Make a Difference: Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

Are you looking for a rewarding and meaningful career, possibly in healthcare? Or are you looking for a career change where you’re making an impact on people’s lives?

Then you might want to explore how to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). A CNA plays such a valuable role in the healthcare system and the nursing field by providing vital, hands-on support to patients and assisting nurses in delivering quality care.

CNAs are among the essential employees who are on the frontlines every day, ensuring the health and safety of their patients in hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, and long-term care facilities.

What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?

You may have heard of the term “certified nursing assistant” and understood that CNAs work in the healthcare field, but you may not know what they actually do. Like most caregivers’ job descriptions, they provide compassionate and crucial care and support to patients and nurses.

A CNA is an entry-level job that provides direct patient care, encourages comfort and well-being, and works under a nurse’s supervision in multiple healthcare environments. CNAs help patients with their day-to-day living routines, and they provide basic care.

However, a CNA cannot work independently. They have to work under the supervision of licensed nursing staff, such as a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Even though they work under the supervision of someone else, they, in many of the cases, are a patient’s main caregiver.

CNAs also have many responsibilities when caring for a patient. These CNA duties can include:

• Taking vital signs.
• Assisting patients with their activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Serving meals and helping patients eat.
• Lifting and moving patients.
• Making sure the environment is clean and sanitized.
• Coordinating and directing patient care.
• Providing companionship and friendship.
• Monitoring the patient, ensuring there are no dangerous symptoms.

Furthermore, CNAs can work in a variety of settings. These settings include:

• Hospitals.
• Assisted living centers.
• Nursing home
• Home healthcare.
• Adult day care centers.
• Private practice.
• Traveling CNA agencies.
• Department of Health and Human Services: assist patients in multiple environments, including substance abuse centers, developmental facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and neuro-medical treatment centers.
• Federal Bureau of Prisons: providing treatment to prisoners.
• Department of Defense: assist field medics who are treating soldiers’ injuries.
• Veterans Health Administration: helping in treating veterans who disabled, injured, or ill.

Different states may require different responsibilities from CNAs, and in some states, CNAs may be able to administer medication.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

Becoming a CNA is a huge commitment. In order to become a CNA, you must become certified. This includes enrolling in a CNA program and completing all of the CNA requirements.

Here are steps you would need to take to become a successful CNA:

First Step

The requirements to enroll in a CNA training program differ by state. (Sometimes these programs are called certified nursing assistant training programs.) Most require you to have a high school diploma or to have passed a GED test.

Furthermore, you need to pass a background check, be able to lift 50 pounds, and go through a health screening that includes immunizations, a TB test, and a drug test.

Second Step

Choosing the right CNA training program for you can be the difference between you completing the program or dropping out.

You need a school that fits your schedule and accommodates your needs. For instance, if you’re a single parent, you’ll want to find a program which provides more sources for parents who have to juggle caring for children and being a student, and in some cases a job too.

Most CNA programs take between one to three months to complete a combination of classroom work and clinical practice. Also, class sizes can vary, but in most instances, there are fewer than 20 students in the classroom.

Also, there are a variety of locations which can offer a CNA program. These can include community colleges, vocational schools, local non-profit agencies such as the American Red Cross, or your future employer.

Third Step

Finances are an important area to investigate. Sometimes, the cost can be high. However, there may be scholarship opportunities or workplace tuition reimbursements that can help cover the costs of a CNA program.

Employers may offer free CNA training as long as you work with the employer for a number of years. This can be a great option for those who need to find a way to cover tuition. This choice also guarantees you will have employment once you graduate.

Fourth Step

Then you need to complete a state-approved CNA program. A state board of nursing or a state department of health usually oversees the CNA programs.

Fifth Step

Once a student successfully completes the CNA program, the student will have to pass a state-required CNA competency evaluation or exam. Third-party providers usually administer these exams.

When you pass the exam, state officials add your name to the state’s registry of CNAs.

Sixth Step

Now, it’s time to find a job. A CNA’s work is always in demand. Many may consider working with a home health agency, such as All American Home Care, due to the deep connections you can make with patients.

It’s a good idea to keep your career goals in mind when deciding what kind of job you want.

For instance, some students may want to go to nursing school to advance their certifications. Therefore, they may want to have a part-time job.

Seventh Step

Congratulations on completing all of the requirements and finding a job, but you’re not done. You have to make sure you keep your CNA certification.

Depending on the state, you may have to work a specific number of hours as a CNA every two years to renew your certification. You may also have to complete continuing education requirements.

Eighth Step

Once you’ve found a steady CNA job, you may consider continuing your education. You can become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). You can also look into enrolling into nursing programs.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a CNA?

A benefit of becoming a CNA is that the expenses are pretty low. Usually, the tuition costs between $1000 to $2,500. While it’s low when compared to other educational pursuits, finding the money can still be a challenge for many.

Even if the price is overwhelming, there are still options which can offset the cost.

Program supplies

Aside from paying for the tuition, there are also costs associated with program supplies.

These supplies include textbooks or educational DVDS, uniform scrubs, non-slip shoes, a watch with a second hand, a stethoscope, and school items such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and highlighters.

Sometimes, the program may cover the expenses of these supplies. Check with the program administrators to see if your tuition fees include supply-expense coverage.

Also, these expenses may be considered tax deductible.

Medical examination

Before starting the program, some students may be required to complete a physical examination which illustrates the students are physically fit for the program duties.

Furthermore, they may need to provide proof of current immunizations prior to working with patients, to ensure the health and safety of not only the students but also the patients.

Check to see if your insurance can cover these costs.

Criminal Background Check

Most states demand students to submit to a criminal background check before they start the program. These background checks can cost the students around $20 to $40. Check with the school or the state, because they may have resources to cover those costs.

Certification Exam Fees

Each state also asks CNAs to pass a certification exam before working or starting the program. Those can cost around $100. Check with your training program, as they may cover the cost of the test.

There are a variety of expenses but don’t let the price scare you away. There are ways to avoid those costs by looking for other resources to cover those expenses.

When you become a certified nursing assistant, you’re building a career geared toward helping others. It’s a career which requires a lot of dedication, but the path is so rewarding.

As a CNA, you’ll be making a direct and meaningful impact in the lives of patients every single day. Whether you’re assisting someone with daily activities, taking vital signs, or simply offering a listening ear, your work matters to the patients and their families. CNAs are the heart of patient care, and the demand for skilled, caring individuals in this role continues to grow across healthcare settings.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career that offers stability, growth, and the chance to make a difference, now is the time to start. Research local CNA training programs, look into financial aid options, scholarships, and begin planning your future in healthcare today.

You’ll be making a huge difference.