What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an entry-level healthcare professional who works under the supervision of licensed nurses. CNAs provide essential hands-on care to patients, ensuring comfort, safety, and support in daily activities.

Getting your CNA certification is one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field and build a foundation for advanced roles.

History of the CNA profession

1. Volunteer Nurses Aide Service

During World War I, the American Red Cross created the Volunteer Nurses’ Aide Service to train women to assist nurses overwhelmed by the influx of wounded soldiers and civilians.

Initially, these aides were unpaid and uncertified. The program returned during World War II, producing more than 12,000 volunteers. After the war, many transitioned into paid positions as nurse aides.

2. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)

In the late 1980s, there was an increase in concern among government officials about the standard of care given to patients in nursing homes. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act to address this problem.

This law required nurse aides to:

• Complete at least 75 hours of classroom training
• Gain hands-on clinical experience
• Pass a state competency exam
• Maintain continuing education
• Follow a CNA Code of Ethics

OBRA also includes the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act. This ensures health care quality in nursing homes funded by Medicare or Medicaid. According to the Act. Skilled nursing facilities must provide quality care so that each resident can “attain and maintain her highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.”

What does a CNA do?

CNAs play a vital role in healthcare by supporting patients with daily needs and serving as a bridge between patients and medical staff. Typical CNA duties include:

• Taking vital signs
• Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Helping patients with toileting and mobility
• Feeding patients who need assistance
• Making and cleaning patient beds

CNAs often develop close relationships with patients, providing companionship as well as physical care.

Where do certified nursing assistants work?

Employers hire CNAs to support patients or clients who need help with daily living activities and personal care. CNAs have many options regarding where they can work; this includes hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and so on. They can even work in private homes or care for patients in hospice settings.

Here's a list shows the average annual wages by workplace (BLS, May 2024):

• Government: $45,760
• Hospitals; state, local, and private: $40,170
• Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities): $39,170
• Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly: $38,500
• Home healthcare services: $36,910

How do I become a CNA, and how long does it take?

To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam. CNA training requirements may differ by state but generally include a high school diploma or GED to register for the class. CNA training length varies by state and program, usually lasting 4 to 12 weeks or longer. After completing the training, you need to pass a certification exam, which includes a written test and skills assessment. ‍

How much do CNAs make?

CNA salaries can vary based on their experience, location, and employer. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for nursing assistants, including CNAs, was $39,530 as of May 2024. However, salary ranges widely, with the lowest 10% earning less than $31,390 per year and the highest 10% earning more than $50,140 per year.

CNAs with specialized training or experience in areas like hospice care or dementia care have the opportunity to earn higher salaries.

Here's a list of states that shows the top-paying work settings where CNAs work: