If you’re interested in becoming a healthcare professional but aren’t sure where to start, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can be a smart first step.
CNAs play a vital role on healthcare teams by working closely with nurses and other medical professionals to support patients with daily care. It’s an entry-level role, but one that offers hands-on experience, fast training, and a clear pathway into more advanced healthcare careers.
This guide breaks down what a CNA does, how long it takes to become one, education and certification requirements, expected pay, and how the role can fit into long-term healthcare goals.
What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
A Certified Nursing Assistant provides essential, day-to-day care for patients in medical and residential settings. CNAs often serve as the primary point of contact for patients, helping ensure comfort, safety, and basic health needs are met.
Common CNA responsibilities include:
Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and eating
Checking vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse
Helping patients move or reposition safely
Stocking, collecting, and cleaning medical supplies
Assisting nurses during certain procedures
Observing patients and reporting changes in condition
Because of this close patient interaction, CNAs play a key role in both patient outcomes and overall care quality.
Where Do CNAs Work?
One of the advantages of becoming a CNA is flexibility. CNAs are employed in a wide range of healthcare environments, including:
Hospitals
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Rehabilitation centers
Long-term care facilities
Home healthcare agencies
Schools and community health organizations
This variety allows CNAs to explore different care settings while gaining experience and deciding whether to pursue additional healthcare credentials.
How Much Do CNAs Make?
A CNA is considered an entry-level healthcare position, and pay can vary based on location, employer, and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs typically earn between $10.22 and $19.02 per hour, with opportunities for higher wages in metropolitan areas, specialty facilities, or through shift differentials.
While CNA wages may be modest compared to advanced nursing roles, many students view the position as a paid learning opportunity that builds experience while preparing for future career growth.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA?
One of the biggest draws of becoming a CNA is the short training timeline. Most CNA programs can be completed in 6 to 12 weeks, though some accelerated programs may take just a few weeks, while more comprehensive options may last longer.
Because of this fast turnaround, becoming a CNA is often one of the quickest ways to enter the healthcare field and begin working with patients.
CNA Education Requirements
CNA requirements vary by state, so it’s important to check your state’s specific guidelines before enrolling in a program. In general, CNA candidates must:
Be at least 18 years old (some states allow younger students)
Hold a high school diploma or GED
Complete a state-approved CNA training program
Pass a background check and drug screening
Complete required clinical hours
Common CNA Coursework
Most CNA programs include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Coursework may include:
Nursing Assistant / Patient Care Theory
Nursing Assistant / Patient Care Clinical Practice
Infection control and patient safety
Some programs also offer coursework that may later apply toward an RN or BSN program, helping students build momentum toward a nursing degree.
Where Can You Take Nursing Assistant Courses?
CNA programs are widely available and offered through:
Community colleges
Four-year colleges and universities
Technical and vocational schools
Online or hybrid programs (with in-person clinical requirements)
Online and hybrid options can be especially appealing for students who need flexibility, though clinical hours must still be completed on-site at an approved healthcare facility.
If you’re thinking beyond CNA certification and considering future nursing or healthcare degrees, it can be helpful to plan ahead. Some students choose to complete foundational or general education courses separately and transfer them into their degree program later.
Flexible, affordable online courses — such as those offered through StraighterLine — can sometimes help students save time and money as they progress toward long-term healthcare goals.
How Much Does a CNA Program Cost?
The cost of CNA training varies by institution and state, but most programs range from $500 to $2,500, including tuition, materials, and exam fees. Community colleges are often among the most affordable options.
Additional costs to plan for may include:
Certification exam fees
Uniforms and supplies
Background checks and immunizations
CPR certification
Keeping overall education costs low at the beginning can be especially important if you plan to continue on to additional healthcare credentials.
How Do You Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?
While specific steps vary by state, the general process to become a CNA includes the following:
Research state requirements for CNA certification
Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program
Complete classroom instruction and clinical hours
Pass the required certification exam
Apply for state licensure or registry listing
CNA Certification Exams
Many states require candidates to pass a competency exam. About 20 states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes:
A written or oral knowledge test
A hands-on skills evaluation
Once you pass the exam and meet all state requirements, you’ll be eligible to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Is Becoming a CNA Worth It?
For many students, becoming a CNA is a practical and strategic entry point into healthcare. Benefits include:
Fast training and quick entry into the workforce
Hands-on patient care experience
Exposure to different healthcare settings
A foundation for nursing or allied health careers
Many CNAs go on to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), or pursue other healthcare roles. The experience gained as a CNA can strengthen future applications and provide valuable insight into patient-centered care.
CNA Career Pathways and Next Steps
If you decide to continue your education, common next steps after becoming a CNA include:
Enrolling in an LPN or RN program
Completing nursing prerequisites
Pursuing specialized healthcare certifications
Planning ahead can make these transitions smoother. Some students choose to complete transferable general education or prerequisite courses online to maintain flexibility and reduce costs.
Platforms like StraighterLine can support this approach by offering self-paced online nursing prerequisites that fit around work schedules while helping students stay on track academically.
Final Thoughts: Starting Your Healthcare Career as a CNA
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is one of the fastest ways to step into a meaningful, patient-focused healthcare career. With short training timelines, affordable programs, and strong career-building potential, CNAs gain real-world experience that can open doors to future opportunities.
If you’re exploring long-term paths in nursing or healthcare, starting with a CNA role — and pairing it with flexible, transferable coursework through options like StraighterLine — can help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and control over your education.
Explore our affordable, online nursing prerequisite courses to get started today.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a Certified Nursing Assistant?
Most CNA programs take 6 to 12 weeks to complete, depending on the state and program format. Some accelerated programs may be shorter, while others include more extensive clinical training.
Do you need a college degree to become a CNA?
No. You typically only need a high school diploma or GED and to complete a state-approved CNA training program to become certified.
How much does a CNA program cost?
CNA programs usually cost between $500 and $2,500, depending on the school, location, and included fees such as exams and supplies.
What exam do you need to pass to become a CNA?
Certification requirements vary by state, but many states require passing a competency exam. About 20 states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), which includes a written or oral test and a skills evaluation.
Can you become a CNA online?
You can complete some CNA coursework online, but all programs require in-person clinical hours at an approved healthcare facility to meet certification standards.
Where do CNAs typically work?
CNAs commonly work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, home healthcare agencies, and schools.
Can a CNA become a nurse?
Yes. Many CNAs go on to become LPNs or RNs. The experience gained as a CNA can be valuable when applying to nursing programs and completing prerequisites.
