How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Want to start a healthcare career quickly? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can get you working in hospitals, nursing homes, and home-care settings in just a few months. CNAs are essential to patient care—helping people stay comfortable and recover faster.

If you’re compassionate, detail-oriented, and want to make a difference every day, CNA training is one of the fastest ways to join the medical field.

What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?

CNAs provide hands-on support to patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. They help nurses and doctors by handling essential daily care duties and observing patient conditions.

Common CNA responsibilities include:

• Recording vital signs such as pulse, temperature, and blood pressure
• Assisting with meals, bathing, dressing, and movement
• Providing emotional comfort and communication
• Reporting patient changes to supervising nurses
• Supporting recovery routines and exercise plans

CNAs are the backbone of patient care, ensuring comfort and dignity for those who need it most.

Job Outlook for CNAs in 2025

The demand for Certified Nursing Assistants continues to grow thanks to the aging U.S. population and the expansion of long-term and home-based healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare support occupations are projected to add hundreds of thousands of jobs this decade.

CNAs enjoy strong job stability and are often first in line for advancement into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) roles.

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (6 Steps)

1. Earn a high school diploma or GED
   Most programs require this before enrollment.

2. Complete a state-approved CNA training program
   Courses typically last 4–12 weeks and include both classroom and supervised clinical experience.

3. Meet your state’s training-hour minimums
   Each state sets specific requirements—usually between 75 and 150 total hours.

4. Pass the CNA certification exam
   You’ll take a written test plus a hands-on skills demonstration.

5. Get listed on your state’s nurse aide registry
   Once you pass the exam, your certification becomes official and you can start working.

6. Apply for CNA positions
   CNAs are in demand across hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies.

Where CNAs Work

• Hospitals and long-term care facilities
• Assisted living and home health care agencies
• Rehabilitation centers and hospice units
• Private medical and government facilities

Many CNAs use this experience to transition into advanced nursing or healthcare management careers.

Skills That Make a Great CNA

• Empathy and compassion
• Attention to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Physical stamina for patient handling
• Dependability and teamwork

CNAs provide daily human connection in a profession built around care and trust.

Pros & Cons of Becoming a CNA

Pros:

• Short training period and quick job entry
• Nationwide demand for qualified aides
• Meaningful, people-centered work
• Opportunity to advance into higher nursing roles

Cons:

• Physically demanding duties
• May include night, weekend, or holiday shifts
• Modest entry-level pay compared to advanced nursing

Start Your CNA Career

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a direct path into the growing healthcare industry. You’ll play a vital role in patient well-being while gaining experience for future nursing opportunities.

Find an accredited CNA program near you and take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career.

Certified Nursing Assistant Salary by State