Are you dreaming of a healthcare career that you can start with minimum entry requirements? Then a nursing assistant can be the perfect choice for you. This role offers you the opportunity to help people and can prepare you for the more advanced nursing role at the same time. But how can you become one, right?
You have to complete a CNA training program approved by your state. Then you have to pass the competency certification exam. It will just require your high school diploma or GED to enroll in the training program in the first place.
Want to know about the steps in detail? Then let’s get to know how to become a CNA and what you can expect from this career in today’s comprehensive guide!
Key Qualifications and Career Insights for Nursing Assistants
Attribute | Details |
Career Level | Entry level |
Education | High school diploma or GED |
Degree | Complete a certified nursing program approved by the state |
Workplace | Nursing care facilities, hospitals, private homes, retirement communities |
Primary Duty | Providing basic care and support to the patient |
Certification | Listed on your state’s CNA registry |
Certification Renewal | Generally, every two years |
Median Annual Salary | $38,200 |
What Role Does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Play?
Caring for and supporting patients- it’s the main responsibility of a nursing assistant. As a CNA, you have to help the patients in their basic daily activities. For instance,
- Bathing
- Eating
- Dressing
- Exercising or
- Using the restroom.
Moreover, you have to monitor and report any changes in your patient’s health.
Other responsibilities of the nursing assistants may include repositioning the bedridden patients and giving them medicines. They may often have to ensure the cleanliness of the patient’s room.
More importantly, the nursing assistant offers their patients emotional support helping them to heal fast!
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): A Step-by-Step Guide
According to the HHS study, a surprising 97% of nursing assistants are likely to stay in their job as they feel good about what they do! Moreover, 52% of CNAs report that nursing assistant jobs offer them opportunities for career development.
So, how can you start and take this rewarding job opportunity? Get to know below.
1# Get Your High School Diploma Or GED
You need to get your high school diploma to become a certified nursing assistant. However, you can also get a GED in case you don’t have a diploma. This GED will serve as an alternative to it.
Moreover, you will not require any college degree to become a certified nursing assistant. You just need to follow the training steps instead of getting an undergraduate education.
2# Apply to a State-approved CNA Training Program
You have to now apply for a CNA training program that is approved by your state. The format and length of these programs may vary from state to state. However, all of them will teach the same core skills.
You can get access to the program for the facilities mentioned below.
- Community colleges
- Vocational or trade schools
- Hospital
3# Complete In-Person Training
Federal regulations require the nursing assistant training program to provide-
- 75 hours of training and
- 16 hours of supervised clinical or practical training.
It may take you 4 to 12 weeks to complete the program.
Each training program of states has its own curriculum. However, below are the CNA curriculums that most programs include.
1.Classroom education related to the patient’s care aspect
- Human physiology and anatomy
- Control and prevention of infection
- Management of oral and topical medication
- Emergency care skills
2.Training for clinical or physical tasks
- Training on body mechanics to protect the patient and yourself
- Safe and clean environmental maintenance
- Vital sign measurement and report
- Safe transfer and so on
4# Apply for CNA Certification
Next, you have to gain a CNA certification or license in your state. Only after that, you will be qualified as a certified nursing assistant. You have to pass the competency exam in this regard.
You know, every state has its own competency exams and its rules. However, 20 states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has created and approved the program.
You expect to have written, oral, and clinical sections for this competency exam. Your name will be placed in the CNA registry of your state after you pass the exam.
The certification will show how skilled and efficient you are to care for people as a nursing assistant!
5# Choose Your Workplace
You have to consider where you want to work now that you have become a certified nursing assistant!
Nursing assistants can choose to work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and anywhere where the job opportunity is available.
So, research for an open nursing assistant job in your area and prepare for application. You can also check social media advertisements, and hospital websites to find out the suitable nursing assistant job for you.
6# Apply For A Job
You have to prepare a good resume and cover letter to apply for the job. These documents will show how skilled and trained you are as a CNA.
You have to include all your necessary educational and training certifications in the resume. Now, apply for the job.
7# Advancing Your CNA Career
As you gain work experience, you can consider advancing your CNA career. In this case, you can also earn additional specialty certifications to enhance your job skills and keep yourself one step ahead of the other.
Some of the specialty certifications are mentioned below.
- CNA II
- Certified Alzheimer
- Caregiver
- Medication Aide
- Certification
- Certified Wound Care
- Associate
- Certified Hospice and
- Palliative Nursing
- Assistant
Moreover, you can also consider becoming an LPN or RN to grow your career. It may take you around one year to become an LPN. You can become an RN in two to four years.
In this case, you can also get the benefits of your CNA experience. You may get the chance to reduce the required time to become an RN or LPN due to it!
Essential Qualities for Success as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNA classes will obviously prepare you to handle all the aspects of the nursing assistant job efficiently.
However, some innate qualities can keep you ahead to succeed as a certified nursing assistant. Check it out below.
Compassion | A caring and kind nature is essential for the nursing assistant so that the patient can feel they are being supported emotionally. |
Good Listener | Understanding your patients starts with listening to them attentively when they talk about their pain, symptoms, or concerns. |
Good Communicator | You have to be able to provide clear instructions to your patients. |
Observant | Observance is an essential quality of a CNA. It ensures they can pay close attention even to the little change in their patient’s health. |
Fast Thinker | You must be able to think fast and take action quickly when your patients need you. |
Team Player | You may also have to work with others as you’ll be a part of the larger healthcare group which includes nurses or other CNAs. |
Flexible | Of course, things will not always go the same. You have to be flexible enough to adjust and handle different changes and situations efficiently. |
Positive Attitude | Your positive attitude will help you out when your patients are feeling low or you are having a busy time. |
Dependable | Patients should be able to rely on you for their daily tasks such as eating or bathing. |
Physically Healthy | You have to be healthy and fit so that you can handle the tasks of the patients like walking or dressing easily. |
Where Do Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) Typically Work?
Nursing care facilities are the biggest employers of certified nursing assistants. However, there are also many other options where you can find yourself working as a CNA. Such as
- Hospitals
- Private duty home care
- Long-term care facilities, or
- Home healthcare
The data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that in 2023, nursing assistants held 1.4 million jobs. And here, the largest employers were nursing care facilities and hospitals.
Here is the breakdown of the nursing assistant work environment according to BLS data.
Hospitals | 33% |
Nursing care facilities | 33% |
Senior living communities and assisted living options | 11% |
Home healthcare service | 6% |
Government | 3% |
What Is the Average Salary for Nursing Assistants and Orderlies?
You can expect to earn $18.33 per hour or $38,130 per year as a nursing assistant in the United States. However, the salary can vary depending on the facilities you will work in.
Research shows that nursing assistants earned a median annual salary of $38,200 as of May 2023. BLS statistics also show that the median annual salary for orderlies was $36,830 in that year.
Here is how much the nursing assistants have earned in the major industries in which they worked.
Government | $43,410 |
Hospital, local, state, and private | $38,920 |
Home healthcare facilities | 35,350 |
Nursing care facilities | $37,780 |
Senior living communities and assisted living options | $37,230 |
The below table shows the median annual salary of the nursing assistants for orderlies in the top industries.
Government | $39,090 |
Hospitals, local, private, and state | $37,020 |
Ambulatory healthcare services | $35,820 |
Considering the Job Prospect: Should You Become a Nursing Assistant?
Nursing assistant is a positive and demanding job in the healthcare sector. The BLS report shows that the employment of nursing assistants is expected to grow by about 4% from 2023 to 2033. This rate is almost similar to the growth rate for all other occupations!
Moreover, statistics say there will be on average 216,200 job openings each year over the decade.
This many job openings as a nursing assistant are expected from two results.
- Workers are transferring to other jobs or
- Workers are retiring.
Furthermore, when seniors get older and suffer from long-term illness, they need support to live on. It also increases the demand for nursing assistants.
However, financial problems in nursing homes can limit job growth. But at the same time, more opportunities may arise in home care and community settings.
So, all in all, for individuals who sincerely plan to build their career as nursing assistants, the CNA job can offer a satisfying and steady job!
Moreover, check out the higher and lowest demand states for nursing assistants in the below-highlighted chart.
Highest Demand States | Lowest Demand States |
California | Alaska |
New York | Hawaii |
Florida | Vermont |
Texas | District of Columbia |
Pennsylvania | Wyoming |
Career Tips To Become a Successful Nursing Assistant
Here are some essential tips to help you complete your CNA tasks successfully. Check them out below to increase your efficiency in your nursing assistant career.
- Develop time management skills. For instance, schedule your day in advance and note how long you will take to complete each task.
- You should study medical terminology to understand and follow the directions of your supervisors.
- Always try to use a report template, especially in your early career days to complete your patient’s reports.
- You should document the information of your patient immediately after you get it. It’ll ensure your patient data is correct and on time.
- Ensure the patient room or the storeroom is always stocked with necessary clinical supplies.
- In case of busy shifts, you can consider working in pairs with other CNAs to complete the tasks efficiently.
- You should always try to build positive relationships with your patients. It’ll help them to feel comfortable throughout their treatment.
FAQs
Now, let’s check out the answers to some queries about nursing assistant education and jobs that people mostly ask for.
Can I become a nursing assistant with an online degree?
Some states offer online CNA programs. So, you can become a nursing assistant with an online degree. However, you may have to look into the nursing assistant training programs available in your state.
Is becoming a CNA hard?
To be frank, the certified nursing assistant training can be challenging. However, it takes less preparation than any healthcare professional. You can become a certified nursing assistant with 75 hours of training.
Is being a CNA worth it?
It takes long hours and physical work to become a certified nursing assistant. Still, becoming a CNA can be worth it. That’s because it offers you an opportunity to improve the lives of the patients. Moreover, the role can also help you to prepare to become a registered nurse.
Final Words
A certified nursing assistant career is a great opportunity to make a change in people’s lives and also to build your career. You can become a successful CNA with your dedication and a few months of practical training.
So, get your necessary degree, complete your training program, and start a fulfilling career as a certified nursing assistant!