How to Become a Nursing Assistant

Training to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can be a great career choice for someone who is compassionate and likes working with patients. As a certified nursing assistant, you’ll work with patients to help them with daily activities under the direction of another medical professional like a registered nurse.

To become a CNA, you need a high school diploma and a certification. The salary for a CNA can vary based on a person’s location, experience level, and other factors, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in May 2021, CNAs made a mean annual wage of $33,250. Often people interested in pursuing nursing careers or other jobs in medicine can start as CNAs to learn more about the field and get experience.

Most certificate programs prepare students to become a CNA 1, which allows them to assist in healthcare facilities. Further training and work experience can advance workers to CNA 2, which allows them to work in hospitals, or CNA 3, which permits professionals to work in labs.

Becoming a CNA is a popular choice for professionals who want to change careers and pursue a nursing degree. After earning an associate or bachelor’s degree and passing a national nursing exam, they can practice as registered nurses.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

You should ensure that the program you enroll in is accredited. Most states require you to complete your training at an accredited institution when applying for certification. Information about accreditation can usually be found on an institution’s website.

Most CNA training programs are much less expensive than two-year degree programs, but this can vary depending on where you complete your training. You’ll also want to weigh the costs of online programs vs. on-campus programs. To determine the true cost of a program, make sure to account for hidden costs and the fees for exams and the certification application.

According to the BLS, the mean annual wage for nursing assistants was $33,250 in May 2021. If you choose to pursue graduate studies in nursing, you could increase your earning potential. Nurse practitioners (who must possess a master of science in nursing) earned a mean annual wage of $118,040 during the same period, according to the BLS.

A nursing assistant and a nurse have different training. Therefore, they also have different job responsibilities. Nursing assistants are limited in what they’re able to do for patients. They typically help with basic personal care activities for daily living, perform routine vital checks, and support nurses with routine tasks like changing bed linens and stocking supplies.

A nurse has completed a degree program in nursing and passed a different exam that licensed them as a registered nurse. Registered nurses are central to the patient care team, generally leading the medical support for patients, working alongside doctors to carry out treatment plans.

If you’re looking to get your certification quickly, you’ll want to select a short program. CNA programs have two components: classroom work and clinical work. Finding a program that allows you to complete classroom and clinical work simultaneously can be a good way to expedite your CNA certification.

An online program could also be a good solution. Virtual programs can allow you to complete classwork independently rather than waiting for a class. Some programs can take as little as four weeks, while others can take months, depending on the requirements of the program and your availability to complete the program.

To become a nursing assistant, you do not need an associate or bachelor’s degree. To become a nursing assistant, you must enroll in a CNA training program. These programs require you to earn a high school diploma or GED certificate. If you haven’t yet earned a GED certificate, that is the first step to becoming a CNA.

Many CNAs choose to pursue a nursing degree following CNA certification. So even if you don’t have a degree, it may be something you’ll choose to pursue down the road.

You’ll want to look into the training options in your state, but many states offer CNA training online. Although completing your classroom training online can be a great way to save time (and sometimes money), you’ll still need to complete mandatory clinical hours in person.

Online courses, however, can offer flexibility in your schedule. In many instances, online courses can also allow you to expedite your training by completing classroom work and clinical hours simultaneously.

In May 2021, the BLS reported that certified nursing assistants made a mean annual wage of $33,250. This salary can change depending on where you are employed. Nursing assistants in nursing care facilities earned an average of $32,090 per year, yet nursing assistants in general hospitals earned $35,190 annually.

Salaries can also vary depending on what state you work in. According to the BLS, nursing assistants in New York earned a mean annual wage of $40,620 in May 2021, but in South Dakota, they earned $29,660.