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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNAs provide hands-on care in hospitals and nursing homes — helping patients with daily needs and monitoring their health. It's a fast, affordable first step toward a nursing career.

Median Salary
$42,260/yr
Typical Range
$33,940 – $51,980
Job Outlook
As fast as average

What does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) do?

  • Help patients bathe, dress, and eat
  • Take and record vital signs
  • Move and reposition patients safely
  • Report changes to nurses

Education & training

High school diploma plus a state-approved CNA program (4–12 weeks)

How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

  1. Finish high school
  2. Complete a short state-approved CNA course
  3. Pass your state's competency exam
  4. Apply at hospitals, nursing homes, and home-care agencies

Skills that help

CompassionPatiencePhysical staminaCommunication

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer, and experience.

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