Abby McCoy, RN, BSN
Updated
Reviewed by NursingEducation Staff
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are vital to patient care. Where physicians plan and prescribe treatment and nurses assess and administer medical care, CNAs assist with checking vital signs, repositioning patients, bathing, toileting, and communicating as an important part of the healthcare team. They work directly under registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), providing support and assistance to patients and the medical team.
In the past, nursing assistants didn’t need certification or licensure to apply for a job in their field, but now, most employers want them to have a nursing assistant certification to be considered. CNA programs can vary by college and state, and this guide will help anyone who wants to achieve the goal of becoming a certified nursing assistant.
Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in 4 Steps
Certified nursing assistants don’t have to have a college degree, but employers ask for certain requirements to be met before they consider an application. Every state asks for slightly different details, but all CNAs must complete an approved education and certification program, pass an exam, and graduate high school or prove equivalent education or competency.
1
Earn the Equivalent of a High School Diploma
The first step to becoming a CNA involves completing the minimum education requirements. CNA programs ask that candidates graduate high school, complete a GED, or prove competency by passing an exam like the TABE test.
2
Earn a Certificate or Diploma From a CNA Program
Once aspiring CNAs confirm their minimum education requirement, they must complete a nursing assistant training program. These can be found at local community colleges and vocational schools. Sometimes, hospitals also offer CNA programs.
3
Take the CNA Certification Exam
Before a CNA can begin to work, they must pass The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination, which includes both written and practical portions. This certification must typically be renewed every two years.
4
Find a CNA Position
After candidates pass their NNAAP, they may apply for work as a CNA. These positions are typically found in facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
Schooling Requirements for Certified Nursing Assistants
Certified nursing assistants have fewer schooling requirements than other medical professionals. CNAs must graduate high school, complete a GED, or take a competency exam. After this, they may enroll in a certified nursing assistant program.
Many community colleges, technical schools, vocational schools, and hospitals offer CNA programs. Candidates can check any CNA program’s state accreditation status on their state’s Department of Public Health website. CNA programs can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000 and take four to eight weeks to complete.
Time to Complete
4 to 8 weeks
Minimum GPA
2.0*
Clinical Hours
40-100
*Varies by institution
Sources: Southern Illinois University, Prestige Career College, St. Charles Community College, The University of The State of New York, North Central Texas College
Certified Nursing Assistant Licensing and Credentials
Certified nursing assistants do not hold licenses, but must obtain CNA certification through their state’s nursing board. They may apply for CNA certification through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). Once their application is accepted, they must take and pass the NNAAP exam, which qualifies them as certified nursing assistants.
Application and exam fees differ by state, but the exam is standardized across the country. The exam itself has two sections: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion tests a CNA candidate’s knowledge of:
- Physical Care Skills
- Psychosocial Care Skills
- Role of the Nurse Aide
In the practical portion, CNA applicants must prove their skills in various areas, such as repositioning patients, point-of-care testing, and measuring vital signs.
Where Do Certified Nursing Assistants Work?
Many health facilities rely on certified nursing assistants to assist patients with movement, self-care, feeding, and vital signs. Some CNAs also perform point-of-care testing like blood sugar checks. CNAs may find positions in:
- Hospitals
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Long-term residential facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Adult daycare centers
Similar to other medical professions in 24-hour facilities, certified nursing assistants typically work eight or twelve-hour shifts. CNA positions may be rare in medical office or clinic settings, but some of these facilities include this role in their teams.
Certified Nursing Assistants Job Outlook
The job outlook for certified nursing assistants is on par with most professions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which predicts four percent growth in this field through 2032. As the baby boomer generation ages, medical services are set to increase, and CNAs may notice an uptick in job opportunities in the coming years.
Currently, CNAs earn an average of $36,220, or $17.41 an hour, according to the BLS. Many facilities offer extra shifts with bonuses and overtime pay attached, which can supplement this income amount. Weekends, nights, and holiday shifts also offer higher pay.
FAQs: How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
1. What does a CNA do?
Certified nursing assistants work directly under registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), providing support and assistance to patients and the medical team. Exact duties depend on a CNA’s employer, but responsibilities can include taking vital signs, checking blood sugar, administering tube feedings, toileting, repositioning, and grooming.
2. Is a nursing assistant the same as a CNA?
Nursing assistants are similar to CNAs, but without certification. In the past, nursing assistants were not required to obtain certification or receive any training or education before working on a medical unit. Now, however, most facilities will only hire certified nursing assistants, or CNAs.
3. What do most CNAs make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CNAs make a nationwide average of $17.41 an hour, which equals about $36,220 a year.
4. What’s the fastest you can become a CNA?
The fastest CNA course lasts about four weeks, but some can take up to eight weeks. After the course, CNA candidates must also study for and pass The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination, which can be scheduled anytime after graduation.
