Healthcare Support
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are caring, patient, and dependable people who enjoy helping others with daily needs. This role suits compassionate individuals who like working directly with patients in healthcare settings. You should be reliable, physically fit, and good at following instructions. No college degree is needed. It’s a rewarding path for job seekers wanting stable healthcare work with quick entry and strong demand.
Median wage
$20.32/hr
Physical demands
medium
Drug test
Yes
National wages & job outlook
National figures for Nursing Assistants, shown as published by the source below.
Entry (10th–25th pct)
$16.32–$17.91/hr
Median
$20.32/hr
Experienced (75th–90th pct)
$22.7–$24.99/hr
Projected openings / year
204,100
+2% growth, 2024–2034
Wage data: 2025. National figures; local pay varies.
Source: CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Starting requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Good communication and people skills
- Physical ability to lift and assist patients
- Clean background check and drug screening
- Willingness to complete certification training
Training structure
CNA training is short and practical. Programs usually take 4 to 12 weeks at community colleges, nursing homes, or vocational schools. You learn basic patient care, vital signs, safety, and personal care skills through classroom and hands-on clinical practice. After training, you pass a state certification exam.
Top credentials
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- BLS / CPR
- First Aid
- Certified Medication Aide (state)
Licenses & certifications
Licenses are state-specific and certifications vary by specialty. Look up the exact ones for this path in your state.
Open the license & certification finderAdvancement path
Entry: Certified Nursing Assistant
Mid-Level: Senior CNA or team lead
Advanced: Medication aide, nursing home supervisor, or further training to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
Many use this as a stepping stone to higher-paying nursing roles.
Typical employers
Nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living, home health agencies
A day in the life
You start by checking on patients and helping with morning care. Your day includes assisting with bathing, eating, walking, taking vital signs, and keeping rooms clean. You work closely with nurses and provide comfort to patients. The work is hands-on and meaningful, ending with the satisfaction of improving people’s daily lives.