How long can you work as a cna without certification

Becoming a CNA

Dissimilar from other professionals in the nursing field, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are not required to hold a college degree. However, training is required, resulting in a postsecondary non-degree certificate or diploma. CNA credentials are issued by state, so prospective nursing assistants just need to enroll in a state-sanctioned training program and then pass a state certification exam.

What Are the Education Requirements for a CNA?

When becoming a CNA, individuals are required to have obtained a high school diploma or GED, plus nursing assistant training. You can find these programs at community colleges, trade schools, and medical facilities. Before enrolling, prospective CNAs should be sure the program they're looking into is approved by their state’s nursing board and by the National League for Nursing Accredited Commission (NLNAC).

Upon successful completion of CNA training, individuals will subsequently be required to pass a CNA certification examination. This exam consists of two parts – a written part and a practical part. The written exam will be taken in a group setting and typically consists of a number of multiple choice-style questions. Test takers have 90 minutes to answer. The second portion, the clinical skills exam, is administered one at a time with a single test proctor/observer. Individuals will be tested on four randomly selected clinical skills to demonstrate their competency. They will have 30 minutes to complete this section of the exam.

Read about CNA programs.

Any Certification or Credentials Needed?

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) evaluates and monitors nursing education programs at all levels. Although the federal government does not involve itself at the accreditation level per se, the U.S. Department of Education does provide oversight of the accreditation process, and it also maintains a database of accredited schools; read more about CNA training.

Where Do CNAs Work?

There are a wide variety of environments in which CNAs can find themselves working. However, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that a significant portion of nursing assistants are working in places like hospitals, nursing care facilities and/or assisted living facilities for geriatric patients. Other settings they can be employed in include private doctors’ offices, urgent care centers, and community clinics. Additionally, CNAs can also work as home health aides or in hospice, helping care for patients in the comfort of their own homes.

What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?

Certified nursing assistants work under the supervision of licensed nursing professionals. They care for patients who are infirm, ill, injured, disabled, and otherwise unable to care for themselves. In many settings, CNAs are the health professionals whom patients encounter most often. A CNA performs a variety of basic duties that are important for the patient's comfort and recovery. These tasks vary depending on the employment setting.

What Are the Roles & Duties of Certified Nursing Assistants?

The roles and duties of CNAs can include the following:

  • Turning or repositioning bedridden patients
  • Taking patients' temperature, blood pressure and other vital signs
  • Answering patient calls
  • Documenting patients' health issues and reporting to nurses
  • Feeding patients, measuring and recording their food and liquid intake
  • Cleaning rooms and bed linens
  • Helping with medical procedures
  • Dressing wounds
  • Gathering supplies for the RN or MD
  • Bathing patients
  • Combing hair, shaving, caring for nails and brushing teeth
  • Stocking supplies
  • Preparing rooms for admissions

CNA FAQs

Rules and standards for renewing expired CNA certifications will vary from state to state. In California, for example, if your certification is more than two years expired, or it is more than two years since you have worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant, you are required to have 24 hours of continuing education as well as sit for a Competency Evaluation. Check with your state’s governing board for the requirements on renewals.

Many nursing students find value in working as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) during nursing school to add to their basic care and time-management skills. Most employers will allow nursing students to bypass the requirement of being certified, but check the job announcements for these allowances. Many states will allow those with nursing education and background to sit for the examination without taking an official CNA course. Check with your local state certifying board for details.

Enrollment in an accredited BSN program and completion of foundational nursing skills coursework may qualify the student for certification as a CNA. Depending on the state-specific Board of Nursing regulations, BSN students may apply for CNA certification and listing on the state Nurse Aide Registry. Some states require that students sit for a CNA registry exam regardless of enrollment in an accredited nursing program, while other states accept completion of nursing courses as verification of skills testing.

Certified Nursing Assistant Salary & Employment

As the baby boomer population ages, there will be an increased demand for preventive medical care. The growth rate over the next decade for a certified nursing assistant shows an estimate of 9% according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and 2018 showed a surge of over one million jobs in this field.

According to the BLS, the median average annual salary for certified nursing assistants in 2018 was $28,530. It is important to note that this does vary depending on the setting. See our insights into a CNA salary.

For increased salary and employment growth options consider a CNA to RN program.

Helpful CNA Organizations, Societies, and Agencies

  • National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
  • National Assistants Organizations
  • Home Healthcare Nurse Association
  • National Association of Home Care
  • American Society of Aging

Do you have to have a license to be a CNA in Florida?

Requirements for a CNA License in Florida To qualify for a CNA license in Florida, applicants must pass a background screening and meet one of the three requirements covered below. Complete a curriculum that follows the Enterprise Florida Jobs and Education Partnership Grant and receive a minimum passing score.

How long can you work as a CNA without certification in Texas?

If so, how long may they work before they must be listed on the nurse aide registry? People who currently are enrolled in a NATCEP may work up to four months in a nursing facility. The facility must terminate anyone who is not on the registry within that time.

What are the requirements to become a CNA in Indiana?

How do I become a CNA.
Complete a 105 hour state approved Nurse Aide Training Program..
Successfully complete both the written and skills competency evaluation..
No age or education requirement..
Start your application now!.

How do I renew my expired CNA license in NC?

You must renew your listing online before the listing expiration date. Click here to obtain the Online Renewal Form (to be completed by the Nurse Aide). Click here to obtain the Online Employment Verification Form (to be completed by a Registered Nurse).