How to Become a CNA in 3 Steps

Nurse Types / CNA

Every professional career has an entry-level position. Nursing is no exception. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are the equivalent of a starting role within the nursing field.

While not technically nurses, CNAs provide a vital service to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs). They help patients with daily living tasks, freeing up LPNs and RNs to complete more specialized nursing duties.

Some states may allow CNAs to administer medications to patients with the right certification and training. You can check with your state board of licensing to determine if your state of practice is one of them.

If you’re considering a career in nursing but aren’t sure of which path to pursue, becoming a CNA can be a good way to get your feet wet. In this article, we’ll explore:

• What is a CNA?
• What do CNAs do?
• Where do CNAs work?
• What are closely related fields?
• How do you become a CNA in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of CNAs?
• What are the salary and career outlooks for CNAs?

What is a CNA?

Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, are entry-level healthcare professionals who assist patients with their day-to-day needs within a medical setting. Sometimes they are called nurse’s aides or patient care assistants.

CNAs are not technically nurses. Think of them as helpers who ensure patients’ basic needs are met so LPNs and RNs can attend to their medical needs.

They are supervised by a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN).

Qualities of a successful CNA

Like all nursing professionals, CNAs must be compassionate and empathetic. In this role, you’ll deal with patients who may be in pain or otherwise not at their best. They could be recuperating from a surgery in a hospital or recovering from a stroke in a nursing home.

Other qualities that can help you be more successful as a CNA include:

• Emotional stability. Caring for patients can be stressful. You must remain supportive of their needs, even if they are not always on their best behavior.
• Observant. Paying attention to small details can be the difference between catching or missing a complication of an existing health condition.
• Strong communication skills. You must communicate effectively with other members of a healthcare team, plus your patients and their caregivers.

What do CNAs do?

CNAs provide daily living assistance to patients in a healthcare setting. It’s their job to help patients stay healthy and assist LPNs and RNs.

The principal duties of a CNA include:

• Answering patient calls
• Assisting patients with bathing and other personal grooming
• Helping patients with mobility, including getting in and out of bed or changing positions
• Taking vital signs and alerting LPNs or RNs of changes that signal complications

Additional duties can be assigned depending on where you work.

A day in the life of a CNA

Nursing assistants must have stamina because they spend their days cycling through a list of tasks and patient assignments. Before their shifts begin, CNAs review notes on each of their patients to ensure they’re up to date on any changes in their conditions.

CNAs spend most of their time providing a level of care that helps patients maintain their dignity. It can be difficult for some individuals to rely on another person for help using the bathroom or showering. Helping them feel comfortable with your assistance is just another part of being good at your job.

Common conditions treated by CNAs

CNAs are not nursing professionals and therefore can’t treat patients. However, they may help care for patients with many different medical conditions and healthcare needs.

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Where do CNAs work?

CNAs can work in:

• Hospitals
• Assisted living facilities
• Nursing homes
• Urgent care facilities
• Private physicians’ offices
• Community healthcare clinics

It’s also possible to work as a home health aide or at a hospice when you’re a CNA.

What are closely related fields?

CNAs are not the only option if you want an entry-level position in healthcare. Some other closely related fields include:

• Home health aides that monitor the condition of people with chronic illnesses or disabilities and help them with daily living activities.
• Physical therapist assistants and aides that work under the direction of physical therapists to help patients recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain mobility and manage pain.  
• Veterinary assistants that handle routine animal care and help vets with daily tasks. If you prefer caring for animals over people, this might be a good career alternative to a traditional CNA.

How do you become a CNA in 3 steps?

Becoming a CNA is quick and simple. You don’t need a nursing degree to work as a certified nursing assistant, which is why it’s a popular entry-level career choice in healthcare. Follow the three steps outlined below and you can have your certificate and working as a CNA in no time.

Step 1 – Earn a nursing certificate

The first step in becoming a certified nursing assistant is to earn a CNA certificate. You can do so by enrolling in a CNA certificate program accredited by the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.

Many community colleges, hospitals, and vocational schools offer these accredited CNA certificate programs.

It can take as little as 3 weeks to earn your nursing certificate. You must complete 120 hours of training before you qualify to take your CNA certification exam.

Step 2 – Become certified

After you earn your nursing certificate, you must pass the CNA certification exam. The exam consists of written and practical components. You have 90 minutes to complete the multiple-choice questions on the written portion of the test.

For the second part of the exam, your clinical skills are tested. You have 30 minutes to finish this part of the test.

If you want to earn your certificate and take your certification test in the same place, you can consider enrolling in the American Red Cross CNA training and certification course.

Step 3 – Obtain helpful certifications

Once you pass your CNA certification exam, you should seek out helpful certifications that make you a more desirable candidate for job openings.

Basic life support (BLS) certification is popular among healthcare workers at all levels. Both the American Heart Association and the Red Cross have convenient BLS certification classes.

What are additional requirements of CNAs?

CNAs, like other nursing professionals, must renew their certification every two years. Part of the renewal process involves completing continuing education units (CEUs) through an accredited program. If you hold any special certifications like BLS, you must renew those credentials periodically as well.

What are the salary and career outlooks for CNAs?

The average hourly wage for certified nurse assistants in the U.S. is $14.56 per hour. Some locations and facilities pay higher wages for CNAs, so you might want to explore your options before applying for open positions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for CNAs is expected to grow by 5% between now and 2031.

Once you’re ready to apply for open CNA positions, make sure you’re ready to ace the interview using these CNA Interview Prep tips.

Job satisfaction

CNAs provide up to 90% of the care that patients require in a medical setting. While the job can be stressful, most CNAs surveyed rated their job satisfaction level an 8 out of 10. However, some CNAs gave lower scores (7 out of 10) to categories describing their satisfaction with the training, education, and relationship with their nursing colleagues.

Next steps

As an entry-level position in healthcare, CNAs have many opportunities for advancing their careers. Should they choose to pursue nursing, one of the most popular options includes becoming an RN. CNAs can continue to work while earning an advanced degree of their choice. Not sure the best path forward in your career? You can seek advice from other professionals in the Incredible Health nursing community.

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