What Is Required to Become a CNA?
If you're interested in an entry-level healthcare career where you can help a variety of patients, you may want to consider becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA). The process to become a CNA, is simple - it can be broken down into three main steps:
- Complete an approved CNA training program
- Complete clinical training
- Pass the CNA exam
Nursing Assistant Requirements
Depending on your state, the exact requirements for becoming a certified nursing assistant will vary; however, there are some general boxes that you'll likely have to check off to work in this field no matter where you work.
To enroll in a training program, you'll often need to:
- Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent (some states may allow 16 or 17 year olds to enroll with parent consent)
- Pass a background check
- Show proof of immunizations
- Have CPR certification
Once in your state-approved program, you will need to complete classroom and clinical training, though the number of required hours differs by state. The federal minimum number of clinical training hours is 75, but some states require many more. For example, Missouri requires 175 hours and Maine requires 180 hours.
Once you've completed your program, you can begin the process to secure certification or licensure, depending on which is required in your state. Certification requires you to take - and pass - an exam, and it is usually granted by an accredited agency. Licensure is an involuntary process where you'll prove to the government that you're qualified to work as a CNA, with the goal of ensuring public health and safety. You'll typically need to pass a state-issued exam and renew your license every few years.
Check with potential employers as well as your state's department of health to see what requirements you'll need to meet.
CNA Education Requirements
As mentioned above, the first step is to complete all of the education required for a CNA. These state-approved programs can be taken through vocational schools, community colleges, healthcare facilities, or nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross. CNA programs include courses that teach a variety of topics related to patient care, basic medical procedures, and communication. These programs are often divided into one or two courses and can be completed in around 6-8 weeks of full time study.
CNA Class Requirements
The theory portion of a CNA program takes place in both classroom and lab settings. The specific class requirements will vary by state and institution, but some common class topics include:
- CPR, first aid, and AED usage
- Taking vital signs
- Patient/client rights
- Caregiving
- Infection control
- Diet and nutrition
- Caring for cognitively-impaired or developmentally disabled individuals
All CNA programs also include a clinical component. During these externships, you'll work in an actual healthcare setting under the supervision of licensed nurses and get hands-on experience that will prepare you to work as a nursing assistant.
What Do You Learn in CNA Classes?
CNA training programs include instruction in basic patient care and nursing theory, interpersonal skills, and communication. Additionally, you'll learn critical competencies to help you perform your job successfully. In CNA courses you will learn about the following:
- Medical Skills: You'll learn how to prevent infection, properly sanitize and clean equipment and patients, identify basic human anatomy, position patients for comfort and safety, and ensure proper nutrition and hygiene for patients.
- Compliance: Since you'll be the front of the house taking care of all basic needs for patients and residents, you'll find that patient needs and rights are a large part of your education.
- Communication: You occasionally will work with upset patients or worried family members, so you'll also learn communication and conflict resolution techniques. As certified nursing assistants work under the direction of nurses and doctors, you will also learn how to best communicate with these supervisory medical professionals.
How Long are CNA Classes?
Entry-level programs to become a certified nursing assistant vary in length by state, but typically can be completed quickly, often in a matter of weeks. Federal law mandates that all programs include at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and 15 hours of clinical training, but states can set a higher minimum number of hours. The table below shows an example of some states and their total number of required hours for CNA training. Some programs in each state may require more hours for completion.
| State | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| Oregon | 75 hours |
| Georgia | 85 hours |
| Kansas | 90 hours |
| Michigan | 100 hours |
| Arizona | 120 hours |
Schools offer several scheduling options to help students meet their minimum hour requirements. Morning, evening, and all-day classes are available, and many schools have day of the week options to accommodate busy schedules. Some programs also offer a combination of online and on-campus lectures that allow students some flexibility in where they learn.
After completing the requirements for becoming a certified nursing assistant, you might consider getting an associate degree in nursing from a community college. This next step could boost your potential for advancement down the road. These programs tend to take four semesters, or an average of two years, to complete.
How Much are CNA Classes?
The cost of CNA training programs varies greatly based on the location and type of program. Community colleges tend to offer the most affordable programs; however, it's important to keep in mind that community college tuition may be higher if you are an out-of-state student. Private nursing assistant preparation programs may be more expensive. Some examples of program costs include:
| Institution Name | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College | Kansas | $965 |
| Arapahoe Community College | Colorado | $900 |
| Harrisburg Area Community College | Pennsylvania | $1,098 |
| Vallejo Nursing School | California | $1,100 |
| Dawn Career Institute | Delaware | $3,213 |
CNA Class Requirements
In addition to completing your minimum number of required training hours, you may need to pass written examinations either during or after your CNA classes. Since CNA programs don't usually take long to complete, there are often attendance requirements. If you know that you will be unable to attend some of your classes, you may want to think about waiting for the next start date. Some programs also require you to complete a competency skills checklist and earn specific grades on your exams.
Where Can I Take CNA Classes?
If you want to begin your education toward becoming a CNA, one of the best places to consider furthering your education is your local community college. Many of these institutions offer nursing assistant programs and are often very affordable for county and state residents. It's important to ensure that the program meets the requirements to sit for the National Nurse Assistant Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, if taking the exam is required for certification in your state.
Free CNA Classes
One way to further your knowledge of nursing and medical terminology in order to prepare for your CNA classes is to take free, online CNA prep courses. These courses can help prepare you for CNA programs or can increase your knowledge after you become a nursing assistant.
Accredited Online CNA Classes
If scheduling is a challenge for you, you may want to consider taking online CNA courses. Since portions of the CNA curriculum require hands-on practice, fully online programs are rare; however, many schools offer hybrid programs where much of the lectures are online - though you are still required to attend in-person clinical and practical sessions. One question to consider is, how much are online CNA classes? The chart below gives examples of the cost of some programs to give you an idea of what to expect.
| School Name | Location | Hybrid CNA Program Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Durham Tech | North Carolina | $280 |
| Richmond Community College | Virginia | $233 |
| Howard Community College | Maryland | $1,500 |
| Gulf Coast State College | Florida | $483 |
CNA Classes for High School Students
If you are still in high school and considering a career as a nursing assistant, you may want to consider enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at your high school or at a local vocational-technical high school. CTE programs give high school students practical and professional skills so that they can directly enter the workforce with appropriate levels of certification and competence. In some states, you can complete the requirements to become a CNA as you are receiving your high school diploma.
If you've left school without earning your high school diploma, you may still be able to enroll in a nursing assistant program, since many certification programs don't require a degree or transcripts. However, some medical facilities require you to have your diploma or GED before being hired for positions. There are also some hybrid programs available that combine CNA training with GED programs.
How to Prepare for CNA Classes
Before you start your CNA classes, it's important to ensure that all of your prerequisites are in order. Admission requirements can vary slightly by school, but many programs will require:
- A recent TB test
- Compliance with immunization requirements
- CPR certification
- Drug screening
- Criminal and child abuse clearances
- Documentation of ability to lift a certain weight
- A uniform
CNA License Requirements
Once you have met your state's education requirements, it's time to secure licensure to become a CNA! Again, exact requirements may differ in each state, but the general prerequisites include passing a competency exam and submitting an application. Some training programs include the exam at the end of the course, while other programs require you to take it on your own.
The most widely accepted exam is the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) test which is used by twenty-one states their CNA competency exam. The NNAAP includes a skills test and a written test. The skills test requires you to demonstrate four skills you learned in your training, while the written test has 60 multiple-choice questions. Check with your state to see what exam you need to take for state licensure.
CNA Age Requirements
Many states require students to have a high school diploma, which means that they need to be at least 18 years of age. However, several states, such as Maine, Utah, Vermont, and Pennsylvania, do allow 16-year olds to enter training programs.
CNA Job Requirements
After passing the competency exam and background check, you'll be able to place your name on the nursing assistant registry for your state and start looking for a CNA job. Besides meeting the training and licensure requirements, some CNA employers may have additional requirements, such as:
- Strong communication, interpersonal and observation skills
- Current BLS or CPR certification
- The ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Caregiving experience
CNA Jobs That Don't Require Certification
There are opportunities for you if you are working toward CNA certification but you haven't yet become licensed. For example, some employers will hire you as a nursing assistant under the condition that you will earn certification within a specific time frame.
You could also consider caregiver or patient technician positions in a private home or senior living center. These positions may only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training, and you would complete similar tasks as a CNA - such as assisting residents with basic tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming. Some caregiver positions only require a high school diploma.
