Overview
In this career, your responsibilities may include:
- Assisting patients with activities of daily care, including feeding, bathing, repositioning, going to the bathroom, and wound dressing.
- Stocking and preparing nursing supplies, cleaning patient rooms, documenting patient information and condition, and assisting nurses with medical procedures.
- Working under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
Job Titles
In your job search, you may find job listings for this career under different titles. You can find some examples of these, as well as more information about this career, at Career One Stop.
Academic Requirements
Typically requires passing a state-approved education program. Obtaining an associate or bachelor’s degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN) would allow you to work as a Registered Nurse, if you do not already have the U.S. equivalent of an ADN or BSN. CNA training usually cannot be applied towards a future nursing degree, although work experience as a CNA may help you get accepted to nursing degree programs.
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Certification
Certification required, also called “registration.” Must complete a state approved post-secondary training program including supervised clinical work, and pass a competency exam in order to be placed on your state’s CNA registry. Seventeen states and territories use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, while 11 states require an exam administered by Prometric.
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Licensure
Licensure is not required to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. However, the required certification process is what other professions would call licensure, as it is regulated at the state level.
Contact us with any questions you might have.