About: Certified Nurse Assistants

Certified nurse assistants, otherwise known as CNAs, nurses' aides, orderlies, patient care technicians or home health aides provide patient assistance for daily tasks under the supervision of a nurse.

Duties

• Certified nurse assistants perform tasks such as patient bathing, grooming, feeding and assisting nurses with medical equipment and checking vital signs. CNAs also relay important observations about patients to their supervising nurses and doctors.

Training

• CNAs must have a high school diploma or GED before entering a six- to 12-week training program, which is usually at a community college or medical facility.

Certification

• Certification for CNAs varies by state, but most training programs offer a certification exam. The National Association for Home Care also offers a nationally recognized certification for home health aides.

Places of Employment

• Certified nurse assistants usually work in hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities, assisted living facilities and private client homes.

Salary Range

• Certified nurse assistant salaries depend on experience and employer. On average, CNAs make between approximately $19,900 and $29,750 a year as of 2010, according to the All Allied Health School's website. Those earning the highest salaries earn around $35,000 a year.