How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

By Mary Franz
Contributing Author

A Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) assists nurses and doctors in caring for patients. They may answer patient signal lights and address patient needs or communicate advanced needs with the RN on duty. They often bathe, dress or undress patients. They may also change bedding and acquire simple needs such as water, ice chips or soft foods if the patient is allowed to eat in between meals (or at all as in NPO cases). In some cases they deal with meal time needs if dietary aides are not used in the facility.

Transport for lab testing, x-rays and treatments are also common. You may be responsible for directing visitors, answering the phone or running various errands. One of the biggest areas of assistance for CNA's are monitoring vitals (blood pressure, temperature, respiration rates) and keeping track of input and output (food in, waste out). Preparing supplies is another important task. You might sterilize instruments and keep adequate stock of dressing packs and treatment trays. CNA's may assist physicians in various treatments by draping the patient or handing the physician sterile instruments, dressings or adjusting the light.

Given the general job description, you have to consider whether this is the right career change for you. CNA's do not earn as much as LPN's (licensed practical nurses) or RN's (registered nurses), but their job is just as demanding. In order to be a good CNA, you need to have compassion and a desire to help others. You should consider your tolerance for seeing people in pain and your ability to deal with cranky individuals. Nobody is really very happy when they are ill, especially if the illness is quite serious. Loved ones visiting patients are also under stress and can be difficult to help. As well, consider your ability to deal with the usual sites and odors of healthcare in general.

Beyond mindset, are you physically capable of being a CNA? Patient transport, bedding changes, adjusting patients to prevent bedsores and assisting a patient to the restroom require adequate strength. If you have back troubles or other physical issues that may prevent you from heavy lifting, you might not be able to perform all aspects of some CNA jobs. In other instances, you might find a CNA position that requires little if any of those particular duties. A pediatric ward, for instance, may be a good choice simply because most of the patients are lighter.

If you feel you are qualified to become a CNA, the commitment for education is minimal. Most CNA training can be completed in as little as 6 weeks and the cost is far lower than an LPN (1-year diploma) or RN (2-year degree). You can expect to earn somewhere between $15,000 and $25,000 a year on average for a full-time position, though you may make a bit more for some positions after you gain experience. Many CNA positions are part-time in nature and very flexible in terms of hours available. This makes this job ideal for those seeking part-time work due to planning around the needs of a family. A few nightshifts a week will contribute towards paying the bills without disrupting your family's schedule. After education and training is complete, you will be required to take a certification exam. Exact requirements vary by state.

There are many different areas where CNA's are needed. Many jobs are within nursing home or rehabilitative centers. You might find a CNA position at a clinic or physician's private office. Hospitals, of course, employ a large amount of CNA's. There are also government jobs and traveling CNA positions. Home healthcare is another big area for CNA work.

Printed under exclusive license for RNDegrees.net from the author and Circles of Light, a personal development blog where you can learn more about a career as a Certified Nurses Assistant.

Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

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Train to become a CNA in as little as 6-to-12 weeks and start enjoying excellent job opportunities, a good income, and outstanding opportunities for career advancement. Request additional information to speak with a program adviser:

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Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant

Campus Locations:

Vista
San Diego
Stockton
Bakersfield
Chula Vista
Salida

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant
• Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Gardena
South Gate
Los Angeles
San Bernardino

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Dental Assistant
• Pharmacist's Assistant

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Diploma - Dental Assistant
• Diploma - Pharmacy Technician

Campus Locations:

LA Puente
Los Angeles
San Bernardino
Ontario
Reseda
San Francisco
Alhambra
San Jose
Torrance
Anaheim
Gardena
Santa Ana
Hayward

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
• Medical Administrative Specialist

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Alhambra
Riverside

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Vocational Nursing
• Dental Assistant

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim
Los Angeles

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Dental Assisting
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Fresno
Salida
Hayward
Roseville
Salinas
Milpitas
Concord
Rancho Cordova
San Francisco
Stockton

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• Certificate in Medical Assisting
• AS in Medical Assisting
• AS in Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Citrus Heights
Emeryville
San Leandro
Antioch
Sacramento
Pleasant Hill
San Jose
Stockton

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Dental Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician

Campus Locations:

Riverside
Fresno
Bakersfield
Gardena
Stockton
Anaheim
San Marcos

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Medical Assisting Associate
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Santa Barbara
Rancho Mirage
Santa Maria
Ventura

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Addison

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Registered Dental Assistant
• Administrative Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Indio
Clovis
Bakersfield
Visalia

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Ontario

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Orange
Fairfield
Elk Grove
West Covina

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration (Online)

Campus Locations:

National City
San Diego
San Marcos

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant
• Diploma - Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Long Beach
Oxnard
Canyon Country
Lancaster

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant
• Vocational Nursing-Diploma

Campus Locations:

Clovis
Modesto
Stockton
Redding

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical General

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Dental Assistant

Campus Locations:

Colton
Anaheim

Penn Foster Schools

Campus

Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more.

Programs:

• Dental Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Occupational Therapy Aide

Campus Locations:

Scranton

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

What's another reason that makes Mayfield College the right choice? Students receive a new computer when they graduate.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting, AS
• Nursing, MS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles