Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Do you have an aptitude for working in long-term care facilities and hospitals to help enhance patients’ lives? Do you want to join a field with an excellent employment growth outlook? You are great for our Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate. 

Before you jump in, check out the internet’s most asked questions about CNAs and an informative video that can answer all of your questions: 

What is a CNA? 

Certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides varying levels of care and support to physically and/or mentally disabled individuals who cannot care for themselves. CNAs care for patients of all ages in hospitals, inpatient mental health facilities, and clinics. Some certified nurse assistants are employed by a patient’s family and make in-home visits. They physically care for the patient and provide companionship. 

How do you become a CNA? 

There are four primary steps to becoming a CNA: 

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED 
2. Complete state-approved CNA training (available online or at hospitals, community colleges, or The Red Cross); 
3. Complete in-person clinical requirement 
4. Pass the certification exam & get listed on your state’s CNA registry. 

What does a CNA do? 

Certified Nursing Assistants  

• Work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse 
• Record weight, height, and patient symptoms for physicians before a physical exam 
• Dress, bathe, and feed patients 
• Help patients with range-of-motion exercises and walking 
• Transport patients 
• Monitor and report changes in patient vital signs, behaviors, or personality to nurses 

How long does it take to become a CNA? 

Generally, most certified nursing assistant programs take between four and 12 weeks. This is broken into instructional hours and clinical practice. A typical 120-hour CNA program offered over six weeks may include four weeks in class and two weeks in a clinical setting, depending on state guidelines. 

The CNA Program at Kennesaw State University’s College of Graduate and Professional Education has a night CNA class that is 108 hours that can be completed in approximately 3 months. The other option is a daytime CNA class that is 100 hours and can be completed in 6 weeks. 

Where can CNAs work? 

CNAs are working in hospitals, doctor’s offices, urgent care centers, clinics, and home health aides. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that many nursing assistants will be needed in long-term care facilities and hospitals to help enhance patients’ lives due to the growing elderly population. The agency also notes that rising admissions to nursing home facilities will create new jobs and scientific and technological advances that increase the lifespan of the general population. 

How to renew CNA license? 

After having a license for two years and qualifying for recertification, CNA’s must complete the application for renewal as a Certified Nurse Aide and be retested to remain a CNA. 

To enroll in CNA courses today, click here.