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CNA Training
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What Exactly is a CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides essential direct bedside care. They are the eyes and ears of the nursing team, ensuring patients are safe, comfortable, and cared for.
Patient Monitoring
Tracking vital signs like blood pressure and pulse.
Daily Living Support
Assisting with bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Mobility Assistance
Helping patients safely walk or transfer between beds and chairs.
3 Steps to Certification
Enroll in Training
Complete a 75-120 hour state-approved classroom and clinical program.
Pass the Exam
Success in both the written knowledge test and the clinical skills demonstration.
Start Working
Join your State Registry and begin working in hospitals or care facilities.
How to Become a CNA in 2026
The path to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is straightforward if you follow these three verified steps.
What exactly is a CNA?
A CNA is a vital healthcare professional who provides direct bedside care. Primary duties include monitoring vital signs, assisting patients with mobility (walking/transferring), and helping with personal hygiene (bathing/dressing) and feeding. They are the "eyes and ears" of the nursing team.
Find a State-Approved School
NJ and most states require at least 75-90 hours of training. You must choose a program specifically approved by your state's Board of Nursing.
- Classroom Theory
- In-Person Clinicals
Pass the Certification Exam
After graduation, you'll take a two-part exam (Written and Skills). You must demonstrate proficiency in 5 random clinical skills to pass.
Pro Tip: Handwashing and indirect care are mandatory skills in every state exam.
Get Placed on the Registry
Once you pass, your name is added to the State Nurse Aide Registry. You are now legal to work in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health.
Essential Career Resources
Everything you need to succeed beyond the classroom.
CNA Salary Data
Compare hourly wages and annual pay rates across all 50 states and major cities.
Practice Exams
Prepare for the Written and Clinical Skills exam with our database of 500+ free questions.
Free Training Guide
Find government WIOA grants, Job Corps locations, and nursing home sponsorships.
Qualifications & Required Skills
Ensure you meet these standards before applying for certification.
Minimum Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years old (some states allow 16). High school diploma or GED is usually preferred but not always mandatory.
A clean record is essential. Disqualifying crimes include abuse, neglect, or violent felonies.
Must pass a physical exam and TB test. You must be able to lift and move at least 50 lbs comfortably.
Essential Skills
Note: CNA work is physically demanding. You will spend 8-12 hours on your feet and perform repetitive lifting tasks daily.
A Career with Stability and Growth
Healthcare is the fastest-growing sector in the U.S. economy. Certified Nursing Assistants are in high demand across hospitals, nursing homes, and private care, providing a "recession-proof" career path.
Projected Growth
Employment growth expected through 2032 (BLS).
Annual Openings
Estimated job openings every year for nursing assistants.
Job Security
Consistent demand in hospitals, LTCs, and Home Health.
The Path to Nursing
Becoming a CNA is the fastest way to gain clinical experience required for RN (Registered Nurse) school applications.