[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Certified nursing assistants provide basic care for patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm/” target=”_blank”]certified nursing assistant salary[/hen-ui-link] exceeds $28,500 a year, with strong projected job growth through 2028. This page explains how to become a certified nursing assistant, including education and licensure requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Essential Career Information for Certified Nursing Assistants[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]$35,740[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Employment Growth Forecast from 2022-2032[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Number of New Jobs from 2022-2032[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]58,400[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Average Entry-Level Education Requirements[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]State-Approved Educational Program[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Annual Salary of the Highest 10%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]$46,700[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Annual Salary of the Lowest 10%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]$27,630[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nursing assistant is a healthcare professional who cares for patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Also known as a nursing aide, nursing assistants provide basic care, including assisting patients with daily activities, like bathing and eating. They also record changes in patients’ conditions and take vital signs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most nursing assistants work in nursing care facilities or hospitals. They may also work in assisted living facilities or retirement communities. A small number of nursing assistants work for home healthcare services, caring for patients in their homes. Since hospitals and nursing homes provide 24-hour care, many nursing assistants work nights and weekends.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nursing assistant is a healthcare professional who cares for patients in hospitals and nursing homes.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing assistants need a license to practice, which requires completing a state-approved nursing assistant program and passing a competency exam. In some states, nursing assistants who complete the licensure process earn the title certified nursing assistant or certified nurse aide, abbreviated as CNA. Other states may use titles like certified nurse assistant, hospital aide, nursing attendant, or nursing care attendant.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing assistants provide basic care for patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. They assist patients with daily living activities, including helping patients dress, transferring patients from their bed to a wheelchair, and serving meals. Nursing assistants work in a healthcare team to provide patient care, often under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing assistants work in a healthcare team to provide patient care, often under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing assistants draw on healthcare training to monitor patients’ conditions. They listen to patients describe their symptoms and record any health concerns. In addition, nursing assistants measure patients’ vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure. They record the results of these tests on charts for nurses and physicians. In some states, nursing assistants also dispense medication.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and residential care facilities, nursing assistants act as principal caregivers for residents. They spend extended time with residents and develop close professional relationships with patients, which requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing assistants also help position, turn, and transfer patients, which requires physical stamina. During nursing assistant training, students learn how to safely lift and move patients to prevent injuries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam to become certified nursing assistants. During their training program, which typically lasts 4-12 weeks, learners study patient care, including elder care and ethical care. They also learn how to assist patients with daily activities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing assistant training also incorporates clinical hours, during which students work under the supervision of an experienced CNA to strengthen their abilities and gain hands-on experience. After completing an educational program, nursing assistants can apply for a state license, which requires passing a competency exam.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective CNAs must complete a state-approved nursing assistant program. Programmatic accrediting agencies review nursing assistant programs to determine whether they meet high standards for training CNAs. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.abhes.org/” target=”/"_blank"”]Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.caahep.org/” target=”/"_blank"”]Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs[/hen-ui-link] grant accreditation to institutions that offer nursing assistant and allied health programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing Assistant Professional Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing assistants must hold a state-issued license to pursue jobs as a CNA. Each state sets its own licensure requirements, which generally include completing a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam. In most states, the exam includes multiple-choice questions and a clinical component that asks candidates to perform common CNA tasks. Most states also incorporate a background check during the licensure process.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After meeting the education requirements and passing the examination, candidates become certified nursing assistants. Certified nursing assistants must renew their credentials on a regular basis. Renewal requirements vary by state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a certified nursing assistant?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing a state-approved certified nursing assistant program generally takes 4-12 weeks. Students must also complete at least 75 clinical hours.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I get my CNA certification?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates for CNA certification must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency examination administered by the state.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the duties of a certified nursing assistant?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified nursing assistants help patients eat, bathe, dress, and complete other daily tasks. They also monitor vital signs and report patient conditions to nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to become a CNA?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective CNAs can complete an accelerated training program in about one month. After finishing their training, candidates must pass a competency exam to become a CNA.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I become a CNA online?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes; prospective CNAs can complete nursing assistant training online. Many programs allow online students to complete clinical hours at an approved site near their home.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]
- C.N.A.
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Hospital Aide
- Hospital Attendant
- Nursing Aide
- Nursing Attendant
- Nursing Care Attendant
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certificate Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nursing assistants must complete a state-approved education program to earn their license. Many nursing assistant programs take 4-12 weeks to complete. These programs focus on nursing assistant job duties, offering specialized training for CNA careers. During a nursing assistant program, students also complete clinical hours to meet licensing requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nursing assistants can also pursue a certificate in allied health. Certificate programs for licensed practical nurses or medical assistants often meet the requirements for a nursing assistant license. During these programs, students take classes on topics like anatomy, physiology, and patient-centered care.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Certificate Programs in Medical Assisting” brow=”Rankings” href=”/rankings/certificates/online-medical-assistant-certificates/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most nursing assistants complete specialized training through a nursing assistant program rather than a degree program. However, an associate degree helps nursing assistants advance their careers and pursue healthcare roles with greater responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During an associate program in nursing, healthcare assisting, or another allied health field, learners study topics like evidence-based practice, medical terminology, and clinical procedures. Depending on the program, students may complete an internship, practicum, or clinical rotation to build hands-on skills. Graduates with an associate degree in nursing qualify for a registered nurse license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Associate Programs in Medical Assisiting” brow=”Rankings” href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-medical-assisting/ ” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card]