Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Programs

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a rewarding journey that allows individuals to make a significant impact on the lives of others by providing essential healthcare services. CNAs play a crucial role in the healthcare system, assisting nurses and other medical professionals in caring for patients.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.

Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.

The CNA Role: A Day in the Life

CNAs work under the supervision of LPNs and RNs to deliver fundamental care that ensures patient comfort, safety, and dignity. Their daily responsibilities are hands-on and patient-focused.

Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): This is the core of the CNA role and includes helping patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.
Monitoring Health and Vital Signs: CNAs are trained to accurately measure, record, and report vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation.
Providing Mobility and Safety Support: This involves turning and repositioning patients to prevent pressure injuries (bedsores), safely transferring them from a bed to a wheelchair, and assisting them with walking (ambulation).
Offering Emotional Support and Companionship: CNAs often spend the most time with patients, providing a listening ear, encouragement, and companionship that is crucial for a patient’s mental and emotional well-being.
Maintaining a Clean and Safe Environment: This includes changing bed linens, keeping patient rooms tidy, and adhering to strict infection control protocols.

CNA vs LPN

While both CNAs and LPNs provide essential patient care, their roles, education, and legal responsibilities are distinct. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right career path.

Aspect	Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)	Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Education Required	4 to 12-week state-approved program	12 to 18-month diploma program
Licensure Exam	State-specific CNA Competency Exam	National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN)
Primary Duties	Basic care, ADLs, vital signs, patient transport	Medication administration, wound care, IV therapy, patient assessments
Supervision	Works under the direction of LPNs and RNs	Works under the direction of RNs and physicians
Salary (National Avg.)	~$38,200 annually (BLS, 2023)	~$59,730 annually (BLS, 2023)
Career Progression	Entry-level role; can bridge to LPN/RN programs	Can advance to RN/BSN programs or supervisory roles

For many, starting as a CNA is an excellent way to gain invaluable clinical experience and confirm a passion for nursing before committing to a longer and more intensive LPN or RN program.

CNA vs RN

While both Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, the two roles differ significantly in scope, responsibilities, education, and career paths. Understanding these differences can help prospective CNAs see where this entry-level position fits into the broader nursing profession—and how to plan for advancement.

Key differences between CNAs and RNs

Aspect	CNA	RN
Education Required	4–12 weeks of state-approved training	2–4 years (Associate Degree or Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
Licensure Exam	State CNA exam	NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for RNs)
Primary Duties	Basic daily care (bathing, feeding, transferring, vitals)	Clinical decision-making, care planning, medication and IV management
Supervision	Works under LPNs or RNs	Works independently or supervises CNAs and LPNs
Work Settings	Long-term care, hospitals, assisted living	Hospitals, clinics, critical care units, community health, schools
Career Entry	Fast, accessible, low-cost training	Requires college-level coursework and clinical rotations
Median Salary (2023)	~$38,130	~$93,600 (per BLS)
Career Advancement	Entry-level, can bridge to LPN/RN	Eligible for advanced practice roles (NP, educator, manager)

Many individuals choose to start as CNAs to gain real-world healthcare experience before pursuing an RN degree. CNAs learn valuable hands-on skills, build clinical confidence, and often work closely with RNs, which in turn makes the transition smoother if they choose to enroll in LPN or RN bridge programs later.

For those interested in a longer-term nursing career with more responsibility, leadership opportunities, and higher pay, becoming an RN is often the ultimate goal. However, starting as a CNA allows for a flexible and affordable entry point with immediate impact and job security.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a CNA

The path to becoming a CNA is straightforward and can be completed relatively quickly.

Step 1: Meet the Foundational Requirements
Before you can enroll in a training program, you must typically meet these criteria:

Be at least 18 years old (some states allow 16 or 17).
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
Provide proof of immunizations (including TB test, MMR, Hepatitis B) and a health clearance from a physician.

Pro-Tip: The background check is crucial for protecting vulnerable patient populations. If you have any concerns about your record, it’s best to address them with your prospective program’s admissions advisor early in the process.

Step 2: Choose and Enroll in a State-Approved Program
You must complete a training program that is officially approved by your state’s regulatory body (usually the Board of Nursing or Department of Health).

Where to Find Programs:

Community colleges
Vocational and technical schools
The American Red Cross
Healthcare facilities like hospitals and nursing homes, which often offer free or low-cost training.

What Programs Cover: CNA programs combine classroom theory with hands-on practice.

Classroom Instruction: Covers essential topics like patient rights, infection control, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and medical terminology.
Skills Lab: A safe, simulated environment where you practice core skills like taking vital signs, providing catheter care, and using proper body mechanics for lifting and transferring patients.
Supervised Clinical Training: The most important part of your education, where you gain real-world experience providing care to actual patients in a healthcare facility under the supervision of an instructor.

Crucial Advice: Always verify a program’s approval status by checking the official list on your state’s Board of Nursing website. Graduating from a non-approved program will disqualify you from taking the certification exam.

Step 3: Pass Your State’s CNA Competency Exam
After successfully completing your training, the final step is to pass your state’s official CNA exam. The exam consists of two parts, and you must pass both to earn your certification.

Written (or Oral) Exam: A multiple-choice test that assesses your understanding of the theoretical knowledge covered in your coursework.
Skills Exam: A practical demonstration where an evaluator will ask you to perform several randomly selected nursing skills. Common skills tested include:
- Proper handwashing technique
- Taking and recording a manual blood pressure
- Assisting a patient with ambulation
- Transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair
- Providing perineal care

Upon passing both parts, your name will be added to your state’s Nurse Aide Registry, making you officially certified and eligible for employment as a CNA.

Career Outlook: Job Demand and Salary for CNAs

The demand for CNAs is strong and expected to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for nursing assistants will grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, driven by the needs of an aging baby-boomer population.

Median Annual Salary (2023): ~$38,200
Top 10% of Earners: Over $48,000 annually
Top-Paying Workplaces: Government facilities (like VA hospitals), general medical and surgical hospitals, and research institutions.

Where CNAs Work and Opportunities for Growth
CNAs are employed across the entire spectrum of healthcare. The most common employers include:

Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes)
Hospitals
Assisted Living and Continuing Care Communities
Rehabilitation Centers
Home Health Agencies

With experience and additional training, CNAs can specialize in areas like dementia care or restorative therapy. Many use their CNA certification as a launching pad for advanced careers, including:

Medication Aide/Technician (CMA/CMT): With further certification, you can administer medications in some settings.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Many CNA-to-LPN bridge programs exist to shorten your path.
Registered Nurse (RN): The hands-on experience gained as a CNA provides a powerful advantage in nursing school.

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