Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are invaluable in healthcare and quality care. A CNA is a great entry-level position if you’re considering a career working in the nursing field. CNAs provide basic patient care in various facilities, and the role offers helpful hands-on experience.
There is a rising demand for CNA positions, and the 2025 career outlook is promising. The overall demand for CNAs is expected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, while already a high-demand position during a national nursing shortage. Read on to learn more about how to become a CNA, what your responsibilities will look like, career benefits, top locations to consider, and more.
The Path to Becoming a CNA
Becoming a CNA involves specific education requirements, on-the-job training experience, and certifications. Some requirements will vary by state. Here are the typical skills and steps required to become a CNA.
Skills
A patient’s health and safety will be in your hands as a CNA, and specific skills are needed to ensure their well-being. You’ll be expected to have strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, clear communication skills, and the ability to think critically while noticing details.
Education and Training
After obtaining a high school diploma or GED, the next step to becoming a CNA is completing a state-approved training program. These are offered through community colleges, medical facilities, or trade schools. Most programs will range from 75 to 150 hours and involve coursework and clinical training.
Exams and Certifications
After completing an accredited CNA program, you must pass a standardized competency exam to be officially added to your state’s CNA registry. These exams and requirements will vary by state; some require extra educational criteria. Check out your state’s specific requirements to become officially certified.
Understanding the Role of a CNA
CNAs balance a wide variety of responsibilities and skills, and they work with many different patient populations.
Job Responsibilities of a CNA
The life of a CNA is fast-paced and varied. You’ll have several responsibilities in the day-to-day care of patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Some of the skills you’ll be expected to regularly use as a CNA include:
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): As a CNA, you will be responsible for helping patients with daily tasks and habits. These ADLs will include taking vital signs, administering medication, oral and denture care, feeding and toileting assistance, housekeeping for the patient’s well-being, basic hygiene responsibilities, medical equipment assistance, and more.
Charting and Record Keeping: Your supervising doctors and nurses will depend on your detailed, day-to-day documentation to provide the best care to patients. These records will be critical information when reviewing a patient’s treatment and making care plans.
First Aid Skills: Most CNAs will be required to have CPR training, as well as automated external defibrillator (AED) and basic life support (BLS) training, which will allow you to properly care for patients in emergencies related to cardiac arrest, obstructed airways, or respiratory issues.
Emergency Response: As a CNA, you will likely be the first on the scene for many patient emergencies. Being trained in emergency response management and crisis intervention will help you provide proper care and be prepared.
Safety Training: There are safety protocols in place to protect CNAs from exposure to pathogens, fluids, and other potentially harmful substances. These protocols require regular training.
Administrative Duties: Some CNA responsibilities include responding to family questions, filing paperwork, charting, corresponding with other health professionals, and other administrative duties.
Work Settings for CNAs
CNAs are needed across a broad spectrum of facilities. You can expect to find CNA positions throughout these facilities and more:
- Hospitals
- Assisted living facilities
- Nursing facilities
- Private clinics
- Community clinics
- Urgent care facilities
- Home health and hospice care
Why Become a CNA?
High Demand
The demand for CNAs is steadily increasing. People are living longer, and that aging population needs caregivers. Home health services are becoming more popular, requiring more professional healthcare support. Nursing facilities are growing and requiring a more robust support staff. These factors and more will keep CNA positions in high demand nationwide.
Compensation
The annual compensation for CNAs will vary by state, but the average annual base salary is $45,819. Other benefits of CNA positions can often include:
- Health insurance
- Health savings accounts
- Retirement plans (401ks)
- Tuition assistance
- Referral bonuses
- Paid time off
Career Growth Opportunities
Becoming a CNA can be a well-rounded foundation for launching a more specialized healthcare career. Here are a few career advancements CNAs can consider:
- Registered Nurse (RN): An undergraduate degree is required to practice as an RN. These nurses coordinate care and help administer treatment plans, provide medications, and help with tests and treatments.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): This requires a postsecondary certificate beyond a CNA certification. RNs or physicians supervise these nurses. They take vital signs, provide daily patient care, manage wounds, etc.
- Patient Care Technician (PCT): This position is similar to a CNA’s, but in some states, it is an additional certification that enables providers to insert IV lines, collect ECGs, and more.
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): While some duties of a CNA and CMA will overlap, CMAs most often work in private clinics and ambulatory settings. These outpatient service positions are growing in demand more quickly than CNA positions.
- Paraprofessionals: These school support professionals are vital in successful schools. Having a background as a CNA is highly beneficial in the world of paraprofessionals.
- Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT): Sometimes called an ECG technician, this position helps perform diagnostic tests for cardiac patients.
Top Locations with CNA Jobs
CNAs are needed nationwide, but some spots offer more opportunities and higher compensation than others. Many CNAs apply for reciprocity — the ability to practice as a CNA in multiple areas. Here are a few top locations where you can secure a competitive position as a CNA.
- New Jersey: You can experience the unique offerings of the East Coast with a CNA position in New Jersey. This state is home to some of the top hospitals and healthcare facilities, offers competitive compensation, and has a reputation for focusing on the well-being of nurses and providers.
- North Carolina: If you can’t decide between the coast or the mountains, head to North Carolina! This beautiful state offers competitive compensation and a high demand for CNA positions. The lower cost of living and diverse landscape appeal to many healthcare professionals.
- Illinois: Many states are experiencing staffing shortages in care facilities, and Illinois is actively looking to fill those care gaps. Chicago’s diverse culture and appeal make the surrounding area a great spot to land a competitive CNA position.
- New York: New York is one of the states with the highest pay for CNAs. The diverse and growing population provides a high demand for CNA positions, and the location offers an appealing East Coast experience.
- Texas: Compensation for CNAs in Texas is competitive, and there are many opportunities for career advancement in the state. Many professionals like the diverse scenery and distinct culture of Texas, making it an appealing location choice for a career.
Find the Right CNA Position with SHC
Are you ready to launch your career as a CNA or upskill your certifications? Supplemental Health Care can help you find your next role. Our recruiting team is here to support you in understanding what position or location is the right fit for you!
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