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What Is a CNA? Job Duties, Salary, and Certification Requirements

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are integral to the healthcare industry. By supporting both healthcare staff and patients, CNAs directly improve healthcare outcomes and foster efficient, compassionate care environments. Professionals in this entry-level role handle a variety of responsibilities, including monitoring patients’ vital signs and helping with daily living activities. They also provide comfort and emotional support to patients navigating health challenges.Ìý

Working as a CNA can be deeply rewarding. It can also lay the foundation for success in other healthcare professions such as nursing and healthcare management. Keep reading to learn about the CNA role and discover how you can take the next steps toward a promising healthcare career.ÌýÌýÌý

What Does a CNA Do?Ìý

Certified nursing assistants—also called nursing assistants, nurse’s aides, or patient care assistants—usually work under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. They act as liaisons between patients and the medical staff, ensuring that patients receive consistent, high-quality care. CNA duties vary, but they primarily involve helping patients with everyday needs and supporting other healthcare professionals.Ìý

Some typical daily CNA responsibilities include:Ìý

• Assisting with the patient admission process.
• Collecting patient information, including height, weight, and family medical histories.
• Taking patients’ vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate.
• Helping patients bathe, dress, and use the bathroom.
• Turning or repositioning patients who are confined to a bed.
• Assisting patients with meals and documenting their food and liquid intake.
• Answering patient phone calls.
• Updating electronic health records and charts.
• Cleaning rooms and bed linens.
• Stocking supplies.
• Performing basic medical tasks, including wound care and catheter care.
• Assisting with patient transfers and discharges.
• Transporting patients to different areas within a facility.
• Monitoring patients for signs of illness or infection.
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families.

Specific CNA responsibilities can differ based on state laws, healthcare settings, and facility policies. However, CNAs' primary focus remains the same: They ensure that patients are well cared for and safe.Ìý

Where Do Certified Nursing Assistants Work?Ìý

Because they’re qualified to carry out a diverse range of tasks, CNAs can work in many different settings, including:Ìý

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• Clinics
• Long-term residential facilitiesÌý
• Assisted living facilities
• Nursing homesÌý
• Hospices
• Private practices
• Rehabilitation facilitiesÌý
• Adult daycare centersÌý
• Home healthcareÌý
• Mental health facilities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing care facilities and hospitals are the largest employers of certified nursing assistants.Ìý

CNA Education Requirements

CNAs need at least a high school diploma or GED. They must also complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass an exam. Additionally, many employers require CNAs to pass a criminal background check and become CPR certified. While a college degree isn’t required to become a CNA, earning a ²ú²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s degree in nursing, health and human services, health science, public health, or a related field can expand potential job opportunities and set the stage for career advancement.Ìý

CNA Certification and ExamÌý

CNA training programs and certification requirements vary by state. However, most programs cover the same fundamental topics, including patient care, infection control, healthcare ethics, and medical terminology. These programs typically last four to eight weeks and are offered at high schools, community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals. In many states, the examination is required for licensure as a CNA. The CNA certification exam assesses a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This assessment contains two parts: a written or oral exam as well as a skills demonstration.Ìý

• Written or oral exam: This section contains 60 to 70 multiple-choice questions covering psychosocial care, communication skills, documentation, and legal and ethical considerations
• Demonstration exam: The demonstration component tests a candidate’s ability to perform skills related to hygiene, patient transfers, vital sign monitoring, and patient care.Ìý Ìý

Once an individual has passed the exam, their name is added to the state nurse aide registry, and they can begin working as a CNA.Ìý

CNA Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing assistants and orderlies earn an average hourly rate of $18.33, which translates to a year. Annual wages for CNAs vary depending on factors like industry, healthcare setting, and geographical location.Ìý

CNA Career OutlookÌý

As of 2023, there were approximately in the U.S. The employment of CNAs is projected to from 2023 to 2033, and there will be 216,200 openings in this field each year throughout the decade. The demand for CNAs is driven by several factors, including the increasing number of people over 65 years old. Older adults are more likely to experience chronic health conditions and often require greater assistance with daily living activities. Staffing shortages and high rates of turnover in healthcare facilities also contribute to the increased need for skilled CNAs.Ìý

Earn Your Healthcare Degree at ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ

By becoming a certified nursing assistant, you can provide essential support to other healthcare professionals and make a tangible difference in patients’ lives. A CNA role allows you to build skills in patient care and safety, medical recordkeeping, health information management, interpersonal communication, collaboration, and other essential domains. These skills translate to a wide range of careers. Whether you plan to become a registered nurse, medical records manager, patient advocate, or another type of healthcare professional, working as a CNA gives you a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical abilities.ÌýÌý

ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ offers career-aligned ²ú²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s and master’s degrees in several healthcare fields, including health science, public health, nursing, and healthcare administration. Because the course material is online and available 24/7, you can complete coursework when and where it’s convenient. This makes ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ a popular choice for working professionals who must balance school with work responsibilities. Additionally, ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ’s competency-based learning platform allows students to advance through courses as quickly as they show mastery of the material, allowing many to accelerate their programs and graduate sooner. Take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career by applying today.