Key Points

• A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides essential patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses in settings like hospitals and nursing homes.
• The median annual salary for CNAs is $39,530 as of May 2024.
• CNA training programs typically take 4 to 12 weeks to complete, with requirements varying by state.
• To become certified, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass a competency exam, and meet all state-specific requirements, including a background check.

Learn more about the CNA certification

What is a CNA and What Do They Do?

CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. A CNA is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). They play a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort and safety.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Taking and recording vital signs like blood pressure and temperature.
• Helping patients move, turn, and walk.
• Observing patients and reporting any changes in their condition to the nursing staff.

CNAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, home healthcare agencies, and assisted living communities.

CNA Salary and Job Outlook

Working as a CNA offers a stable career with competitive pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $39,530 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned around $31,390, while the highest 10% earned over $50,140.

Salaries can vary significantly based on location. For example, the District of Columbia offers an average annual salary of $47,480. The employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.

How to Become a CNA?

The path to becoming a CNA involves a few key steps. While specific requirements vary by state, the general process is as follows:

1. Meet Prerequisites: Most states require candidates to be at least 16 years old, though many employers prefer applicants who are 18 or older. A high school diploma or GED is often required, but some programs may accept an 8th-grade education.
2. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must enroll in and successfully complete a CNA training program that is approved by your state's board of nursing. These programs include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice.
3. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass a state certification exam. This exam typically has two parts: a written or oral test to assess your knowledge and a clinical skills test to evaluate your practical abilities.
4. Apply for Certification and Undergo a Background Check: Once you pass the exam, you will need to apply for certification with your state's nursing board or registry. This process usually includes a criminal background check.
5. Receive Your CNA Certification: Upon approval, you will be listed on your state's CNA registry and can officially begin working as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

CNA Training Requirements and Duration

The time it takes to become a CNA depends on your state's training requirements. While accelerated programs can be completed in as little as four weeks, most programs last between 4 and 12 weeks.

Federal law requires CNA programs to include at least 75 hours of training, with a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical practice.However, many states set higher standards.

• California requires 160 total hours (60 classroom, 100 clinical).
• Texas requires 100 total hours (60 classroom, 40 clinical).
• Washington requires 108 total hours (35 classroom, 33 lab, 40 clinical).

Tuition costs also vary by program and location. For example, CNA programs in California listed on Dreambound typically range from $920 to $1,450.

The duration of CNA programs differs by state but typically lasts from 4 to 12 weeks. Training hours may vary from 75 to 180 hours. In many cases, a standard 120-hour CNA course might comprise four weeks of classroom instruction and two weeks of hands-on clinical training in accordance with state guidelines.