Nursing Assistant Career

Certified Nursing Assistant Career

Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, provide direct care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes and home care. As a vital part of a larger care team, Certified Nursing Assistants help patients with a wide range of basic needs, including eating, bathing, grooming, mobility and more.

What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?

Certified Nursing Assistants commonly work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or other medical professional.

On any given day, a Certified Nursing Assistant will be responsible for:

  • Attending to the needs of multiple patients
  • Aiding patients with routine tasks, including eating, bathing, dressing and exercise
  • Observing and recording patient conditions and vital signs
  • Monitoring patient food and liquid intake
  • Updating care team on changes in patient condition

As Certified Nursing Assistants gain experience and training, they may take on additional responsibilities, including dispensing medicine.

What Certifications or Degrees Do I Need to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Certified Nursing Assistants must complete a state-approved certificate program before entering the workforce. The requirements for these programs vary from state to state, but most involve classroom learning, hands-on training and on-the-job training.

Candidates must also take and pass a competency exam. Once a candidate has passed the competency exam, they are placed on a state registry of Certified Nursing Assistants, and can begin seeking employment in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

Certain states maintain additional requirements, including a background check, continuing education credits and ongoing training throughout a CNAs career.

What Is the Employment Outlook for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Certified Nursing Assistants was $26,590 in May 2016.

Certified Nursing Assistant positions abound – according to a study of employment in the healthcare field, more than 1.5 million people were employed as CNAs in 2014. The same study projects the job opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants to grow by as much as 17 percent by 2024. That’s an estimated increase of more than 250,000 jobs.

Become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Apply Today.

In as little as five weeks, you can begin a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Apply for our Certified Nursing Assistant diploma program today.

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