How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNAs work closely with both nurses and patients. Certified nursing assistants report patient information to nurses and assist them as needed. Care given to patients by CNAs may include:

• feeding
• grooming, bathing, hygiene
• checking vital signs
• social and emotional support

Individuals wishing to become a CNA need a high school diploma or GED before they can enroll in a certification program. CNA programs are available around the country through specialized schools, colleges and universities, and some medical facilities.

Coursework typically may be completed in a matter of weeks – usually 6 to 12. This is not a course that may be completed online as students need supervised hands-on experience. Some CNA programs require proof of certain immunizations such as measles, mumps and rubella, in addition to fees and an application to the program.

In many states, a certification exam is required for CNAs.

Some financial aid is available for CNA programs from various sources. The financial aid center of each school will have all the necessary information for aid available its particular program.

No. Some places, such as hospitals, may require previous work experience as a CNA before hiring. Additionally, not every facility will utilize the services of CNAs, placing such duties in the hands of nurses.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average annual salary for a certified nursing assistant is $17,340 to $33,210.

Directory of Some CNA Programs and other relevant state-by-state information including links to free online CNA practice exams, certification status and transfer information may be found at Nursing Assistant Central. http://www.nursingassistantcentral.com/

Pay scale comparison reports customized by city, duties, education, and more may be found at PayScale.com. http://www.payscale.com/

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition. United States Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics.http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos327.htm

Become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Allied Health Schools. http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/faqs/cna

FAQs. Nursing Assistant Central. http://nursingassistantcentral.homestead.com/NursingAssistantFAQs.html

Nursing duties. Produnis. Wikimedia Commons. GNU documentation free license.