How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in 2025: Training, Salary & Career Path Guide

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) offers one of the fastest and most practical entry points into the healthcare field. If you’re passionate about helping others and want to begin a clinical career without spending years in school, CNA certification may be the perfect starting point.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about CNA training, responsibilities, salary expectations, exam preparation, and long-term career growth. Whether you're exploring healthcare for the first time or considering an international pre-nursing internship to enhance your resume, this resource will help you decide if becoming a CNA is right for you.

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What Does a CNA Do? Understanding the Role and Daily Duties

Certified Nursing Assistants provide hands-on support with essential patient care. CNAs are employed in hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and private care settings. Their tasks include:

Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming
Repositioning or transferring patients safely
Monitoring vital signs
Changing linens and sanitizing rooms
Supporting patients with meals and mobility
Communicating changes in patient condition to supervising nurses

CNA roles are fast-paced and patient-facing, offering real-world experience that can serve as a launchpad for careers in nursing, healthcare administration, or advanced clinical roles.

CNA Salary: What You Can Expect

The national median salary for CNAs in 2025 ranged from $28,000 to $36,000, depending on location, experience, and employer type. Entry-level CNAs may earn closer to $18,000 to $24,000, while seasoned professionals in high-demand regions can earn $35,000 or more.

Though not the highest-paying role in healthcare, CNA jobs offer invaluable clinical exposure, making them an excellent springboard to positions like Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).

Pathways After CNA: Where Can It Lead?

Starting as a CNA provides a strong foundation in healthcare. Many CNAs later pursue careers as:

LPNs/LVNs:

With additional training, CNAs can become Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses, roles that carry greater responsibility and higher salaries.

Registered Nurses (RNs):

Transitioning to RN roles requires completing an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing but builds directly on the CNA’s patient care experience.

Medical Assistants:

CNAs looking for more regular hours and administrative tasks often consider this route.

Specialty Roles:

CNAs may specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, or home health through continued education.

Some employers offer tuition assistance to support CNAs in pursuing further nursing education.

How to Become a CNA: Step-by-Step Certification Process

To become a CNA, you must:

Meet Prerequisites:

Most states require a high school diploma or GED.

Enroll in a State-Approved CNA Training Program:

These typically range from 75 to 180 hours, combining classroom instruction and clinical practice.

Pass the CNA Exam:

The certification exam includes a written test and a practical clinical skills component.

Join the State Nurse Aide Registry:

This registration is required to legally work as a CNA in most states.

Some states may require additional background checks or screenings. Visit your state’s health department or nursing board website for exact requirements.

CNA Certification Timeline

Week 1-2: Select and apply to a certified program.
Week 3-10: Complete coursework and clinical hours.
Week 11-12: Take and pass your state competency exam.
Week 13+: Receive certification and start job applications.

With proper planning, you can become a certified CNA in as little as 3–4 months.

Study Tips and Resources for CNA Exam Success

To excel on the CNA certification exam:

Use practice tests to simulate exam conditions.
Study core topics: infection control, vital signs, patient safety, and medical terminology.
Review video tutorials and updated guides (check sites like Nurse.com and the CDC for credible learning materials).
Join peer study groups or forums to share strategies and insights.

Today, many programs incorporate interactive simulations and digital tools for more immersive preparation.

A Day in the Life of a CNA

Most CNAs begin their shifts by reviewing patient assignments and preparing care plans. Daily duties include:

Assisting patients with hygiene and movement
Monitoring changes in condition
Updating patient charts
Collaborating with nurses and physicians
Providing emotional support to patients and families

It’s a demanding role — both physically and emotionally — but many CNAs report a deep sense of purpose from helping others recover and feel dignified.

Essential Skills Every CNA Must Master

Patient handling and safety techniques
Infection prevention and hygiene protocols
Vital signs measurement
Effective communication with patients and medical teams
Medical documentation and charting

These foundational skills will not only help you pass your certification but also prepare you for more advanced nursing roles.

Continuing Education and Advancement Opportunities

Many CNAs pursue continuing education to expand their career potential. Options include:

Bridge Programs (CNA to LPN or RN)
Specialty certifications in geriatrics, dementia care, or hospice
Online CEUs for maintaining certification and gaining new competencies

The flexibility of online training allows CNAs to upskill while working full-time.

Industry Trends: The Future of CNA Careers

The demand for CNAs is projected to grow steadily through 2030, particularly in:

Home health care
Assisted living facilities
Rehabilitation centers

Emerging trends influencing the CNA field include:

Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Digital literacy is becoming essential.
Telehealth support roles: Some CNAs now assist with remote patient monitoring.
Simulation-based training: Prepares CNAs for complex patient scenarios in real-time.

With an aging population and growing emphasis on compassionate, cost-effective care, CNAs are positioned to play a pivotal role in modern healthcare systems.

Global Perspective: Gain CNA Experience Through Go Elective

Want to explore healthcare from a global lens? Go Elective offers pre-nursing internships in Kenya and Tanzania, ideal for students interested in hands-on clinical exposure before or after completing CNA training.

Interns shadow experienced nurses, assist with patient care, and explore departments such as:

Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pediatrics
Emergency Medicine
Community Health
Internal Medicine, and more.

These internships are especially valuable for students planning to pursue CNA certification, LPN licensure, or nursing school. Learn more about how a nursing internship abroad can strengthen your experience and confidence.

Is a CNA Career Right for You?

If you’re compassionate, dependable, and eager to enter the healthcare workforce quickly, CNA certification could be a powerful starting point. It offers:

Fast entry into patient care
Flexible career pathways
Strong job security and growth potential
Deep personal fulfillment

By pairing your CNA journey with international experience through Go Elective, you’ll gain not only essential clinical skills but also a global healthcare perspective — something admissions committees and employers value highly.