How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Updated October 27, 2025 Table of Contents

Picture yourself helping patients with daily care, offering comfort, and working alongside nurses in hospitals and care facilities. That’s the role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) — one of the most trusted and in-demand professions in healthcare.

If you’re compassionate and want to make an immediate difference in people’s lives, becoming a CNA is one of the fastest ways to enter the medical field.

Why Certified Nursing Assistants Matter

CNAs are the foundation of patient care. They provide essential assistance with daily living, monitor patient health, and support nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.

What You Might Do Daily

Help patients bathe, dress, and eat
Take vital signs and record health information
Assist nurses during procedures or emergencies
Move and transport patients safely
Provide emotional support and companionship

CNAs are often the closest link between patients and the rest of the healthcare team.

Your Career Roadmap: 5 Practical Steps

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

A basic education prepares you for anatomy, communication, and safety topics covered in CNA training.

2. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

CNA programs typically last 4–12 weeks and are available through community colleges, trade schools, or healthcare facilities.

You’ll study:

Basic nursing skills
Anatomy and physiology
Infection control and patient safety
Nutrition and personal care
Communication and recordkeeping

3. Complete Clinical Experience

Programs include hands-on training in hospitals or long-term care facilities, giving you real patient-care experience under supervision.

4. Pass the State Certification Exam

After training, you’ll take a state CNA exam that includes a written test and skills assessment. Passing earns you placement on your state’s nursing aide registry — allowing you to work legally as a CNA.

5. Start Your Career

You can work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, or private homes. Many CNAs go on to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) through additional education.

Where CNAs Work

Hospitals: Supporting nurses and assisting with patient care
Nursing Homes: Helping elderly residents with daily living activities
Home Health Agencies: Providing care for patients at home
Rehabilitation Centers: Assisting recovering patients with therapy routines
Hospice Care: Offering comfort and support for end-of-life care

What It Costs to Train as a CNA

Program Type	Average Cost	Typical Duration
Certificate	$800 – $2,500	4 – 12 weeks
Employer-Sponsored Training	Free	With employment commitment

Many healthcare employers offer paid CNA training or tuition reimbursement to new hires.

Skills for Success

Compassion and patience
Physical stamina and reliability
Strong communication skills
Attention to safety and hygiene
Teamwork and professionalism

Tip: The most successful CNAs combine empathy with efficiency, helping patients feel valued and cared for.

Future Job Outlook and Salary Range

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
🌎Highest Paying States: Oregon Washington New York
🏢Top Industries: Cross-industry

As the population ages and healthcare expands, CNAs remain one of the most in-demand positions in the medical field.

Is a CNA Career Right for You?

Great Fit If You…	Maybe Not Ideal If…
Enjoy helping others daily	Dislike physical or emotional demands
Want to start a healthcare career quickly	Prefer desk or computer-based work
Value teamwork and compassion	Struggle with fast-paced environments

Pros & Challenges

✅ Benefits

Quick, affordable training
Strong job hiring needs across regions (varies)
Direct patient interaction and fulfillment
Career advancement into nursing or allied health

⚠️ Challenges

Physically demanding work
Emotional attachment to patients
Shift work and long hours

Certified Nursing Assistant Salary by State

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.

💡 Top earners work in government facilities, specialty hospitals, and private home healthcare.

Start Your Training Today

Some CNA programs take a few weeks to a few months; timelines vary by program and state. Certification and employment are not guaranteed. Find accredited CNA programs near you:

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