If you’re looking into jobs in the caregiving field or a future career in the medical field, a good first step is researching how to become a licensed or certified nursing assistant (CNA). It can take just a few short weeks to complete the certification process, depending where you live, and once you’re done, you can start applying for nursing assistant jobs in private homes, residential or nursing care facilities or hospitals. CNA training and on-the-job experience also can open doors to other opportunities when you invest in future training to become a registered nurse or licensed nurse practitioner.
Read on as we explore the role, responsibilities and requirements for how to become a CNA.
What is a certified nursing assistant (CNA)?
A CNA is an entry-level role that is responsible for the direct care of a patient, whether in the home, an assisted living facility or in the hospital, and may also provides support to nurses.
In most cases, the CNA reports to a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN), and the RN or LPN then reports to the doctor directly. An RN or LPN can also perform basic medical procedures that a CNA cannot, like inserting an intravenous catheter.
What are typical CNA duties and responsibilities?
A CNA takes care of personal needs that a patient can no longer perform themselves, such as bathing, eating, getting to and from the restroom, transitioning from bed to chairs and any other aspect of daily life that a patient might need assistance with.
The list of typical CNA duties is long and changes depending on the needs of their client. It can include:
- Turning or repositioning patients to minimize chance of bed sores and muscle atrophy.
- Gathering and stocking supplies for an RN or the patient’s doctor.
- Obtaining vital signs on a regular interval and recording them.
- Responding to patient calls or alarms.
- Bathing patients.
- Documenting all information obtained.
- Feeding patients, then measuring and recording their food and liquid intake.
- Personal hygiene, including combing hair, shaving, caring for nails, and brushing teeth.
- Cleaning rooms and bed linens.
- Prepare rooms for admissions.
- Helping with medical procedures.
- Dressing wounds as needed.
- Assisting patients with elimination.
Responsibilities can change from patient to patient. CNAs who work in a private residence may also have other duties as determined by their employer.
How to become a CNA
Becoming a CNA does not require a college degree; however, certification is needed so you must enroll in a CNA education and training program. In some programs, certification can be acquired in just four to eight weeks. Depending on the state you live in, you may have to earn state-approved certification or licensure to qualify to work as a CNA there.
Find requirements for CNA licensing information by state.
Certification programs are typically held at hospitals, community colleges, vocational or training schools and high schools. They can also be taken online. Because certification programs differ in format, it’s important to research each one to see which best fits your needs. The most popular certification class is held by the American Red Cross.
“The CNA class only took about a month and was very easy,” says Chrysta S. Brodt, CNA and owner of Angells on Whidbey Adult Family Home. “The hardest part was learning how to actually do the job and manage the clients’ schedules once you start working. CNAs are always in high demand, and it only took about a week before I got hired on by a small care home.”
There are several prerequisites that are expected before attending a CNA certification program:
- Attendance at an orientation information session.
- TABE (reading and math assessment), or verification of high school diploma or GED.
- Red Cross criminal background check prior to registration.
- Completion of Red Cross physical form and TB test.
- CPR and first-aid certification.
All classes require a mix of classroom and clinical hours. The number of clinical hours varies from state to state. After the completion of classes, students must take a two-part test consisting of a multiple choice written exam and a practical skill based exam. If you pass, you are added to the national CNA registry and can start applying for jobs immediately.
How much does a CNA make?
The median pay for nursing assistants in May 2022, was $17.18 per hour and $35,760 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
There is a high demand for CNAs. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the need for certified personal care will increase exponentially. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for nursing assistants is expected to be 4% through 2032.
“The pay is far less than being an RN or a LPA, but the rewards are greater than anyone could ever pay me,” says CNA Rosalind Jones.
Top-paying states for nursing assistants
The following information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the nation’s top-paying states for a nursing assistant.
State | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
| Alaska | $21.35 | $44,420 |
| District of Columbia | $21.07 | $43,820 |
| California | $20.95 | $43,570 |
| New York | $20.89 | $43,450 |
| Oregon | $20.65 | $42,960 |
Becoming a CNA is easy when you’re armed with information. For those interested in more information about becoming a CNA, professional organizations such as the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) or the American Red Cross are great sources of information.
