How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Updated October 25, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

Want to start a career in healthcare fast? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can get you into the medical field in just a few months. CNAs work closely with patients, providing essential care and support while gaining valuable experience for future nursing roles.

If you’re compassionate, patient, and want to make a difference, CNA training is one of the quickest ways to begin a healthcare career.

Median Pay $39,530 $19.01/hr Top 10%: $50,140
Job Outlook (2024–2034) 2.3% 204,100 openings/yr
Employment (2024) 1,388,430
🏁Wage Percentiles
25th $36,260 75th $46,070
🎓Typical Education
State‑approved CNA program
🛠️On‑the‑Job Training
Clinical training
🌎Highest Paying States
Oregon Washington New York
🏢Top Industries
Cross-industry
✅Certification
CNA certification required
Data Year: 2024 SOC: 31-1131 Source: BLS OEWS

What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?

CNAs are vital members of the healthcare team. They assist nurses and doctors by helping patients with daily living tasks and monitoring basic health needs.

Typical CNA duties include:

  • Checking vital signs like temperature and blood pressure
  • Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and eating
  • Turning or repositioning patients to prevent bedsores
  • Helping with mobility and exercise routines
  • Communicating changes in condition to nursing staff

CNAs are often the “heart” of the care team—providing comfort and connection to patients every day.

Demand for CNAs continues to grow due to an aging population and the expansion of long-term care facilities.

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (6 Steps)

  1. Earn a high school diploma or GED
    This is required before entering any CNA program.

  2. Complete an accredited CNA training program
    Training programs combine classroom instruction with clinical experience.

CNA Training Programs

  1. Meet your state’s training hour requirements
    Programs typically include 75–150 hours of classroom and clinical work.

  2. Pass the CNA certification exam
    The exam includes written and practical (skills-based) components.

  3. Get listed on your state’s nurse aide registry
    This step makes your certification official and allows you to work legally as a CNA.

  4. Find a job in a healthcare facility
    CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies.

Where CNAs Work

  • Hospitals and long-term care centers
  • Nursing homes and rehab facilities
  • Assisted living and home healthcare
  • Hospice and palliative care centers
  • State and private medical facilities

CNAs gain valuable experience that can lead to future roles as LPNs or Registered Nurses.

Skills That Make Great CNAs

  • Compassion and patience
  • Strong communication skills
  • Physical stamina
  • Attention to detail
  • Emotional resilience and empathy

CNAs work directly with patients during their most vulnerable moments—empathy and professionalism are key.

Certified Nursing Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Nursing Assistants (31-1131)
Data Year: 2024 • U.S.

Median Pay (2024) $39,530 $19.01 per hour
Job Outlook (2024–2034) 2.3% +32,500 jobs (2024–2034) • 204,100 annual openings

Mean Pay (2024)

$41,270 per year $19.84 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $31,390

$15.09 per hour

25th Percentile $36,260

$17.44 per hour

75th Percentile $46,070

$22.15 per hour

90th Percentile $50,140

$24.11 per hour

Employment Outlook

2024 1,441,500
2034 1,474,000

Employment: 1,441,500 → 1,474,000 jobs by 2034 (2.3%)

204,100 projected openings each year

Additional Details

Share of U.S. Employment
0.9%
Employment per 1,000 Jobs
9.00
Employment RSE
0.5%
Projected Annual Openings
204,100

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Pros & Cons of Becoming a CNA

Pros:

  • Fast path into healthcare (can complete training in 4–12 weeks)
  • High demand nationwide
  • Excellent experience for nursing or medical careers
  • Rewarding, people-focused work

Cons:

  • Physically and emotionally demanding
  • May involve night, weekend, or holiday shifts
  • Modest starting pay compared to other healthcare roles

Start Your CNA Career

Becoming a CNA is one of the fastest, most rewarding ways to enter the healthcare field. You’ll make a difference daily while gaining the experience to advance your career.

Find a CNA training program near you and take your first step toward a career in patient care.

Certified Nursing Assistant Salary by State

BLS OEWS, May 2024

State Median annual Top 10% annual
Oregon $48,390 $60,500
Washington $48,260 $60,220
Alaska $45,840 $59,780
California $46,420 $59,540
New York $47,390 $59,240
Nevada $45,060 $59,070
New Hampshire $46,050 $58,530
Massachusetts $45,410 $56,340
District of Columbia $46,860 $56,160
Maine $45,640 $54,580
Minnesota $45,580 $54,230
Colorado $44,950 $53,350
Montana $39,300 $53,330
Hawaii $44,830 $53,150
Connecticut $44,500 $51,790
Vermont $43,610 $51,660
Wyoming $38,360 $50,810
Illinois $44,750 $50,800
New Jersey $44,910 $50,690
Maryland $40,000 $50,030
North Dakota $44,190 $49,970
Rhode Island $44,160 $49,950
Arizona $41,980 $49,890
Virginia $38,790 $48,520
Wisconsin $43,250 $48,200
Iowa $38,630 $48,100
Pennsylvania $41,110 $48,100
Delaware $39,240 $47,990
Nebraska $38,620 $47,970
New Mexico $37,030 $46,450
Idaho $37,530 $46,340
Kentucky $37,330 $46,340
Georgia $36,570 $46,190
Florida $36,850 $46,080
Ohio $38,570 $46,060
Kansas $36,910 $45,980
Michigan $38,900 $45,980
Utah $38,500 $45,980
North Carolina $37,670 $45,960
Texas $36,390 $45,760
Indiana $37,330 $45,510
South Dakota $38,070 $45,070
Missouri $37,170 $44,960
Tennessee $36,750 $44,500
South Carolina $36,370 $42,730
West Virginia $36,340 $42,210
Oklahoma $35,040 $41,600
Arkansas $31,990 $39,430
Mississippi $30,460 $38,790
Alabama $32,470 $38,770
Louisiana $30,240 $37,720

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.

Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.