CNA Careers

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are healthcare providers who provide hands-on care to patients in medical settings under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). CNAs assist patients with bathing, dressing, and other basic activities of daily living. Depending on the patient's needs, CNAs also serve meals, take vital signs, and turn or reposition patients who are bedridden.

How much can I make as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

According to Salary.com, the average Certified Nurse Assistant in the state of California makes $39,550 a year, with the typical range being between $33,226 and $47,211 depending on experience, education, and other factors.

What is the career outlook for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected employment of nursing assistants to grow about 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Much of this demand comes from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the labor force.

What are the requirements to become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Candidates must be at least 16 years old

Pass a physical (health) screening and criminal background check

Complete a California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Nurse Assistant Training Program consisting of at least 60 hours of classroom/online theory and 100 hours of supervised hands-on clinical training

Pass a state CNA certification examination

What are the job duties of Certified Nursing Assistants?

CNA job duties include some or all of the following:

Answering patient calls
Assisting with admissions
Bathing patients
Cleaning rooms and bed linens
Combing hair, shaving, caring for nails, and brushing teeth
Feeding patients and measuring and recording their food and liquid intake
Gathering and stocking supplies for the RN or LVN
Observing and charting patients' health issues
Turning or repositioning bedridden patients
Taking patients' vital signs