Careers in the healthcare field are plentiful and rewarding. Depending on where you are in your educational track, jobs are available in this field that range from entry-level to highly skilled. One of the quality entry-level positions in the healthcare field is a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, position. This career involves working with patients in a variety of different settings and is generally supported with a fairly competitive salary.
What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant?
A CNA is an individual in the healthcare field who assists patients or clients with a number of needs under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). The position is also often termed as a nursing assistant (NA), a patient care assistant (PCA), or a state tested nurse aid (STNA).
As a CNA, you are responsible for different duties depending on where you work. Nursing assistant positions are often readily available in environments including nursing homes, hospitals, adult day care facilities, personal homes, and assisted living centers. In any environment, the CNA serves as a liaison between the patient and his or her family and the RN or LPN. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a number of common daily duties for CNAs, including bathing patients, dressing patients, transferring patients between beds and wheelchairs, reporting patients’ health concerns, and measuring patients’ vitals.
What is the Average Yearly Income of a Certified Nursing Assistant?
While becoming a CNA does require specific education, explicit training, and even certification exams, the position is considered an entry-level position. The median pay in 2012 for nursing assistants was approximately $24,400 with an hourly wage of roughly $11.73. The position offers a competitive entry-level wage and typically facilitates progression toward other positions in the medical field.
What Type of Education/Preparation is Required to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?
Because CNAs are responsible for medical preparation and care of patients, the position requires specific educational training and preparation. To become a certified nursing assistant, you need to have at least a high school diploma or GED. You also must complete a state-approved education program that is designed to prepare you for the fundamental responsibilities of the position. Most programs include instruction in the basic principles of nursing as well as the completion of supervised clinical work. You can typically receive this type of preparation from a partnered high school program, community college, vocational or technical school, hospital, or nursing home.
In addition to education, you will have to undergo a certain period of on-the-job training depending on where you work and live. Likewise, you also have to take a competency exam following your preparation to be considered a certified nursing assistant. Once you pass the exam, you are placed on the state registry and must meet certain yearly requirements, including continuing education and a clear criminal background check.
