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CNA Schooling Requirements

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are sometimes referred to as nursing assistants or nurses aides. Specific training requirements vary from one state to another, but most programs last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and combine classroom work with hands-on training. Due to an ever increasing number of elderly, the demand for CNAs is expected to grow. There are many opportunities for work in a variety of health-care settings.

  1. What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?

    • A certified nursing assistant (CNA) works under the direction of nurses and doctors in a hospital, nursing home, home health agency or other care facility. CNAs check a patient's vital signs and assist with tasks such as bathing, grooming and feeding. CNAs set up and move medical equipment and supplies and may also be required to transfer patients from their bed to a wheelchair or gurney. Emptying bedpans and changing linens may be part of the job as well. They may also monitor the patient's emotional and mental well-being and convey their findings to other medical personnel.

    Educational Requirements

    • In addition to a high school diploma or GED, aspiring CNAs most undergo a short training program consisting of classroom work and hands-on training known as "clinicals." Specific requirements vary from state to state but most programs are offered either through a community college, nursing home or other health-care facility. At the end of the training program, students must take an exam to become certified. Most programs require at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of hands-on instruction.

    Specific Courses Taken

    • Although specific classes taken may vary somewhat from one school to another, the majority of training programs consist of four to five classes. For example, the nursing assistant program at Alamance Community College in Graham, N.C., covers topics such as basic nursing skills, home safety and nutrition, as well as physical, mental and emotional changes in the elderly. Other programs may cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and complementary medicine.

    Personal Qualities Needed

    • CNAs must possess numerous characteristics, both physical and interpersonal. CNAs must be physically capable of lifting patients and staying on their feet for long periods of time. They must also have compassion and a genuine desire to help those in their care. According to the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants, wisdom, patience and humor are necessary in order to succeed in the job. Since the CNA has a great deal of direct patient contact, they must be able to maintain good personal relationships.

    The Future

    • Due to an aging population, the demand for CNAs may outpace that for other careers. Experience as a CNA is also an excellent stepping stone for further education and training as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants typically earn anywhere from $10.07 to $12.15 per hour. Salaries are generally lower in nursing homes than in hospitals or government agencies.

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