The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States.
Certified nursing assistants are in high demand, and they make a good salary. But How Much Does a CNA Make? And what qualifications are needed?
Well, I decided to answer all of your questions about becoming a CNA, so let’s get straight to it…
Contents
What Is A CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. CNAs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities.
What are the qualifications needed to become a CNA?
To become a CNA, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam. Most states also require CNAs to be licensed. Licenses are usually valid for two years and can be renewed, and are available from the state Board of Nursing.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a CNA?
The duties and responsibilities vary depending on their employer, but they typically include patient care, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. They may also assist with medical procedures, take vital signs, and transport patients. Each day can be very varied depending on the patients at the hospital that day!
What are the components of a successful career as a CNA?
A successful career as a CNA can be demonstrated by completing a state-approved training program, passing a competency exam, and being licensed in your state. You must also be able to provide basic patient care, take vital signs, and assist with activities of daily living.
What is the skill set needed to be a successful CNA?
As well as the medical training required to be a CNA, you must also be compassionate and have good communication skills. You must be able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks at once. Being able to take orders and follow instructions is also important.
Pros and Cons of Being a Certified Nursing Assistant
Pros
- They make a good salary.
- There is high demand for CNAs.
- They can work in a variety of settings.
- Working with patients can be rewarding.
Cons
- The job can be physically demanding.
- CNAs may have to work long hours.
- You can be exposed to illnesses
- The job can be emotionally challenging.
- Difficult patients can be frustrating.
How Much Does A CNA Earn?
CNAs make really good money compared to other minimum wage jobs. They make around $12 per hour on average but can make up to $15 per hour depending on their employer and their experience level.
Averages Salaries by State
Salaries vary by state; here are a few examples:
- California – an average of $13.61 per hour.
- Texas – an average of $11.76 per hour.
- New York – an average of $12.83 per hour.
- Georgia – an average of $12.03 per hour.
- Florida – an average of $11.50 per hour.
What Are the Lowest And The Highest Paying States?
Alaska is the best paying state for CNAs, where they make an average of $17.14 per hour. The lowest paying state is Louisiana, where they make an average of $11.03 per hour.
How Much Does a CNA Make in Canada and its Provinces?
- Canada – an average of $15.00 per hour.
- Ontario – an average of $17.50 per hour.
- Quebec – an average of $13.00 per hour.
- Alberta – an average of $15.50 per hour.
- British Columbia – an average of $16.00 per hour.
- Nova Scotia – an average of $14.00 per hour.
How Much Does a CNA Make in Europe?
- UK – an average of £11.00 per hour.
- Germany – an average of €11.00 per hour.
- France – an average of €12.00 per hour.
- Spain – an average of €13.00 per hour.
- Italy – an average of €14.00 per hour.
- The Netherlands – an average of €15.00 per hour.
A Day In The Life Of A CNA
A day is typically busy; they work long hours and are on their feet for most of the day, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes!
They may have to transport patients, take vital signs, bathe, dress patients, feed them, and provide other basic care. They may also have to assist with medical procedures and document patient care. Shifts usually last 12 hours, and CNAs may have to work nights, weekends, and holidays. CNA positions can be full-time or part-time.
CNA vs. Similar Professions
CNAs are often confused with other professions, such as home health aides (HHAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
CNAs are different from HHAs in that they must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam. They differ from LPNs in that they do not have to be licensed in most states. However, both professions provide basic patient care and assist with activities of daily living.
Resources For Certified Nursing Assistants
National Association of Certified Nursing Assistants
This organization provides resources and support for CNAs, including a job board and information on continuing education. As well as supporting the health care assistant community with resources and information about certification, and licenses required for this position.
National Healthcare Association
Healthcare professionals who want to maintain their license and certification should check out this organization.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
This organization is dedicated to providing resources and support for nurse practitioners, including certification information.
National Board of Certification for Medical Assistants
By accessing this website, you can find everything related to becoming a medical assistant. Topics range from certification requirements and resources for employment opportunities in health care settings all the way up to tips on how to maintain your professionalism while working as one!
American Nurses Association
This organization provides resources and support for nurses, including information on certification and licensure.
Working In The Nursing Industry
Well, we’ll start with my CNA Job Description to see what it’s all about, along with my CRNA Job Description, Care Coordinator Job Description, my Surgical Nurse Job Description, and my Operating Room Nurse Job Description, in case you’re thinking of expanding your horizons!
Or perhaps you’re still in school and would like to know Can A 16 Year Old Work At A Nursing Home, or maybe Can Teens Work In Nursing Homes? We also have our Companies That Hire For Remote Work From Home Nursing Jobs, and finally, my Top Highest Paying Medical Jobs for alternative job ideas.
When it comes to acing those nursing school exams, I highly recommend the Kaplan series, which includes the Nursing School Entrance Exam Preps 2021-2022: Your All-in-One Guide to the Kaplan and HESI Exams, as well as the ATI TEAS Prep Plus: 2 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online, and finally, The Basics: A Comprehensive Outline of Nursing School Content, all available online in 2023.
How Much Does a CNA Make? – Final Thoughts?
The job of a CNA can be physically and emotionally demanding. However, it can also be very rewarding as they have the opportunity to help people and make a difference in their lives.
If you are considering becoming a CNA, be sure to research the requirements in your state and find a training program that meets your needs. Once you have completed your training and passed the competency exam, you will be well on your way to a successful career as a CNA!
The very best of luck on your journey!
