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Certified Nursing Assistants, also known as Nurse Assistants or CNAs, are trained to provide safe and high quality medical care. They work under the direction of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or licensed vocational nurses to meet the basic healthcare needs of their patients in a variety of different settings. Employment is often through a hospital, nursing home, or other care facility. There are also home care organizations that hire and place CNAs with in-home patients that require medical supervision and caretaking.
A career as a CNA can be very rewarding. If you are interested in starting a new career or obtaining training in the healthcare industry, working as a CNA may be the right fit for you. Now is a great time to pursue a CNA career as many options for convenient and flexible online CNA training currently exist.
Becoming a CNA is a great way to begin working in the healthcare field after just several months of training. If you are thinking about becoming a CNA, it may be helpful to understand what steps you must take. Generally, in order to become a CNA, one must complete the following:
Enroll in a Nursing Assistant training program or CNA classes online
Complete a Nursing Assistant training program
Pass the Nursing Assistant Competency Certification Examination (NNAAP Exam)
Pass a background check and drug screening
Follow state specific guidelines in order to receive CNA certification or licensure
Most states require CNA certification but some may also require licensure. It is important to research the state in which you will be working to find out the specific requirements, especially if you are planning to take online CNA classes.
Many vocational and technical colleges and even some hospitals and nursing homes offer traditional CNA training programs. These programs usually take an average of 6 to 8 weeks to complete and are completed on-location (some may take as little as 3 weeks or as many as 12 weeks). They often consist of some time spent in a traditional classroom setting with other students, learning out of textbooks and through lectures, and some time spent working in a healthcare facility practicing with actual patients. Traditional training programs work well for individuals who are not working or are working part-time as the hours of classes and clinicals are generally not very flexible and require in-person attendance, as compared to taking CNA classes online which is a more flexible option.
Certification as a nursing assistant can be obtained through traditional classes, but if in-person classes do not fit into your schedule then online CNA certification is a convenient option. There are many different programs which offer the necessary classes for becoming a CNA in an online format. Many are offered through vocational and technical colleges or by medical education schools with e-learning platforms.
Online CNA certification requirements are managed on a state-by-state basis and many states require a combination of classroom hours and clinical hours. Classroom hours include time spent in the “classroom” (which can be completed online), and clinical hours include time spent doing “hands-on” training directed by a registered nurse. There may also be options for completing all of the training solely online, depending on your specific state’s regulations. Completing classroom hours via CNA classes online is a great option for students who work full-time or who need more flexibility in their training schedule.
Each state has specific requirements about the amount of training a CNA needs to complete. The general minimum amount is 75 hours of classroom experience plus additional hours of hands-on clinical experience. 75 hours is a lot of time to spend sitting in a classroom. If you have a full-time job or family that you need to take care of, spending 75 hours of your time in a classroom in order to become a CNA may not be possible. Fortunately, you do not have to give up becoming a CNA as there are other options available.
Many technical colleges as well as medical education programs now offer the option of completing the classroom hours for CNA classes online. This means that, instead of having to leave your home and drive to a campus to participate in CNA training, you can stay home and learn everything you need to know by participating in online CNA classes. This gives you the ability to train to become a nursing assistant while still being able to care for your family or work a full-time job. It also saves you time and money as you do not need to worry about driving to a campus location.
Online learning often consists of discussion groups and video lectures, as well as online assignments and examinations. With some “self-directed” online learning options, you can complete the training at your own pace. There will be direction from an instructor, but the assignments and exams can be done at your own pace and on your own time. Other online learning options may require that you complete the classes within a certain time frame, or log on at certain times to participate in chats or exams with the instructor and other students in real time. In either case, CNA classes online can be beneficial and can provide the same amount of quality instruction as in-person classroom learning.
Online CNA training programs make it possible to train to become a CNA from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule without having to give up time at your job or with your family.
In order to enroll in CNA training courses, there are often several pre-requisites. Each program will have specific pre-requisites so it is important to consult the course information you are given. Below is a general list of common requirements for CNA training across the United States.
The prerequisites for CNA classes online will vary; however, if you meet the above requirements, you are already on your way to being eligible for CNA training programs and becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Once you have made the decision to pursue a CNA career, you must then decide where you will go to receive your training. There are many different options available. CNA training classes are offered through community colleges, technical or vocation colleges, the Red Cross, Hospitals, and some Nursing Homes. There are also many offerings for online CNA training. Online CNA classes are convenient and can be a very beneficial option. Once you have chosen your desired program, you will need to complete the application process and pay all of the applicable fees. In most cases, your application will be reviewed and you will then be notified of whether or not you are qualified and able to attend the CNA training program.
Choosing the right CNA program is an important decision that can have a big impact on your future career as a nursing assistant. When considering different programs, here are some factors to keep in mind:
A CNA works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to help meet the basic healthcare needs of vulnerable patients and care for their physical and emotional well-being. As healthcare workers, CNAs need to learn basic medical skills and terminology, as well as patient care. CNA training will typically cover topics such as patient hygiene, infection control, vital signs, nutrition, communication skills, emergency procedures, and patient comfort. CNA classes will also provide information about medical ethics and healthcare laws as well as proper preventative and safety practices. By taking CNA classes online you’ll have the opportunity to learn all of these skills through web-based study and evaluation, on your own time and schedule.
In addition to completing the online “classroom” learning portion of CNA training, most states also require students to spend a certain number of hours doing on-site clinical work. It is usually fewer hours than are required in the classroom and is an important opportunity to practice the skills taught online in a real world setting. Clinical instruction usually takes place in a local nursing home, care facility, or hospital. In some cases it may also take place in a lab simulating a real world nursing care environment. Nursing assistant students are instructed in a clinical setting by a licensed supervisor who will ensure that the student is practicing proper technique and demonstrating full knowledge of patient care skills. Once a student has successfully completed both the classroom and clinical portions of a nursing assistant training program, they may then move on to pursue the state certification and licensure.
Certification for CNAs is regulated on a state-by-state basis. Some states require certification or licensure and some require both. These requirements are usually listed on state specific department of health or board of nursing websites. Once you know the specific requirements for the state in which you would like to work as a CNA, you can begin working towards certification or licensure. Most healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, private clinics, and hospitals will require their CNAs to be certified with the state and/or listed on the state registry of nursing assistants. Generally, in order to receive certification, a student must complete and pass a state approved certification exam upon completion of their CNA training program. Be sure to contact your state’s nursing board to double check your specific state requirements before enrolling in CNA classes, to verify the training will meet your state’s standards.
As of November 2024 the most popular CNA certification exam is the NNAAP. The NNAAP exam is made up of two sections: a written test and a skills demonstration test (think applying CPR to a manikin or patient simulator). The NNAAP exam, conducted in both English and Spanish, is currently utilized by the following regions:
| Alabama | Maryland | Rhode Island |
| Alaska | Minnesota | South Carolina |
| California | Mississippi | Texas |
| Colorado | New Hampshire | Virginia |
| District of Columbia | North Carolina | Virgin Islands |
| Georgia | Pennsylvania | Washington |
*United States territories Guam and the Mariana Islands also utilize the NNAAP exam for nurse aide certification.
Each individual state will have a different process for certification testing; however, generally, these are the steps that you can expect to follow in order to take a nursing assistant certification examination:
The certification exam is the final step in becoming a CNA. Your CNA training program should be able to give you detailed information about applying for and completing your state’s certification exam once you complete your online CNA classes and pass your training program. The exam will usually consist of a written test with multiple choice questions. Some state certification tests also include a portion in which you will be required to demonstrate some hands on knowledge and nursing skills.
Many states require individuals who wish to take the CNA certification exam to be CPR certified as well. CPR certification is also often required by medical facilities which hire nursing assistants. Some employers may also require first aid certification. Obtaining CPR and First Aid certification will take some time and money, but it will likely benefit you long term as you pursue certification and employment as a CNA. Some CNA training programs and CNA classes online may also list CPR or First Aid certification as a prerequisite for entering the program. Being CPR and First Aid certified will be a benefit to your career if you are looking to work in the healthcare field.
Nursing Assistants can find employment in many different locations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most nursing assistants find work in nursing homes, but they can also find work in hospitals, private clinics, retirement or assisted living facilities, and as home health aides. Some schools or daycare centers, as well as urgent care facilities or doctor’s offices also employ CNAs. Essentially, CNAs work anywhere registered nurses are employed and may need assistance or any facility where patients are in need of monitoring and general welfare care. CNAs go by many different job titles such as nursing assistant, nurse aide, personal care aide, personal care attendant, home health aide, or companion care provider.
Certified nursing assistants work with some of the most vulnerable and fragile patients in the healthcare system. The most common type of patient is likely elderly and a resident in assisted living, nursing home, or hospice care. These types of patients can be very difficult to deal with and a job as a CNA is not always easy. CNAs often care for patients who are physically and mentally disabled and who may be scared, angry, or emotionally distant.
A CNA may be the only person with which elderly patients interact on a daily basis. CNAs provide healthcare, but they also provide emotional support and companionship. Effective and kind communication skills will benefit a nursing assistant as he or she cares for his or her patients. A CNA must be able to perform their duties professionally with compassion, patience, and respect as well as a proper concern for safety and medical ethics.
A job as a CNA involves long hours and can sometimes be challenging. CNAs are employed every day of the year and shifts run 24/7 as healthcare services (such as hospitals and nursing homes) do not break for holidays or weekends and patients are always in need of care. Of course, not every CNA job will require long hours or holiday time, and CNAs work hours are shift-based, sharing the workload with their co-nurses. However it is important to know that in the medical field long hours and holiday work is possible and often necessary. A plus to this, however, is that schedules can be flexible, as shifts run 24/7 x 365.
CNA work can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Moving immobile patients from a bed to a wheelchair, for example, take a toll on the body and be quite tiring. Dealing with depressed patients or those with dementia can be emotionally trying as well. But take hope; CNAs who love to help others and feel a sense of pride in their important work will be well respected and enjoy their career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
CNAs are an integral part of the healthcare system. They provide for the most basic health needs of their patients. On a day-to-day basis they may perform many different types of tasks. CNAs take and report patient vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature as well as height and weight. They also assist patients with eating, dressing, and bathing when they have difficulty completing these tasks on their own. CNAs may also be called on to help transport patients from their beds to wheelchairs or from one room to another. CNAs may also dispense medications or help with bandaging and wound care as directed by a supervising nurse.
All nursing assistants, by law, work under the supervision of a registered nurse, a licensed vocational nurse, or a licensed practical nurse. Only a licensed nurse can delegate work to a CNA. CNAs may assist with charting and recording patient information as well as relaying patient needs and concerns to the head nurse or supervisor. CNAs provide necessary services for their patients or residents every day.
As the baby boomer generation in the United Stated ages, the need for qualified healthcare workers grows. CNAs are the main providers of day-to-day care in many nursing homes and assisted living facilities, so as the populations of these facilities increases, so too will the demand for CNAs. Due to this increased demand, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nursing assistants is expected to grow by 21% by the year 2022, which is faster than average. The states with the highest number of working CNAs are New York, California, Florida, and Texas. The average annual wage for CNAs, according to the BLS, is $26,250. Top CNA wage earners make around $36,000 per year. Individual wages for CNAs can vary greatly depending on the facility, geographic location, and experience level of the employee. The states with the highest annual mean wages for CNAs are Alaska, Nevada, New York, and Connecticut.
Absolutely! There are many online programs for those wishing to become a CNA or other form of nurse or healthcare professional. There are dozens of programs within the nursing field, of which the most popular concentrations include:
Most academic institutions across the country will accept at least some transfer of online credits from another accredited institution. However, it is important to check with your College or University to ensure that the online credits you are considering will transfer. We recommend speaking with an academic adviser from your College or University before enrolling in any online courses, to ensure that your hard work and tuition dollars will be accepted as future transfer credits.
Online classes are often more convenient than traditional classes, as they better accommodate busy schedules offering flexibility to work after hours and on irregular time-frames. There is much debate in traditional academic circles as to if online courses are as good or better than traditional classroom models. Ultimately, however, it is up to you to determine if online training classes are right for you. There are many differing learning styles, and both online classes and traditional classes have their purpose.
Yes! Many online classes are cheaper than traditional classroom driven models. This is primarily due to the lower overhead of an online class. Online courses are also able to host larger class sizes, and teacher rates can often be lower than traditional in-classroom professors. Students will also save on transportation and commuting costs, or on-campus housing and dining plans if enrolled in online classes from home.
Online CNA classes generally cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000. Cost may vary greatly depending upon the institution and the state in which you live and the length of the program. Keep in mind that there are generally some additional costs involved in taking the CNA certification exam and receiving licensure within your state.
The length of CNA training can vary from program to program. A few accelerated online courses can be completed in as few as 4 weeks, but most will take 8 to 12 weeks. Almost all traditional CNA training programs take less than 6 months to complete. Online CNA classes can sometimes be completed faster than traditional programs, but this is not always the case.
Just like traditional classes, online classes have a cap, and can fill up once this maximum capacity is reached. Online classes, however, can often accommodate larger class sizes than traditional classes, due to their limited overhead compared to the traditional class model. The size of an online classes vs traditional is also dependent upon the size of the College or University. Universities with very large lecture halls may have larger traditional class sizes than online courses, while smaller community and technical colleges often have larger online class sizes due to their on-campus design.
There are indeed online classes to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)! Many online colleges and universities have a Diploma in Practical Nursing program which is designed to help students prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam and hit the ground running in their career as an LPN nurse. Employers may see a Diploma in Practical Nursing as a differentiator to other applicants who have just simply passed the NCLEX-PN exam. When considering online LPN programs look for accreditation through a nationally recognized governing body such as the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, (NLN CNEA). If you are already a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and interested in receiving your Practical Nursing (PN) license, see our CNA to LPN page, or if you are in California or Texas, CNA to LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse).
Online classes will not make professors “extinct”. Rather, a shift to more online education models will shift the role of a professor in tandem. Most online classes have a professor running them, posting the videos, assignments, notes, and administering the tests. A professor of an online course will often teach traditional classes as well, simply adapting the course material to the format in which it is delivered. There are also many programs, certifications, and degrees that require hands-on, in-classroom instruction (such as labs).
One item of note, however, is that the average online class is larger than the average traditional class. As online classes can accommodate more simultaneous students, there may be some downsizing of professor staff and not as many teachers are needed. However, this shift may not occur for many years, as the enrollment rate of online courses would need to grow considerably from current levels to require the need to displace some professors.
While enrollment rates for online classes are steadily growing year over year, they are not expected to overtake traditional learning anytime soon. Adoption for online courses is certainly growing, however there is a high concentration with just 5% of schools accounting for almost 50% of online student enrollment in 2024. Furthermore, over half of all students who enroll in an online course will also take some form of traditional in-classroom credits during their education. Overall, the education statistics clearly show a growing trend towards online education, as each year in recent history the percent of online course enrollment has been increasing.
The medical field is fast evolving, and must continually adapt and evolve to the changing landscape. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, there have been numerous changes in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, hygiene protocols, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. The OCR has issued a bulletin on Civil Rights Laws and HIPAA Flexibilities that are in response to the COVID-19 emergency. The OCR’s Notice of Enforcement Discretion allows nurses to care for patients digitally, over the internet, through commonly used apps like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom. This forced response to the COVID-19 crisis has revolutionized the healthcare sector, paving the way for a new era of telehealth remote communications from nurses to patients. In response, many online nursing programs have adapted their training curriculum to include telehealth and HIPAA training.
For those nursing practitioners in Nursing Management or Nursing Informatics, you will need to familiarize yourself with the latest in HIPAA regulations due to changes in telehealth protocols. The duties and requirements of Nursing Informatics is rapidly changing in these unprecedented times, and it is essential that medical staff remain informed.
Nursing assistants are entry level workers in the field of nursing. They perform very important work and should never be viewed as less important than other healthcare workers. Working as a certified nursing assistant can be a personally fulfilling career for many, but for others it may be a great first step towards other careers in the healthcare industry. With a bit more online classes and training CNAs can receive additional certification and advance their healthcare careers.
For example, a CNA can receive additional training to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT). PCTs are trained in drawing blood, wound care, performing ECGs, inserting IVs, and operating dialysis equipment. CNAs can also receive additional education to work as Licensed Practical Nurses or Licensed Vocational Nurses, and even study to become a Registered Nurse. Each of these types of nurses take on more responsibilities for patient care and oversee CNAs. Working as a CNA will give you access to an inside look at the healthcare system and may help you decide if you are interested in pursuing further training to advance as a PCT, LPN, or RN. A career as a CNA can be an end goal in itself, but it can also serve as a stepping stone on a path to a nursing career.
At ThinkCNAOnline.com, we strive to provide in-depth information on topics that matter to CNAs. Here are some examples of the types of articles you can expect to find on our site:
Are you interested in tacking charge of your career path and want to become a CNA? Great! It is exciting to know that you can begin to pursue CNA training without interrupting your current work and life schedule by taking CNA classes online. Online CNA classes are convenient and widely available.
Online classes can benefit any type of student, but they are especially helpful for adult learners, full-time workers, or those looking to switch career paths. Becoming a CNA is one of the quickest ways to enter the healthcare field as most training programs can be completed in 4 to 12 weeks. Online learning can help you achieve your educational goals while allowing you to continue working your normal job. If you meet the basic enrollment requirements you could soon be on your way to a new fulfilling career as a CNA.
Certified Nursing Assistants make a difference everyday in the lives of their patients and their families by being essential support members of the healthcare team. With the growing demand for CNAs as well as the convenient access to online CNA training, now is a great time to pursue a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Request more information on becoming a CNA online and see how easy it is to get started.
American Nurses Association | National League for Nursing | American Nurse
