Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Guide | NursingEducation (2024)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Guide | NursingEducation (1)

Amanda Gamboa, RN, BSN

Updated

Reviewed by NursingEducation Staff

What Is a CNA?

A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, provides direct patient care in hospitals and other healthcare institutions under the direction of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN or LVN). CNAs may also be referred to as nursing aides, nursing assistants, or patient care assistants. CNAs are certified through state-specific education and licensing requirements that can generally be completed within four to 12 weeks.

CNA positions are often considered entry-level because the education requirements are less time-consuming than other nursing positions. That said, becoming a CNA can be an excellent starting point for healthcare professionals. CNAs who enjoy working closely with patients as part of a team may find working as a nursing aide to be professionally and personally rewarding.

How Long to Become?

4-8 weeks

Job Outlook

4% increase from 2022 to 2032

What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Do?

CNAs are an integral part of patient care teams and assist patients with many activities of daily living. Daily responsibilities will vary by institution and patient assignment. Certified Nursing Assistants and aides are often responsible for the following tasks:

  • Answering patient call lights
  • Bathing patients or assisting patients in bathing
  • Assisting patients using the restroom
  • Grooming patients, including dental hygiene
  • Changing patients’ linens and clothing
  • Moving or turning patients to prevent skin breakdown
  • Ambulating, or safely walking, with patients
  • Feeding or assisting patients with eating
  • Completing minor wound care
  • Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
  • Reporting changes in patients’ conditions to nursing staff
  • Documenting all interactions with patients in their medical records
  • Cleaning and restocking patient rooms and supply rooms
  • Transporting patients via stretcher or wheelchair

Successful CNAs are a source of comfort to their patients, as they provide care with respect, clear goals, and patience. Nursing assistants are able to adapt to each patient and are considerate while also being efficient. CNAs may also note changes in a patient’s well-being and are able to communicate effectively with team members to ensure an intervention takes place in a timely manner.

How Much Does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Make Per Year?

CNAs reported an average wage of $19.04 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most certified nursing assistants earn between $30,020 and $48,780 per year. Compared to other nursing careers, wages do not vary greatly by type of employer. The top-paying sector for nursing assistants is education, including colleges and professional schools. CNAs at these locations are most likely teaching students interested in becoming nursing assistants and reported an annual mean wage between $30,020 and $48,780, which is roughly $14.43–$23.45 per hour.

Nursing assistants and aides will also notice variations in pay depending on experience and location. Reported wages are considerably lower than average in some central and southern regions of the United States, as demonstrated below:

Annual Mean Wage of Nursing Assistants, by State

  • $29,660 - $35,980
  • $36,020 - $38,620
  • $38,930 - $42,960
  • $43,050 - $47,860

Blank areas indicate data not available

Source: BLS

Where and When Do Certified Nursing Assistants Work?

Nearly 35% of CNAs work in skilled nursing facilities, such as assisted living institutions and rehabilitation centers. Certified nursing assistants are also found in nearly every patient care area of hospitals. CNAs have some opportunities to work in surgery centers, acute care, and outpatient clinics, though these positions are less common.

In skilled nursing, hospitals, assisted living, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, CNAs often work 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts. If working 10-hour shifts, a CNA may work four shifts a week. Shift options are often day, evening, or night shifts. 12-hour shifts are divided into a day shift from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a night shift from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. A CNA may work three 12-hour shifts in seven days and be considered a full-time employee. Working three days or nights in a row and then being off for four is an appealing schedule to some employees. As these inpatient locations never close, CNAs will be required to work some holidays and weekends. CNAs in outpatient clinics or surgery centers will have more traditional business hours and fewer weekend and holiday requirements.

CNAs may also find employment opportunities with home health agencies or as an independent contractor. Working with patients in their homes through an agency, CNAs may have scheduled hours and on-call requirements. Other nursing assistants may choose to work with only one or two patients at a time. Patients and families paying for private care in their own homes can create contracts and hire CNAs to fulfill their specific needs and hours.

How Do I Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

Before entering a CNA program, a candidate must be a high school graduate or have their GED (previously known as a General Educational Development). Certified nursing assistant programs are available at community colleges, technical colleges, and vocational schools and sometimes are offered by healthcare institutions. Some high schools offer early enrollment opportunities for students interested in completing a CNA program.

Nursing assistant program requirements and length vary by state. Most CNA programs consist of 70 to 115 hours of education completed over four to twelve weeks. Core learning goals may include understanding and demonstrating the following:

  • Scope of practice
  • Healthcare regulations
  • Professional communication skills
  • Principles of infection control
  • Collection and recording of patient information, including vital signs
  • Personal care delivery, including moving and ambulating patients safely
  • Safety and emergency protocols, including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

Upon completion of a state-accredited CNA program, students are eligible to become certified through examination. The exam may be computerized, oral, require skill demonstration, or a combination of these testing types. Each state administers its own CNA licensing exam. A licensure application usually includes additional requirements such as a background check and a fee. Licensure is required to practice as a CNA, and annual continuing education hours are required to maintain licensure in most states.

Certified nursing assistants and aides have excellent job security, as patients will always need hands-on care. This career is a good fit for those interested in providing nursing care and who don’t want to commit to two- or four-year nursing programs. Additionally, some employers will partially cover tuition fees for CNAs wishing to pursue nursing school. Experience as a CNA also looks good on nursing school applications. Successfully working as a CNA prior to nursing school demonstrates professional skills and a commitment to the field of nursing.

Additional Patient-Centered Careers With Short Training Requirements

If you are interested in caring for patients, you may also want to explore these healthcare careers:

  • Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) provide nursing care with a more limited scope of practice than RNs and often work in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals.
  • Certified medical assistants (CMAs) support healthcare providers in clinics and other outpatient settings by completing a combination of patient care and clerical tasks.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Guide | NursingEducation (2024)

FAQs

How to answer why do you want to become a CNA? ›

Sample Answer: I'm passionate about providing compassionate care to patients. As a CNA, I'll be able to use my skills to directly help patients with their daily needs. This role aligns with my interests and values. What Relevant Skills or Experience Do You Have for This Role?

What is the hardest task as a CNA? ›

It can be hard dealing with a patient's pain and even loss of life. Physical Demands: As part of their duties, CNAs need to lift heavy objects or assist their patients in moving, which can become physically tiring and lead to exhaustion or tension over time.

What is the passing score for the CNA written exam in California? ›

This examination consists of the following components: Training and Experience Evaluation – Weighted 100% of the final score. The examination will consist solely of a Training and Experience Evaluation. To obtain a position on the eligible list, a minimum score of 70% must be received.

What is the passing score for the CNA written exam in Texas? ›

Alright, here's the rootin' tootin' truth: you gotta score higher than 80% to pass the CNA written exam in Texas. That's right, sunshine, we Texans hold our CNAs to a high standard (just like our barbecue). Think of it like this: 80% is the equivalent of dodging a rattlesnake while two-stepping in boots – impressive!

Why have you chosen to pursue nursing assistant as a career? ›

A career as a nursing assistant is a rewarding one. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of patients and make a significant impact on their lives. As a nursing assistant, you will form meaningful relationships with patients and their families, and your work will be appreciated and valued.

What is your greatest strength as a CNA? ›

7 Qualities of the Most Successful Nursing Assistants
  1. Strong Attention to Detail. Certified nursing assistants must have good attention to detail. ...
  2. Excellent Communication Skills. Clear and direct communication is key for a CNA career. ...
  3. Knowledge of Medical Terminology. ...
  4. Patience. ...
  5. Empathy and Compassion. ...
  6. Flexibility. ...
  7. Optimism.

What is a weakness as a CNA? ›

Examples of common nursing weaknesses our experts say they hear include: Paying too much attention to detail. Wanting to do everything at once. Spending too long on paperwork. Having a lack of clinical experience (for new grads)

Which CNA shift is the hardest? ›

Adapting to the night shift can be one of the biggest challenges for a CNA. Many of the duties remain the same as during the day shift, yet fatigue can make the tasks seem harder. The human brain tells us to slow down and sleep when it's dark.

Is being a CNA harder than being an RN? ›

Being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is generally considered less difficult than being a nurse. CNAs provide basic care and assistance to patients, such as bathing, feeding, and taking vital signs, under the supervision of nurses and doctors.

How many questions can you get wrong on a CNA written exam? ›

Subtract the result from the total number of questions to find the allowable missed questions: 100 – 75 = 25. In this scenario, you can miss up to 25 questions (out of 100) and still achieve a passing score. Remember, this is an example, and the actual numbers may vary based on your state's requirements.

What happens if you fail the CNA exam? ›

As stated above, you are given three attempts to do so. If, after three attempts, you are unable to pass one or both portions of the exam, you will be required to repeat your training. What this means is that you will need to re-enroll in an approved CNA program.

What is the best CNA study guide? ›

Mometrix's CNA study guide makes testing a breeze by streamlining the examination process. You'll receive all the essential resources, knowledge, and targeted practice you need to help you pass the CNA exam.

How to pass the CNA skills exam? ›

10 Tips Passing CNA Skills Test
  1. Practice all Your Performance Skills Daily. ...
  2. Dress for Success. ...
  3. Are You Safe with Patient Care? ...
  4. Listen Carefully to Each Scenario. ...
  5. Repeat Tested Skills if Necessary. ...
  6. Apply Safe Body Mechanics. ...
  7. Wash and Return all the Equipment Used. ...
  8. Approach Your Patient with Respect.

How many skills are there in CNA? ›

There are 22 skills that are part of the Clinical Skills Test. When you are registered to test, a computer will decide which skills will be on your test. A Clinical Skills Test consists of five scored skills. All candidates taking this test are scored on the Handwashing and Indirect Care skills.

What motivates me to be a CNA? ›

One of the main reasons a person chooses to become a CNA stems from the emotionally rewarding aspects of the work they do for their patients. You have the chance to impact the lives of people based on the care you provide.

Why do I want to become a CNA essay? ›

My desire to work in healthcare stems from a deep-rooted desire to help others. I believe that everyone deserves compassionate and quality care, regardless of their background or circumstances. As a CNA, I will have the opportunity to directly impact patients' lives by providing hands-on care and emotional support.

How do I answer why do you want to be a nurse? ›

Here are ten of the most persuasive answers to the question that is guaranteed to come up at your interview.
  1. It is both practical and academic.
  2. Helping Others.
  3. ​Range of career choices.
  4. Work with people.
  5. Interest in a certain specialty.
  6. A personal experience.
  7. It fits your personality.

Why do you want to work for us as a care assistant? ›

Mention your values and what you hope to achieve by becoming a Care Assistant. For example, you may say you enjoy helping others and making a positive difference in their lives. Sample answer: “I've always been interested in work that involves helping others and making a positive impact.

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