CNA Career Guide

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Overview

If you’ve always enjoyed caring for others, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) could be your ideal career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the demand for nursing assistants will grow by 5% through 2031, with 220,000 job openings each year. Take advantage of the growing demand for CNAs and start your healthcare career in a field

Education

To get a CNA job, you must complete a state-approved training course after obtaining your high school diploma or the equivalent. Community colleges, hospitals and nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross frequently provide approved training programs.

The length of CNA training programs varies by state. However, federal laws require that they include at least 16 hours of hands-on care. Most

Qualifications

CNA

Certifications

Licensing

Skills

CNAs need a strong skill set to perform their job duties well. Some desirable qualifications and traits for CNAs include:

Service-oriented mindset. A desire to help people should be a driving motivator, as direct patient care is a large part of a CNA’s job duties.
Active listening. CNAs must pay close attention to what patients and other healthcare team members say and ask probing

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Responsibilities

CNAs are responsible for providing direct patient care and supporting healthcare teams. Some of their specific job responsibilities include:

Daily Patient Care: CNAs assist patients with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and feeding. They help patients maintain personal hygiene and ensure their comfort and well-being.
Vital Sign Monitoring: CNAs regularly measure and record vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse

Salary Insights

Salary guide

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.

CNA

$1,062-1,188/week

The average salary for a CNA is $1,129.16 per week.

Last updated on March 16, 2025. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Benefits of Being a CNA:

Job Availability and Stability: CNAs are in high demand due to the continual growth of the nation’s aging population and the need for long-term care services. This high demand translates into greater job security and opportunities for employment in various healthcare settings.
Quick Entry into the Healthcare Field: Becoming a CNA typically requires a shorter training period

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