Frequently Asked Questions about Certified Nursing Assistants

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) are much sought after in the healthcare industry. Get all your questions about CNA answered here.

What is a certified nursing assistant or CNA?

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), also known as Nursing Assistants (NA) or State Tested Nurse Aid (STNA) are people who provide healthcare service to patients and clients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

What do Certified Nurse Assistants do?

A certified nurse assistant or CNA works closely with patients. They are responsible for basic care services like keeping the patient’s personal hygiene by giving them baths, grooming them and feeding them. They monitor the patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, height and weight. They administer medications and treatments (i.e. suppositories, enemas, catheters, massages and douches – all under the supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. Additional tasks include cleaning and sanitizing the patient’s room, bathroom/toilet, patient areas and examination rooms, and clean and dress wounds and apply slings under the instructions of a nurse or a doctor.

CNAs also assist nurses with medical equipment. They give patients important social and emotional support and also provide vital information on patient conditions to nurses. They report their observations regarding patient behavior, reactions to medication, physical symptoms and complaints to the nurse in-charge as well.

Where do CNAs work?

Certified Nursing Assistants with a CNA license can work in hospitals, hospices, nursing care facilities, community care facilities for the elderly and in-house patient care services.

Where can I get CNA training?

There are many community colleges and vocational or technical schools that offer a Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program. CNA programs and classes are also available in nursing homes that will immediately put candidates in on-job-training. Individuals are being paid while learning how to be a CNA at the same time. In fact, in exchange for free training, trainees are required to work in the facility for a period of time or until the certification is done.

What are the requirements in applying to a CNA training program?

Candidates need to be on top physical shape. Specific immunizations are required as well as CPR certification, First Aid training, drug screening and criminal background check. Some centers require candidates to pass the Compass Reading and Writing test. A high school diploma is not necessarily required to attend CNA classes and get a CNA certificate.

Some schools and centers offering CNA training have their own set of requirements in order to be eligible to take classes. Candidates can also check each state/country’s requirements to get certified.

How long does it take?

CNA courses are usually formatted in a 5-week program or can be completed in a 6-12 month period. Days and times vary per class. On-campus programs offer CNA classes 2 to 3 times each semester as well as during summers.

Do I need to have a degree before becoming a CNA?

All you’ll need is a high school diploma or GED. You also need to complete the CNA certificate program that can last for 6 to 12 months.

How do I get certified?

Candidates must complete a 3-credit hour course and be verified to continue on to the program by the teachers and instructors. After that, candidates are given a verification statement that will allow them to contact the local testing site for certification. There are two kinds of certification examinations available: Long Term Care CNA and Home Health Care CNA. It is required to pay a fee for these examinations before taking them. Or you can find CRN Programs to advance your career to new heights and boost your earning potential.

Can I get financial aid?

There are many types of study grants and educational loans available for CNA courses.

Financial aid is available to candidates as long they apply for it and filling out the FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form online.

FASFA is only offered to current or prospective college – undergraduate and graduate students in the United States. This is to determine if the applicant is eligible for student financial aid, which includes: Federal student loans, Federal Work-Study and Pell Grant.

What is the average annual salary of a CNA?

Certified Nursing Assistants approximately earn around $20,600 to $34,580 in a year, making it a good start in a career in the healthcare industry.

What cities in the United States have a high concentration of available employment for CNAs?

There is a large need for Certified Nursing Assistants in cities in the United States such as Houston, St. Louis, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Baltimore.

What other places can I work as a CNA apart from the United States?

CNAs are also in-demand in countries such as Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.