program is state-approved and provides enough hands-on practice to succeed in the real world.
Career Growth: CNA to LPN or RN
Becoming a CNA is often the first step in a long, rewarding career in nursing. Many CNAs eventually go on to become:
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Medical Assistants
- Healthcare Administrators
Although CNA certification won’t shorten your path to becoming an LPN or RN, the experience helps you build clinical confidence and a strong healthcare foundation.
CNA Job Outlook
The demand for certified nursing assistants is growing. The BLS projects 4% job growth for CNAs between 2022 and 2032, which is consistent with average growth across occupations.
As the U.S. population ages and more long-term care is needed, CNAs will continue to be essential in providing personal, compassionate care to patients across the country.
Similar Careers to Explore
Thinking about other entry-level healthcare options? Here’s how CNA compares to similar roles:
CNA vs. Medical Assistant
- CNAs focus on daily patient care (bathing, feeding, mobility)
- Medical Assistants work in clinical and administrative roles, often in doctor’s offices
|
CNA vs. LPN
- LPNs have more responsibilities, longer training, and earn higher salaries
- CNAs can become LPNs through additional education
- CNA vs. STNA
STNA (State-Tested Nursing Assistant) is the same as a CNA, but the title is used in Ohio.
Resources for Aspiring CNAs
Joining a professional organization can help you grow and stay connected in your career. Check out:
-
Nursing Association of Health Care Assistants
-
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
These groups offer:
-
Continuing education hours
-
Industry updates
-
Job boards
-
Professional networking opportunities
CNA FAQs
-
What does CNA stand for?
Certified Nursing Assistant
-
What does a CNA do?
They help patients with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and feeding under the supervision of a nurse.
-
How long is CNA training?
Programs range from 4 to 12 weeks.
-
How much do CNAs earn?
The national median is $38,130/year, or $18.33/hour.
-
Which states pay CNAs the most?
DC, Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington.
-
What’s the difference between a CNA and LPN?
LPNs have higher training, more clinical responsibilities, and higher salaries.
-
How much does CNA training cost?
Typically under $1,000, depending on the provider.
-
Can I become a CNA quickly?
Yes! Many programs offer accelerated tracks completed in just a few weeks.
-
Where do CNAs earn the most?
Specialty practices like dental offices pay the highest CNA wages.
