How To Become A CNA: Classes And Careers

Due to the aging population, CNAs, or certified nursing assistants, are becoming more and more in demand. Those with an interest in starting out in nursing or working in healthcare might be interested in how to become a CNA. 

Here, we’ll cover what a CNA does, the salary and job outlook, and the steps you can take to become a CNA. Keep reading to learn more about this growing profession.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

What is a CNA?

As the title of this job implies, CNAs — certified nursing assistants — assist other healthcare professionals, specifically other nurses. They generally work under the supervision of registered nurses (RN) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). 

CNAs don’t only work in healthcare facilities, but also in places like long-term care facilities, rehab centers, private homes, assisted living homes, or in adult care programs. CNAs work very closely with patients, so it’s important to have good interpersonal skills.

A lot of CNAs use this job as a stepping stone before studying how to become an RN or LPN. It gives them a good introduction to the world of healthcare and patient care.

That being said, it’s important to note that CNAs are not nurses, so they can’t perform tasks such as consulting with doctors or administering medication. 

What Does a CNA Do?

In general, CNAs will help nurses with general day-to-day tasks in the care of patients, such as dressing them, changing them, and bathing them. 

Essentially, CNAs manage the daily lives of patients in care facilities. They might also be responsible for preparing and delivering meals as well as feeding patients. They can also be tasked with helping nurses move patients who are unable to move. CNAs can also perform a range of other tasks like dressing wounds, documenting information, cleaning patient’s rooms, checking vital signs, and more.

Since CNAs work so closely with patients, they are often the person patients see the most often in their daily lives. Therefore, it’s important for CNAs to be empathetic, kind, compassionate, and caring when interacting with patients. 

Even though they’re performing their duties, many patients see CNAs as a source of companionship, and it’s not uncommon for CNAs to get to know patients better than any other nurse or medical professional.

CNA Salary and Employment Outlook

Since the Baby Boomer generation is aging, the demand for CNAs will also go up in order to support the increased demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession is expected to see 8% growth until 2029, which is higher than average for most professions.

The median annual salary is $29,640 nationally. However, the range can be very diverse depending on the facility you work as well as your location. For example, if you work in patient care in industries like scientific research and development services, the average salary jumps to $42,210.

Overall, the states with the highest rate of employment for CNAs are California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania. 

Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on UnsplashHow to Become a CNA

In order to become a CNA, you need to fulfill both educational requirements and pass a certification exam. Unlike other careers in the medical field, you generally don’t need a higher education degree to complete your training.

So, how long does it take to become a CNA? Well, in some states, a CNA course can be completed in as little as four weeks, making this a very attainable profession for many people. 

However, you can expect to study for anywhere between four to sixteen weeks before you take your CNA exam.

Let’s take a closer look at the educational and certification requirements needed in order to become a CNA.

Step 1: Complete CNA Education

Most certified nursing assistants will need to complete an in-state course at institutions like vocational colleges, high schools, community colleges, or even hospitals. 

The Red Cross also offers CNA classes that can be completed in about four to eight weeks. This is a highly respected organization that will provide you with the right training to find your first CNA job.

Before starting a CNA program, there are some general requirements you’ll have to meet:

• Attend an information session and program orientation
• Provide high school diploma or GED or a math and reading assessment
• Criminal background check by the Red Cross
• Submit completed Red Cross TB test and physical examination form

Aside from in-state programs or Red Cross classes, you can also take online courses to become a CNA. Some state colleges or vocational schools may offer online classes so that you can complete your education at your own pace. 

Step 2: Pass the Certification Exam

After finishing your education requirements, you’ll need to pass the in-state exam in order to become a CNA. During your training program, you’ll likely be given practice exams so you can have a better idea of what to expect. 

It’s important to know that the exam is given in two parts. 

In the first part, you’ll need to demonstrate your abilities to a proctor. You’ll be asked to demonstrate how you would complete tasks, like bathing a patient, transferring a patient to their bed, taking vital signs, and more. 

The second portion of the exam involves multiple-choice questions meant to test your knowledge. The topics covered in the exam will generally relate to things you’ve studied throughout your training, such as the role of a CNA, how to manage a patient’s behavior, what to do in emergencies, caring for terminally ill patients, and a lot more.

Once you pass your state exam, you can begin working as a CNA straight away. If you fail, you’ll be able to take it again after a specified amount of time determined by your state.

Typical CNA Classes

Now that you have a better idea of how to become a CNA, you might be curious about the types of classes you’ll take during your training. According to the Red Cross’s CNA program course list, here are a few of the topics you can expect to cover during your training:

• CPR
• First aid
• Taking vital signs
• Infection control
• Workplace safety
• Range of motion exercises
• Communication
• Special care instructions 

Most CNA programs, including the Red Cross’s program, are divided into two parts: theory and clinical. You’ll first learn about how to become a CNA in a classroom setting, and then begin working in a clinical setting under the supervision of professionals to get some hands-on experience.

The Bottom Line

Now that you’re equipped with the information about how to become a CNA, the next step is finding a program that suits you and then starting your journey towards becoming a certified nursing assistant.

Since many CNAs use their job as a starting point for a career in healthcare, it’s not uncommon for CNAs to study while working. An online course is a good idea for someone who is already working since it gives you more flexibility with your study schedule. 

University of the People (UoPeople) has a great online Health Science degree that can be completed remotely and is completely tuition-free, so this is a great next step when you’re ready for your next challenge.