How to become a Nursing Assistant
Unlike other professionals in the field of nursing, you are not required to have a degree to become a nursing assistant. However, you do still need formal training, which you could receive at a community college, vocational college or technical school. You could also train at certain nursing homes and hospitals. The following are steps you can take to become a nursing assistant:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Enroll in a state-approved training program.
- Pass the certification exam.
- Enroll in and pass the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) examination.
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Typical qualifications for a Nursing Assistant
Certificates and licenses
About Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A nursing certification to provide basic care for patients, awarded upon completing a state-approved education program and passing a state competency exam.
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About Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
A certification awarded by an organization or association such as the American Heart Association or the Red Cross, upon completing a three hour CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) class.
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About Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification
Certification awarded after completion of training in conjunction with CPR training by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
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Skills employers are looking for
About Physical examinations
Experience examining an individual's body for medical conditions.
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About EMR systems
Electronic medical records software systems.
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About Intake
Experience with intake assessments, including obtaining and reviewing prior medical records, performing patient intake interviews, and managing new patient forms.
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About Medical documentation
Experience or skill with the creation of records detailing medical treatment, trials, or tests for patients in a medical office or healthcare facility environment.
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About Tube feeding
Knowledge of or experience with tube feeding.
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Nursing Assistant jobs in United States
Career progression for Nursing Assistant
Education levels for Nursing Assistants
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 79.2% |
| Associate's degree | 12.6% |
| Bachelor's degree | 7.1% |
| Master's degree | 0.8% |
| Middle school education | 0.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.1% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $23,200 |
| 4 - 8 | $24,500 |
| 8 - 12 | $25,400 |
| 12 - 16 | $25,500 |
| 16 - 20 | $25,800 |
| 20 - 24 | $25,800 |
Common questions about career advices for a Nursing Assistant
How long does it take to get a certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification online?
Obtaining a certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification through online classes will generally take up to 12 weeks. While theory classes are taught online, you will still be required to gain training in a hands-on clinical setting to help develop practical skills.
What is the job outlook for certified nursing assistant (CNA)?
The demand for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is expected to grow in part because of the continued rise of jobs in the medical field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for nursing assistants is expected to increase by 9% between 2018 and 2028.
What kinds of skills should certified nursing assistant (CNA) have?
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) should be skilled in technical aspects of the job like patient care and medical techniques such as taking vital signs and reporting healthcare progress. CNAs should also possess excellent interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy and compassion when caring for patients.
