C ertified Nursing Assistant
If you have compassion and drive, you are well-suited for a role where you’ll be assisting physicians and providing care for patients in a fast-paced environment. This fulfilling career — which doesn’t require 4 or more years of school — can be a stepping stone to many more exciting healthcare positions and opportunities. And, as the U.S. baby boomer population ages, there will be a continued demand for preventive medical care from professionals like Certified Nursing Assistants.
T he Perks
Aside from a high school degree or equivalent, you only need only a couple months of training or experience and the right personality traits to send you on your way to becoming a successful Certified Nursing Assistant.
4
Weeks
It takes 4-8 weeks for training or certification.
11
Growth
An 11% growth is projected for nursing assistant positions from 2016-2026
28,530
Salary
The median salary for a Certified Nurse is $28,530.
CNA
SSM Health
It can be hard job and it takes a caring and compassionate person to do that every day … But in many ways [CNAs] are the backbone of the facility and the rewards of doing work that really matters make it worthwhile.
W hat Do I Need?
Aside from a high school degree or GED, you only need a couple months of experience will send you on your way to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Training Program
Certification
After your training, you’ll take a competency exam to get state certified, signaling you’ve achieved the correct level of knowledge to be a CNA.
Observational Skills
It’s important to be able to observe a patient’s symptoms and behavior in order to lead to an accurate diagnosis.
Quick Thinking
When you do notice a symptom or change in behavior, you’ll need to be able to think on your feet to get them the care they need.
Compassion
Certified Nursing Assistants work closely with patients who may be in pain or nervous about their health, so offering compassion and patience is crucial.
Stamina
Days as a Certified Nursing Assistant can be long and non-stop, so endurance and energy will go a long way.
Training Program
CNAs are required to take a training and competency program (usually 4-8 weeks) where you’ll learn basic care.
Certification
After your training, you’ll take a competency exam to get state certified, signaling you’ve achieved the correct level of knowledge to be a CNA.
Observational Skills
It’s important to be able to observe a patient’s symptoms and behavior in order to lead to an accurate diagnosis.
Quick Thinking
When you do notice a symptom or change in behavior, you’ll need to be able to think on your feet to get them the care they need.
Compassion
Certified Nursing Assistants work closely with patients who may be in pain or nervous about their health, so offering compassion and patience is crucial.
Stamina
Days as a Certified Nursing Assistant can be long and non-stop, so endurance and energy will go a long way.
Y our Resources
Ready to get started? Here are some resources and pathways you can explore to get started in a successful career as a Certified Nursing Assistant!
Patient Care Technician
9-10 weeks, non-credit training prepares individuals for entry-level positions as patient care technicians in local hospitals.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, Applied Technology Services offers a one-year Practical Nursing program at the MET Center in Wellston and South Tech in Sunset Hills. This comprehensive program will prepare you to take the NCLEX-PN exam which is the final step in attaining your license as a Practical Nurse.
