Nurse Aide Resource Center

Thinking of becoming a Nurse Aide?

Nearly 2 million nurse aides provide over 90% of the direct patient care, and make up the largest group of employees working in U.S. healthcare today.

Discover The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Profession

CNAs perform a range of nursing tasks working under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This is considered an entry-level position in the nursing field. It can give you an opportunity to experience hands-on patient care in a paid position, with less training than other healthcare positions.

Supporting a patient’s total care plan, CNAs focus on the physical, social, and emotional needs of their patients and their families. As a nurse aide you might be employed in a hospital, nursing home, long-term or community care facility, or as home health aide working in patient’s homes.

Top Reasons to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Provide direct care to patients
Good salary and attractive benefits
Employment outlook is great!
3-month training — no college degree
Approved CNA programs are affordable
Flexible work with high satisfaction
Start your healthcare career ladder
Get a head start on nursing school

Medical students taking a class on intubation

What would your training be like?

You must complete a training program in your state and pass Certification Testing. Students may choose a full or part-time program. Depending on the type of program, training typically lasts 6 to 12 weeks. Online instruction is also offered by some institutions for part of the training.

Tuition typically ranges between $400 and $1000. Private schools typically cost more than public schools. Financial aid and grants as well as free training opportunities also exist.

Visit Your State's Nurse Aide Website

How do you get Certified?

After completing a state-approved nursing program, students take a CNA competency certification exam. Once nursing assistants pass the certification examination, they are placed on a state registry, and are eligible for employment as a CNA.

The CNA certification examination has two parts: a written test and a skills test. The written section has multiple-choice questions related to information taught during your training. In the skills section, you must perform specific tasks learned in your training course. The full exam typically takes two hours.

I'm Ready To Test