CNA Requirements: High School Diploma and Beyond
A career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) offers a fulfilling path into the healthcare field, providing essential patient support and care in various settings. Earning your CNA certification online is a quick way to switch careers. It requires only 4-12 weeks of study plus clinical training. This guide explains more about CNA responsibilities, education, and salaries. CNAs, sometimes called nursing assistants or aides, are part of a healthcare team who work under the supervision of a nurse or another member of the clinical staff.
What a CNA Does
CNAs are essential care providers in hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care centers, assisting patients with basic care and life activities. While CNAs do not provide direct medical care, they must have enough healthcare knowledge to recognize when to call for a nurse or other clinician to assess situations where the patient’s health might be changing or at risk.
Key responsibilities include patient feeding and bathing, communicating patient concerns to other members of the healthcare team, and obtaining routine vital signs. CNAs are advocates for their patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being. The work is physically demanding and requires attention to detail.
Work Settings for CNAs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 87% of CNAs work in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, residential care facilities, or home healthcare. CNAs have similar duties across all of these work settings.
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: CNAs mostly care for older adults admitted for longer periods and need help with daily activities. Entry-level CNAs may find more opportunities in these work settings.
Read also: Diploma Requirements Guide
Hospitals: CNAs care for patients of all ages who stay for shorter periods and have various conditions, which allows for more opportunities to learn. Experienced CNAs are preferred.
Home Health Care: CNAs work out of patients’ homes and can be asked to perform additional duties outside of their CNA scope of practice, such as cleaning, cooking, and running errands.
How to Become a CNA
To become a certified nursing assistant, you must first complete a state-approved CNA certification program. The classroom portion of the program is often offered online. Every training program includes 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Clinical training cannot be taken online and must occur in a real-world healthcare setting. Subjects covered in a CNA program include residents’ rights, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, basic restorative skills, caring for cognitively impaired residents, and mental and social services needs.
Educational Requirements
To enroll in a CNA program and sit for a state certification exam, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. After passing the exam, you receive your CNA certification and get added to your state’s nurse aide registry. You can then start applying for positions as a CNA.
CNA Programs Without a GED Requirement
Some CNA classes and programs don’t have minimum educational requirements for admission and only ask applicants to have a clean criminal background, be 16 or 17 years of age (depending on the state), and pass an entrance exam.
Read also: TOPS Eligibility Requirements
Great Basin College
Great Basin College offers prospective certified nursing assistants an accessible, flexible hybrid CNA program that doesn’t require a GED or high school diploma. This 120-hour course takes four to eight weeks to complete and consists of a course on theory, 60 hours of skills labs, and 20 hours of clinicals. The content in this course prepares students to safely and competently work as nursing assistants in Nevada. After completing the program, you will understand the roles and responsibilities of a nursing assistant, be able to perform specific skills, and provide care in accordance with patient rights.
- Duration: 4-8 Weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
- Cost: \$1,613
- Admissions Requirements: Age 16 or older, proof of vaccinations, pass drug screen and background check, BLS certification from the American Heart Association (AHA), and online application.
- Curriculum: Medical Terminology, Clinical Decision Making in Drug Therapy, Nursing Care of Adults in Health and Illness, Nursing Care in Mental Health and Illness, Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents, Patients with Complex Health Problems, Professional Development and Transition to Practice, Health Assessment and Health Promotion, Population Focused Community Health Practicum, Diversity and Healthcare Policy in Rural Environments, and Senior Synthesis Seminar.
Southeast Community College
For nursing assistant classes with no GED required and flexible time frames, Southeast Community College offers a hybrid nursing assistant program with 8-week and 16-week options approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure. The curriculum consists of online coursework and in-person clinicals and is similar to a CNA program. Nebraska doesn’t certify nursing assistants, so graduates receive the title of Approved Nursing Assistant. Students who complete the program and pass the state exam may join the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. Those in need of financial aid may qualify for the GAP assistance program, which provides need-based financial support for non-credit courses.
- Duration: 8-16 weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
- Cost: \$369 (in-state)-\$432 (out-of-state)
- Admissions Requirements: Age 16 or older, fluent English reading, writing, and speaking skills, basic math and computer skills, and online application.
- Curriculum: Intro to Professional Nursing, Fundamentals for Nursing Lab, Fundamentals of Nursing Clinicals, Pharmacology for Nurses, Medical Surgical Nursing, Obstetrics/Gynecological Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, Leadership in Nursing, and Preparation for Nursing Licensure Labs (in-person).
Portland Community College
Although it doesn’t offer an online CNA training, no GED required program, Portland Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant 1 (CNA 1) on-site program prepares students for entry-level healthcare jobs through 80.5 hours of lectures and labs and 75 clinical hours. The curriculum focuses on essential skills, a basic understanding of body systems and major diseases, patient rights, and standard safety precautions in preparation for the state board exam. Most graduates do best on their second for attempt at passing the licensure exam with a 100% pass rate on the written test and a 97% pass rate on the skills portion.
- Duration: 6-10 weeks
- Mode: In person
- Cost: \$1,600
- Admissions Requirements: Age 17 or older, mandatory on-campus orientation prior to first day of classes, background check and drug screen, CPR certification, and online application.
- Curriculum: Principles of Health Care, Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Digestive System, Nervous System, Diseases and Body Systems, Substance Abuse, Standard Safety and Health Precautions, Nursing for Psychological Care, Ethics of Professional Nursing, and 75 hours of Clinicals.
Additional Admission Requirements
Some online CNA programs without a GED requirement may use an admission exam to assess your competency level in reading, writing, math, and computer skills in relation to the program content. Application fees help cover administrative costs and show you’re committed to your education and willing to invest in it. However, depending on your desired program, there may be application fee waivers to help you cover the cost.
Minimum age requirements of CNA programs typically adhere to state laws. They also ensure students have the necessary aptitude, competency level, strength, and professional skills to fulfill their duties, including the interpersonal communication skills CNAs use every day. Students must also be strong enough to meet the physical demands of the job, which often involve lifting, supporting, and transferring full-grown adults.
Read also: Navigating CDL Education
Criminal background checks are required for all CNA programs, regardless of whether you need a GED. This helps protect vulnerable patients and ensures students meet facility regulations for employment. Passing a background check also indicates you can be trusted with people’s confidential health information and to uphold professional ethics and don’t pose a risk of theft or vandalism in the workplace.
Proof of current vaccinations is required for all CNA programs. This shows that you’re in compliance with facility regulations and can safely work. As a CNA, you come face-to-face with people who have compromised immune systems or chronic conditions. Your vaccines reduce the risk of infection of vulnerable patients or an outbreak of an infectious disease.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a CNA
Becoming a CNA has both advantages and disadvantages. The pros of being a CNA make the career a popular choice for people who want to eventually advance their nursing career. However, the cons of being a CNA can be significant.
CNA Salary
CNAs earn a median annual salary of \$39,530, according to BLS data. The lowest 10% of CNAs earn less than \$31,000, while the highest 10% earn over \$50,000. Skills, experience level, work setting, and location can affect how much money CNAs make.
Most CNAs work in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals. CNAs employed by the government earn the highest median annual salary of \$45,760, followed by those working in hospitals, who earn \$40,170.
CNA Certification Requirements by State
CNA certification requirements differ by state. It’s critical to ensure that your CNA program meets your state’s CNA educational requirements. Check with your state board of nursing or department of health to avoid selecting a program that doesn’t meet your state’s criteria.
Oregon CNA Requirements
Oregon credentials Certified Nursing Assistants at two levels: CNA I and CNA II. In order to become a CNA I, an individual must complete training and assessment requirements. A criminal background check is also required.
In order to move up to CNA II status, the nursing assistant must complete an additional training program.
CNA 1 Training and Exam Eligibility in Oregon
The prospective CNA must complete a Board-approved CNA training program. The Oregon State Board of Nursing has provided a list of Oregon-approved CNA programs. Students who enroll in Oregon-approved programs will have a final examination which they must pass with at least 75%. Only then can they be approved to take the state competency evaluation.
Individuals who have completed CNA programs approved by other states may test in Oregon. To be accepted, a program must be at least 75 hours. It must have been completed within the previous two years.
Recent nursing school graduates are also eligible to test as CNAs. International nursing graduates may be approved as well.
Military medics and corspmen are eligible if their training met OBRA requirements and if they have at least 400 hours of nursing related employment during the previous two years.
The CNA I Examination Process
Candidates must take the Oregon Nursing Assistant Competency Examination. The examination consists of two parts: manual skills and written. The written exam may be requested in oral format, but test takers should be aware that it includes some reading comprehension questions; this is to ensure that CNAs can read at a minimal level. The manual skills exam includes actual nursing assistant duties. The prospective CNA will first demonstrate proper hand washing technique, then perform four other random skills such as ambulating with a gait belt, putting on an anti-embolism stocking, or giving a partial bed bath.
Oregon contracts with Headmaster to administer examinations. Some candidates will take the examination in-facility. Other candidates will travel to approved regional testing sites. They are to apply to the Board of Nursing at least three weeks before their desired examination date. They will receive confirmation letters once they have been Board authorized.
Prospective CNAs will take both evaluations the same day. Examination results will be made available online. They are typically posted in the evening one to three business days after the examination. A candidate who fails one of the two evaluations will only be required to retake the one he or she failed. The failure letter must be submitted to the Board along with the required fee.
The examination costs \$106. There is an additional \$35 fee for candidates requesting oral examination. It costs \$70 to retake the full examination. It costs \$45 to retake just the skills examination.
Candidates who complete in-state nursing assistant I courses can expect to receive candidate bulletins from the training program. Applicants are expected to know the contents.
The CNA I Application Process
Some candidates will receive applications from their training program instructors. Candidates can have fingerprints made at their choice of law enforcement agencies. They may use the card provided by the agency or the one sent by the State Board of Nursing. An applicant will need the OSBN Identity Verification form provided by the Board. The fingerprints must be sealed in a manila envelope at the fingerprinting site.
CNA II and CMA Requirements
CNA II programs are also included in the Board approval list. Prospective students will find contact information for the programs.
In order to be eligible for CNA II, a person must be current and in good standing on the CNA I registry.
The Oregon Certified Medication Aide (CMA) credential is also dependent on first earning status as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Prospective CMAs will complete board-approved training programs and take another examination.
Out-of-State CNAs
In order to be granted reciprocal certification at the CNA I level, an out-of-state CNA must have completed a program that met OBRA requirements. In most cases, the CNA must have at least 400 hours of nursing assistant employment experience during the previous two years; the experience must have been under the supervision of a nurse.
The endorsement applicant will need to submit training and certification verification. The application includes a certification verification form. In most cases, the CNA will fill out the top portion and send in to the state of certification. CNAs are advised to contact the out-of-state registry first to make sure their status is current and inquire whether there is a fee that must be submitted with the form.
CNAs from the following states will instead fill out the top portion of the form and send it to the Oregon State Board to carry out the verification process:
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
The CNA endorsement fee is \$60.
Maintaining Your CNA Certification
Your active status on your state’s CNA registry lasts for two years; then you’ll have to renew your certification. If you allow your certification to lapse, you must apply for recertification. Depending on where you live, this could be a costly proposition. Some states allow you to retake the competency exam, but others require that you retake both the required training and the exam.
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