How To Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in 2025

<p>Working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can give you a foot in the door to many opportunities in healthcare. If you'd like to know how to become a CNA, you've come to the right place. </p> <p>Read on as we talk about how to become a CNA online and in person. We'll talk about the educational requirements and provide a list of organizations offering CNA training programs. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsACertifiedNursingAssistant">What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant?</h2> <p>CNAs are also known as nurse aids. They are entry-level healthcare professionals who typically work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). </p> <p>There are a few basic <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Certified_Nurse_Assistant_CNA_What_are_the_Educational_Requirements.html">CNA educational requirements</a> you'll need to meet if you hope to work as a CNA. We'll discuss these in greater detail a little later in the article. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesACertifiedNursingAssistantDo">What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?</h2> <p>CNAs perform various basic patient care tasks on a daily basis. Some of these basic nursing skills and job duties include: </p> <ul><li>taking vital signs </li><li>assisting patients with daily living activities (e.g., eating, bathing, and taking medications) </li><li>providing basic care (e.g., moving and repositioning patients) </li><li>listening to and documenting patient health concerns </li><li>helping patients use the restroom </li></ul><p>CNAs may also provide basic life support (BLS) interventions, such as first aid and CPR, when necessary. They must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and report concerns to other healthcare professionals. </p> <h2 id="section---WhereDoCertifiedNursingAssistantsWork">Where Do Certified Nursing Assistants Work?</h2> <p>CNAs work in numerous healthcare settings. Most often, they work in hospitals, nursing homes, and skilled nursing facilities, but they are also at other long-term care facilities. </p> <p>Many home health agencies and assisted living facilities also hire CNAs to help senior citizens with personal care and daily activities. CNAs may even work in government agencies such as public health facilities. </p> <h2 id="section---5StepsToBecomeACertifiedNursingAssistant">5 Steps To Become a Certified Nursing Assistant</h2> <p>If you're ready to pursue CNA certification, there are a few steps you can follow to get started. Keep reading for a more detailed look at each step. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnAHighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED</h3> <p>Getting your diploma or GED is an essential first step to becoming a CNA. Most state-approved CNA training programs require candidates to be high school graduates or have an equivalent level of education. </p> <p>Some programs may allow you to enroll while you are still in high school, but you will need to keep up with your education and earn your diploma concurrently. When it comes time to find a job, most employers will require you to have your diploma or GED. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2JoinAStateApprovedCNAProgram">Step 2: Join a State-Approved CNA Program</h3> <p>CNA rules and regulations are determined by each state. As such, you'll need to enroll in a training program approved by the state in which you plan to work. </p> <p>Most CNA programs take one to two semesters to complete. Some schools and organizations offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_Accelerated_CNA_Training_and_Education_Programs.html">accelerated CNA programs</a> that can be completed in as little as a few weeks, but it's important to double-check that these programs are state-approved before enrolling. </p> <p>CNA programs typically blend classroom learning and hands-on training. Students will need to practice technical skills in a lab and gain real-world experiences through clinical rotations. </p> <p>Some CNA programs offer hybrid or online coursework to provide students with a more flexible option. That said, students will still need to complete in-person components of their program on campus and at approved healthcare facilities. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3WorkClinicalHours">Step 3: Work Clinical Hours</h3> <p>Clinical training is an important aspect of any CNA training program. It provides students the opportunity to practice their skills in real-world work environments under the supervision of experienced CNAs and other healthcare professionals. </p> <p>Different states have different clinical hour requirements, so the number of hours your program requires will depend on where you live. You will most likely complete clinical rotations at hospitals and care facilities in your local community. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4GetCertified">Step 4: Get Certified</h3> <p>Once you've completed your training program, you'll need to pass your state's CNA certification exam. Depending on your state's specific regulations, you may have up to three opportunities to pass the test and get certified. </p> <p>In some states, you may need to work consistently to maintain your certification. In other states, you may only need to meet continuing education requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5CompleteContinuingEducation">Step 5: Complete Continuing Education</h3> <p>All states have requirements for CNAs to complete ongoing education to maintain their certification. Requirements may vary by state, but on average, at least 12 hours of continuing education is required each year. </p> <p>Continuing education courses may cover topics such as maintaining patient records, preventing medical mistakes, and new procedures and equipment. Taking continuing education courses ensures CNAs stay in practice and up to date on changes in the field. </p> <h2 id="section---CanYouBecomeACNAOnline">Can You Become a CNA Online?</h2> <p>Though many CNA programs offer online coursework, it is impossible to meet all requirements to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_cna_online.html">become a CNA online</a><a href="/JSPWiki/PageInfo.jsp?page=learn.org/articles/how_to_become_cna_online.html"><img src="/JSPWiki/images/attachment_small.png" border="0" alt="(info)" /></a>. Clinical rotations must be completed in person, and most programs also require hands-on skills practice that can't be done remotely. </p> <p>Programs offering online coursework can provide a flexible option by allowing students to set their study schedules and spend less time on campus. Many schools and medical centers offer these hybrid options. </p> <h2 id="section---TopCNAPrograms">Top CNA Programs</h2> <p>Now that you know how to become a CNA, it's time to enroll in a state-approved nurse assistant training program. Let's look at some top programs that are available throughout the U.S. </p> <h3 id="section---1.TheRedCross">1. The Red Cross</h3> <p>Many students complete their CNA training through The Red Cross. This organization provides many basic healthcare skills classes for healthcare professionals and individuals. </p> <p>There are Red Cross locations throughout the U.S., many of which offer CNA programs that students complete within four to eight weeks. Students benefit from small class sizes, the accelerated format, and the expertise of licensed professionals who cater to individual needs. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,000 (in-state); $1,000 (out-of-state) </p> <h3 id="section---2.JobCorps">2. Job Corps</h3> <p>If you're between 16 and 24 years old, you may be able to complete a tuition-free CNA program through Job Corps. This government organization strives to make high school education and career training accessible for those from low-income households. </p> <p>Dozens of Job Corps locations throughout the U.S. provide CNA training programs to qualifying individuals. Program durations vary by location. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> Free </p> <h3 id="section---3.PrattCommunityCollege">3. Pratt Community College</h3> <p>Pratt Community College is a school located in Pratt, KS. It provides a hybrid CNA program for students who are at least 16 years old and meet other basic entrance requirements. </p> <p>All coursework for the program is completed online; students then complete three lab days on campus and four clinical days at a healthcare facility in the Pratt area. Upon completion of the course, students are qualified to take the CNA certification exam in Kansas. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $76 per credit hour (in-state); $92 per credit hour (out-of-state) </p> <h3 id="section---4.CityCollegeOfSanFrancisco">4. City College of San Francisco</h3> <p>City College of San Francisco is a public community college in California. It offers a hybrid CNA program that students can complete in one semester of study. </p> <p>Qualified applicants are chosen through a lottery system for participation in the limited-entrance program. Students must be 18 or older to enroll in the program, and those who are residents of San Francisco may qualify for free tuition. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $0 to $46 per credit hour (in-state); $446 per credit hour (out-of-state) </p> <h3 id="section---5.MaineMedicalCenter">5. Maine Medical Center</h3> <p>Maine Medical Center in Portland, ME, provides a tuition-free CNA program that runs for seven weeks and offers six yearly start dates. </p> <p>The program works like an apprenticeship, and students are paid entry-level wages and benefits while participating in the program. Graduates of the program are expected to work for Maine Medical Center Portland, at least 20 hours per week for at least one year. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> Free </p> <h2 id="section---SkillsOfACertifiedNursingAssistant">Skills of a Certified Nursing Assistant</h2> <p>To succeed as a CNA, you'll need to master a variety of soft skills as well as basic nursing skills. They must be competent in performing CPR and first aid, as well as taking blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and other vital signs. </p> <p>Additionally, CNAs should be physically strong enough to lift and move patients with or without assistance. </p> <p>CNAs must be kind and empathetic, with a genuine desire to meet basic health needs and help patients perform daily tasks. The job often involves exercising patience and being willing to listen. </p> <h2 id="section---JobOutlookForCertifiedNursingAssistants">Job Outlook for Certified Nursing Assistants</h2> <p>According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of CNA jobs in the U.S. is expected to increase by 4% by 2033. This is considered an average job growth rate when compared with other professions. </p> <p>States with the highest numbers of CNAs include California, Florida, and Texas. That said, states with the highest concentrations of CNAs, compared to the national average, include North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Nebraska. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsTheAverageSalaryOfACertifiedNursingAssistant">What Is the Average Salary of a Certified Nursing Assistant?</h2> <p>The national average salary of a CNA is $18.96 per hour and $39,430 per year. However, these figures can vary depending on your location and experience. </p> <p>In California, for example, CNAs earn an average annual salary of $47,070. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, CNAs only earn an average of $29,660 per year. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreCNAPrograms">Explore CNA Programs</h2> <p>If you're ready to explore cheap and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/free_online_cna_classes.html">free CNA courses online</a> and in person, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools to find out more about the training programs and to choose the best one for you.</p>