Advanced Practice Nursing

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Guide

Median Salary:

$35,760/year

$17.19/hour

Education

Certificate

4-12 weeks

Job Growth:

4%

2022-2032

Entry Level:

Yes

quickest healthcare career entry

Work Setting:

Nursing homes

hospitals, assisted living, home health

Last Updated:

January 2025

Patricia Williams, RN, BSN – Long-Term Care Educator

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also called nursing aides or nurse assistants, provide basic care for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. CNAs help patients with activities of daily living (ADLs)—bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility. They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), serving as the eyes and ears of the nursing team by observing patient conditions and reporting changes.

CNAs represent the most accessible entry point into healthcare careers. Training takes just 4-12 weeks with no prerequisite education beyond high school or GED. Despite modest wages, CNA positions offer immediate employment, valuable patient care experience, and serve as stepping stones to nursing and other healthcare careers.

Why Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Fastest Healthcare Career Entry:

CNA certification requires only 4-12 weeks of training, allowing rapid career start. Some programs operate evenings or weekends for working students. You can be employed in healthcare within 2-3 months of starting training.

Strong Job Availability:

With 1.37 million CNAs employed nationwide and 58,800 annual job openings, finding employment is generally straightforward. The aging population drives steady demand, particularly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Bridge to Nursing:

Many nurses begin as CNAs. The hands-on experience provides invaluable knowledge about patient care, medical terminology, and healthcare environments before pursuing LPN or RN education. Working as a CNA while attending nursing school is extremely common.

No College Degree Required:

Unlike most healthcare careers requiring associate or bachelor's degrees, CNAs need only high school diplomas or GEDs plus state-approved training programs. This accessibility makes CNA ideal for career changers, young adults, and those unable to pursue multi-year degrees.

Meaningful Patient Care:

CNAs spend more time directly caring for patients than any other healthcare role. Building relationships with residents/patients, helping them maintain dignity, and witnessing their gratitude provides profound purpose despite challenging work conditions.

Flexible Scheduling:

Full-time, part-time, and PRN (as-needed) positions abound. Students, parents, and those needing scheduling flexibility find CNA work accommodating.

Low Educational Cost:

Training costs $500-$2,000 typically. Many employers reimburse tuition if you commit to working for them post-certification. Some healthcare facilities offer free training to prospective employees.

CNAs perform essential work forming the foundation of patient care delivery in long-term care and hospital settings.

Three Spheres of CNS Influence

What Certified Nursing Assistants Do?

In the next section, you’ll learn about the core responsibilities, daily activities, and areas of impact that define a NE—across patient care, nursing practice, and healthcare systems.

Daily Responsibilities and Tasks

Certified Nursing Assistants provide hands-on basic care to patients and residents. Specific duties vary by work setting, but core responsibilities include:

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Assistance

CNAs help patients who cannot perform self-care independently:

Bathing and Hygiene:

Assist with showers, bed baths, oral care, hair washing, and grooming. Maintain patient dignity and privacy during intimate care.

Dressing:

Help patients select appropriate clothing and assist with dressing, considering physical limitations, weather, and scheduled activities.

Toileting:

Assist patients to/from bathroom, provide bedpans/urinals, and manage incontinence including changing briefs and providing perineal care. Document bowel and bladder patterns.

Feeding:

Assist patients with eating and drinking, feed those unable to self-feed, monitor intake, and encourage adequate nutrition and hydration.

Mobility and Positioning

CNAs help patients move safely preventing falls and pressure injuries:

Transfer patients between bed and wheelchair using proper body mechanics and mechanical lifts
Ambulate (walk) patients using gait belts and assistive devices
Reposition bedridden patients every 2 hours preventing pressure ulcers
Transport patients to appointments, therapy, or activities

Vital Signs Monitoring

CNAs measure and document:

Blood pressure
Temperature
Pulse/heart rate
Respiratory rate
Oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry)
Weight

Report abnormal vital signs to nurses immediately.

Observation and Reporting

CNAs spend the most time with patients, making them critical in identifying changes:

Observe skin condition (redness, bruises, wounds)
Monitor mental status changes (confusion, agitation, lethargy)
Note appetite changes and fluid intake
Report pain or discomfort
Document behavior changes

Prompt, accurate reporting to nurses prevents complications and ensures appropriate intervention.

Documentation

CNAs document care provided, vital signs, intake/output, and observations in paper charts or electronic medical records. Thorough documentation ensures continuity of care across shifts.

Environmental Care

Maintaining clean, safe patient environments:

Change bed linens (occupied and unoccupied beds)
Tidy patient rooms
Restock supplies
Remove clutter and fall hazards
Ensure call lights are accessible

Emotional Support and Companionship

CNAs provide social interaction reducing isolation:

Engage patients in conversation
Accompany to activities
Provide emotional support during difficult times
Treat patients with dignity and respect

Specializations by Work Setting

Nursing Homes/Skilled Nursing Facilities (39% of CNAs)

Long-term care CNAs provide ongoing care for elderly residents with chronic conditions, dementia, or disabilities. Assignments typically include 8-15 residents per shift. Develop long-term relationships with residents and families. Work involves heavy lifting, toileting, and managing challenging behaviors.

Hospitals (27% of CNAs)

Hospital nursing assistants (also called patient care technicians or nurse techs) work on medical-surgical floors, telemetry units, and emergency departments. Care for acutely ill patients with shorter lengths of stay. Faster-paced than nursing homes. Tasks include vital signs, specimen collection, EKGs, blood glucose monitoring, and post-operative care assistance.

Home Health Services (9% of CNAs)

Home health aides visit clients’ homes providing personal care. More independence and variety traveling to multiple homes daily. Build one-on-one relationships. Require reliable transportation.

Assisted Living Facilities (8% of CNAs)

Residents have higher functional independence than nursing homes. Focus on medication reminders (where permitted), meal preparation assistance, housekeeping, and social activities. Generally less physically demanding than nursing homes.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Work across independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing within one facility as residents’ needs change.

Residential Care Facilities

Smaller group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or traumatic brain injuries. More behavioral management and activity assistance.

Hospice Care

Provide comfort care for terminally ill patients and support for families. Emotionally demanding but deeply meaningful. Often in home settings or hospice facilities.

Rehabilitation Centers

Assist patients recovering from surgeries, strokes, or injuries. Help with therapy exercises and ADL retraining. Generally more hopeful atmosphere with patients improving.

What’s Next?

Work Environment

This section covers hospitals, specialty clinics, academic environments, and leadership roles—helping you visualize your future workplace.

Work Environment

Where CNAs Work and Daily Conditions

Certified Nursing Assistants work across diverse healthcare settings, most commonly in facilities providing long-term or acute care to dependent patients.

Primary Work Settings:

Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities (39%): The largest employer. CNAs provide round-the-clock care for elderly residents. Work involves all shifts (days, evenings, nights) with weekend and holiday rotation required in 24/7 facilities.
Hospitals (27%): CNAs work on medical-surgical floors, telemetry, orthopedics, and some emergency departments. Shift work including 12-hour shifts (7am-7pm or 7pm-7am). Faster-paced than nursing homes with higher patient turnover.
Home Health (9%): Travel to clients' homes providing personal care. Flexible scheduling but requires reliable vehicle. More autonomy and variety but isolated from coworkers.
Assisted Living (8%): Generally easier work than skilled nursing with residents having higher independence. More socialization and activity facilitation. Often better staffing ratios.
Other Settings (17%): Rehabilitation centers, residential care facilities, continuing care communities, adult day care, hospice, and psychiatric facilities.

Physical Demands

CNA work is among the most physically demanding healthcare careers:

Heavy lifting: Transferring and repositioning patients (despite mechanical lift availability)
Prolonged standing/walking: 6-12 hours per shift
Frequent bending and reaching: Providing care, making beds
Exposure risks: Infectious diseases, bodily fluids, violent/aggressive patients
Repetitive motions: Risk of back, shoulder, and knee injuries

Back injuries are common. Many CNAs cannot sustain the physical demands past age 50-55.

Emotional Demands

CNAs care for incontinent, confused, or dying patients. Verbal and physical abuse from dementia patients occurs. Understaffing creates stress and guilt when unable to provide adequate attention to all patients. Burnout rates are high.

Typical Work Schedule

Most CNAs work full-time (40 hours weekly). In 24-hour facilities, shifts include:

Every-other-weekend rotation standard. Night and weekend shifts often receive differential pay ($1-3/hour extra).

Pros

Quick training: Enter workforce in weeks, not years
No degree required: High school diploma sufficient
Job availability: Positions abundant nationwide
Meaningful work: Direct patient impact, build relationships
Healthcare foundation: Experience for nursing advancement

Cons

Low pay: $35,760 median, difficult to support family
Physically demanding: Heavy lifting, standing, injuries common
Emotionally draining: Suffering, death, difficult behaviors
Understaffing: Heavy patient loads (10-15+ patients)
Limited advancement: Wage growth minimal without further education

What’s Next?

Salary & Job Outlook

Learn about average salaries, factors that influence compensation, and projected demand for CNA.

Salary & Job Outlook

CNA Salary Overview

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), Certified Nursing Assistants earn a median annual salary of $35,760, equivalent to $17.19 per hour. This places CNAs among lower-paid healthcare positions, reflecting the minimal education requirements and large workforce supply.

Salary Distribution:

Lowest 10%:

$26,590 or less

25th Percentile:

$31,200

Median (50th):

$35,760

75th Percentile:

$41,710

Highest 10%:

$48,960 or more

Experience provides modest wage increases. Entry-level CNAs typically earn $28,000-$32,000 while experienced CNAs with specialized skills reach $40,000-$49,000 in higher-paying settings and states.

Salary by Work Setting

Work environment significantly affects CNA compensation:

Position

Average Annual Salary

Notes

Federal Government

$48,450

VA hospitals, military facilities, best pay

State Government

$44,680

State hospitals, prisons, stable employment

Hospitals

$38,470

Acute care, higher acuity patients

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

$36,640

CCRCs, mixed care levels

Nursing Care Facilities

$34,850

Largest CNA employer, 24/7 shifts

Home Health Services

$33,110

Travel to patient homes, flexible schedules

Assisted Living

$32,440

Lower acuity, more independent residents

Government positions (especially VA hospitals and correctional facilities) and hospitals pay significantly more than nursing homes and assisted living—the largest CNA employers.

CNA Salary by State

Geographic location creates substantial salary variations:

State

Annual Salary

Hourly Wage

Cost of Living Notes

Alaska

$47,360

$22.77

High cost of living, remote locations

New York

$45,300

$21.78

Very high cost of living (NYC area)

California

$43,640

$20.98

Very high cost of living

District of Columbia

$43,620

$20.97

Very high cost of living

Hawaii

$42,960

$20.65

Very high cost of living

Washington

$42,940

$20.64

Moderate-high cost of living

Massachusetts

$42,380

$20.38

Moderate-high cost of living

Nevada

$40,720

$19.58

Moderate cost of living

Connecticut

$40,470

$19.46

High cost of living

Oregon

$39,850

$19.16

Moderate-high cost of living

Lowest-Paying States:

Alaska CNAs earn 81% more than Louisiana CNAs, though cost-of-living differences partially offset advantages.

Additional Income Opportunities

Shift Differentials:

Evening shifts typically add $1-2/hour; night shifts add $2-3/hour. Weekend differentials add $1-2/hour.

Overtime:

Many facilities offer overtime (time-and-a-half) due to chronic understaffing. CNAs willing to work extra shifts can significantly boost income.

Certifications:

Additional certifications (IV therapy in some states, medication aide, restorative nursing aide) may increase hourly rate $1-2/hour.

Agency/Travel CNA:

Working for staffing agencies provides higher hourly rates ($22-30/hour) but no benefits and inconsistent scheduling.

Job Growth and Outlook

The BLS projects 4% job growth for nursing assistants from 2022-2032, roughly average compared to all occupations. This translates to approximately 58,800 job openings annually, mostly from workforce turnover rather than net growth.

Employment Factors:

Demand Drivers:

Aging population:

Growing elderly population requires long-term care services

Chronic conditions:

Diabetes, dementia, and mobility limitations increase CNA need

Hospital discharge trends:

Patients discharged to nursing homes for recovery require CNA care

Growth Limitations:

Budget constraints:

Healthcare facilities minimize staffing costs; CNAs among lowest-paid workers

Technology:

Diabetes, dementia, and mobility limitations increase CNA need

Substitution:

Facilities use fewer CNAs with higher nurse-to-patient ratios where possible

High Turnover Reality:

Most job openings result from CNAs leaving the profession due to:

Employment Reality:

Finding CNA employment is generally easy. Nursing homes perpetually hire due to chronic turnover. New CNAs often receive sign-on bonuses ($500-$2,000) and hiring incentives. However, retaining CNAs long-term is challenging given wages and working conditions.

The profession offers job security and easy entry but is generally viewed as transitional—a stepping stone to nursing or other careers rather than long-term sustainable work.

What’s Next?

How to Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist

This section outlines education requirements, licensure, certification, and experience needed to become a CNS.

Step-by-Step Path to CNA Certification

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is one of the quickest healthcare career pathways, requiring just 4-12 weeks of training plus state certification testing.

Step 1

Minimum Requirements (vary slightly by state):

Age: 18 years old (some states allow 16-17 with parental consent)
Education: High school diploma or GED
Background check: Pass criminal background screening (felonies may disqualify)
Drug screening: Pass pre-enrollment drug test
Physical exam: Demonstrate physical ability to perform job duties
Immunizations: Current vaccinations (Hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, Tdap, flu, COVID-19)
TB test: Negative tuberculosis screening

Some programs require minimum GPA (2.0-2.5) or basic reading/math competency testing.

Step 2

Complete State-Approved CNA Training Program

Program Types:

Community College Programs (most common)

Vocational/Technical School Programs

Healthcare Facility Programs (Best Value)

Red Cross Programs

Online Hybrid Programs

Federal Requirements:

All state-approved programs must meet minimum federal standards:

Curriculum Topics:

Role and responsibilities of CNA
Communication and interpersonal skills
Infection control and safety
Emergency procedures and basic first aid
Patient rights and ethics
Basic anatomy and physiology
Activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding)
Vital signs measurement
Medical terminology
Observation and reporting
Death and dying

Clinical Experience:

Students practice skills with real patients in nursing homes under instructor supervision. Build confidence in patient interaction, use equipment, and apply classroom knowledge.

Step 3

Pass State Competency Examination

After completing training, candidates must pass state certification exams to work as CNAs.

Exam Components:

Written/Oral Examination:

Skills Demonstration:

Exam Cost: $100-$200 typically (included in some training programs)

Pass Rates: Approximately 70-80% pass both portions on first attempt. Failed portions can be retaken (additional fees apply).

Step 4

Apply for State Certification

After passing exams, apply to your state’s nurse aide registry:

Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Once registered, you can work as a CNA in that state.

Step 5

Obtain Employment

Begin job search during or immediately after training:

Apply to nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities
Prepare resume highlighting training, clinical sites, and any healthcare experience
Complete facility-specific orientation (1-3 days typically)
May require facility competency validation

Step 6

Maintain Certification

Renewal Requirements (typically every 2 years):

Letting Certification Lapse:

If certification expires or you don’t work as CNA for 2 years, most states require retaking the competency exam (both written and skills portions).

State Reciprocity

Many states have reciprocity agreements allowing CNAs certified in one state to transfer certification without retesting. However, you must:

Some states require retesting regardless of out-of-state certification.

Total Timeline: From starting training to employed CNA: 2-4 months typically

What’s Next?

Career Path

Understand advancement opportunities and long-term growth potential.

CNA Career Progression and Advancement

While the CNA role itself has limited upward mobility, several paths allow growth, specialization, and transition to higher-paying healthcare careers.

0-2 years

Entry-Level CNA

$28,000-$32,000

New CNAs typically begin in nursing homes where training and supervision are readily available. Initial focus involves mastering time management with multiple patients, developing assessment skills, learning facility protocols, and building physical stamina.

2-5 years

Experienced CNA

$32,000-$38,000

With experience, CNAs may move to preferred settings (hospitals, home health, assisted living) or take on expanded responsibilities:

Expanded Roles:

Restorative Nursing Aide: Specializes in rehabilitation assistance and ADL retraining
Medication Aide/Tech: Additional certification allows medication administration in some states (adds $2-3/hour)
Unit Secretary/Clerk: Transition to administrative support role
CNA Instructor: Teach in CNA training programs (requires additional education)

5+ years

Senior/Specialized CNA

$35,000-$42,000

Senior CNAs may become:

Lead CNA/Charge Aide: Coordinate CNA staff, assign patients, troubleshoot
Preceptor: Orient and train new CNAs
Quality Assurance Aide: Participate in audits and improvement initiatives
Specialty Certification: Geriatric, dementia care, end-of-life care specializations

Realistic Expectation: Without returning to school, CNA wages plateau around $38,000-$45,000 even with 10+ years’ experience.

Advancement Beyond CNA

Most Common Progression – Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):

Many CNAs pursue LPN licensure (12-18 month programs). LPNs earn median $54,620—54% increase over CNA wages—with broader scope of practice.

Registered Nurse (RN):

The ultimate goal for many CNAs. RN programs (2-4 years) lead to median $81,220 salaries with extensive career opportunities. Working as CNA while attending nursing school part-time is extremely common. CNA experience strengthens nursing school applications.

Non-Healthcare Transitions:

The physical demands cause many CNAs to leave healthcare entirely after 5-10 years, seeking less physically taxing work in retail, customer service, or office positions.

Related Healthcare Careers:

Medical Assistant: Similar training length, outpatient clinic focus, median $38,270
Home Health Aide: Personal care in homes, median $30,180
Phlebotomy Technician: Blood draw specialist, median $37,380
Surgical Technologist: Assist in operating rooms, median $53,590 (requires additional training)
Patient Care Technician: Hospital-based with expanded skills (EKG, phlebotomy), median $38,000-$45,000

Healthcare Administration: Some CNAs transition to:

Non-Healthcare Transitions: The physical demands cause many CNAs to leave healthcare entirely after 5-10 years, seeking less physically taxing work in retail, customer service, or office positions.

What’s Next?

Skills Needed

In the next section, you’ll discover the clinical, leadership, communication, and analytical skills that top CNS professionals rely on every day.

Essential Skills for Certified Nursing Assistants

Physical Stamina and Strength

CNAs must lift, transfer, and reposition patients safely throughout 8-12 hour shifts. Upper body strength, core stability, and proper body mechanics prevent injuries. Physical endurance for prolonged standing and walking is essential.

Patient Care Technical Skills

Competent performance of basic nursing skills: vital signs measurement, bathing, toileting assistance, feeding, bed making, transferring with mechanical lifts, and proper use of personal protective equipment. Manual dexterity and attention to technique prevent complications.

Observation and Reporting

Recognizing changes in patient condition, skin integrity, behavior, or vital signs requires keen observation. Accurate, timely reporting to nurses ensures appropriate intervention. Noticing subtle changes distinguishes competent CNAs.

Communication Skills

CNAs interact with patients (many with dementia or hearing loss), families, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members. Clear verbal communication and active listening prevent misunderstandings. Therapeutic communication techniques comfort anxious patients.

Time Management

Juggling care for 8-15 patients simultaneously—each with scheduled care times, meals, and activities—requires prioritization and efficiency. Managing interruptions while completing responsibilities within shift hours is challenging.

Compassion and Patience

Caring for confused, incontinent, or dying patients demands genuine empathy. Remaining patient with repetitive questions, resistant patients, or those with challenging behaviors prevents burnout and ensures dignified care.

Ideal Personality Traits

Best-Fit Characteristics:

Compassionate and nurturing:

Genuinely care about elderly and vulnerable people

Physically resilient:

Tolerate demanding physical labor without injury

Patient and calm:

Handle difficult behaviors and repetitive tasks

Detail-oriented:

Notice subtle changes requiring attention

Adaptable:

Adjust to changing patient needs and situations

Team player:

Collaborate effectively with nursing staff

Strong stomach:

Comfortable with bodily fluids, wounds, unpleasant smells

Poor Fit Indicators:

Easily overwhelmed by multiple simultaneous demands
Back problems or limited physical ability
Need for high income (wages insufficient for many)
Preference for predictable, non-emotional work
Discomfort with intimate personal care
Difficulty maintaining professional boundaries

What’s Next?

Similar Careers

If you’re exploring multiple paths in advanced nursing, this section introduces roles similar to a CNS, helping you compare responsibilities, education, and career focus.

Similar and Related Careers

icensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Education: Certificate/Diploma (12-18 months)

Median Salary: $54,620

Natural advancement from CNA. Broader scope including medication administration, wound care, IV therapy (some states). 54% salary increase.

Home Health Aide

Education: Brief training (few weeks)

Median Salary: $30,180

Similar personal care duties in clients’ homes. Less supervision, more autonomy. Lower pay than facility-based CNAs.

Medical Assistant

Education: Certificate or diploma (9-12 months)

Median Salary: $38,270

Work in outpatient clinics. Clinical and administrative tasks. Similar training length with office-based environment.

Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Education: CNA + additional training (phlebotomy, EKG)

Median Salary: $38,000-$45,000

Hospital-based with expanded skills beyond basic CNA. Better pay and more variety.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree (2-4 years)

Median Salary: $81,220

Common CNA career goal. Significantly higher pay and responsibility. Many work as CNA while completing RN school.

Phlebotomy Technician

Education: Certificate (4-8 weeks)

Median Salary: $37,380

Draw blood for lab tests. Similar training length to CNA, more technical focus, less patient care.

Surgical Technologist

Education: Certificate or associate degree (12-24 months)

Median Salary: $53,590

Assist in operating rooms. Similar hands-on healthcare work with significantly better pay.

Dental Assistant

Education: Certificate or diploma (9-12 months)

Median Salary: $43,390

Assist dentists during procedures. Similar training timeline, better pay, office environment.

Occupational Therapy Aide

Education: High school diploma + on-the-job training

Median Salary: $34,630

Help patients with therapeutic activities. Similar pay and physical demands.

Rehabilitation Aide

Education: Brief on-the-job training

Median Salary: $33,230

Assist physical/occupational therapists. Similar patient interaction and physical work.

What’s Next?

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? The final section addresses common concerns and practical questions about becoming and working as a CNA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA?

4-12 weeks for training programs plus 2-4 weeks for exam scheduling and state certification processing. Total time from starting training to employment: 2-3 months typically.

How much does CNA training cost?

$500-$2,000 for community college or vocational programs. Many nursing homes and hospitals offer FREE training if you commit to working for them 6-12 months post-certification.

Can you work as a CNA without certification?

No. All states require CNA certification to work in healthcare facilities. Working without certification is illegal and jeopardizes patient safety.

Is being a CNA hard?

Yes. Physically demanding (lifting, standing 8-12 hours), emotionally draining (suffering, death, dementia behaviors), and often understaffed (10-15 patients per CNA). High turnover reflects challenges. However, many find it rewarding despite difficulties.

Can CNAs give shots or medications?

Not typically. CNAs cannot administer medications in most states. However, with additional Medication Aide certification, some states allow CNAs to give oral medications in long-term care facilities under nurse supervision. Injections always require nurse licensure.

Do hospitals hire CNAs?

Yes, though hospitals increasingly prefer “Patient Care Technicians” with additional skills (EKG, phlebotomy). Hospital CNAs earn more ($38,000-$42,000) than nursing home CNAs but positions are more competitive.

Is $17/hour enough to live on?

Depends on location and family situation. Median $35,760 annually is difficult for single-income families. Many CNAs work multiple jobs, significant overtime, or pursue nursing education for higher wages.

What's the difference between CNA and HHA?

CNAs work in facilities (nursing homes, hospitals) under nurse supervision, requiring state certification. Home Health Aides (HHAs) work in clients’ homes with less supervision and simpler training. CNAs have broader skills and typically higher pay.

What’s Next?

Overview

The overview brings together key highlights, role impact, and career context—making it a helpful starting point whether you’re just beginning or refining your decision.

Nurse Educator
Career Guide

Overview

What CNA do

Work Environment

Salary & Outlook

How to Become

Career Path

Skills Needed

Similar Careers

FAQ

Data Sources and References

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2023): Nursing Assistants. Salary data, employment statistics, and demographic information. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024): Nursing Assistants and Orderlies. Job duties, work environment, training requirements, and 2022-2032 outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants (NNCNA): Professional development, scope of practice, and career resources for CNAs. https://www.cna-network.org/
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Federal training requirements for nursing assistants in long-term care facilities. https://www.cms.gov/
American Red Cross: CNA training program standards and certification preparation resources. https://www.redcross.org/

Reviewed by: Patricia Williams, RN, BSN

Long-Term Care Educator with 20 years of nursing experience. Patricia began her career as a CNA before advancing to RN and currently teaches CNA training programs.