A Certified Nursing Assistant fulfills the need of patient care in hospitals or clinics where nurses may be assigned to 12 or more patients. A CNA can assist patients with ADLs so nurses can focus on what they must do with patients. A CNA observes patients conditions and reports back to the nurse. Work duties may include, but are not limited to, taking vital signs, moving patients, assisting with some medical procedures, feeding patients, and monitoring food and liquid input and output. A CNA is the eyes and ears of the nurse, and should always have a strong knowledge of emergency procedures and be able to stay calm in stressful situations.

Find CNA Jobs

CNA Salary

There are approximately 1.4 million nurses assistants employed in the US. CNAs are employed in a variety of facilities including hospitals, clinics, and home care.

The job growth for CNAs is faster than average, with an expected growth of 21% or more by 2014. A total of more that 500,000 more additional employees will be needed. There are excellent employment opportunities for CNAs across the nation.

As the medical field continuously grows, certified nursing assistants are on the front lines for providing quality patient care. Becoming a CNA is a good idea for someone interested in the nursing field but not sure which path. A CNA job will set you on the fast track to a quality career in the medical field.

There is a lot of turnover in the field of certified nursing assistants as CNAs usually leave or move on for advanced training to be come an LPN or RN. This helps to create the high growth rate for CNAs as well as the overall increased demand for medical professionals.

CNA Job Outlook

In 2004 there where 1.4 million nurses assistants employed in the US. CNAs are employed in a variety of facilities including hospitals, clinics, and home care.

The job growth for CNAs is faster than average, with an expected growth of 21% or more by 2014. A total of more than 500,000 more additional employees will be needed. There are excellent employment opportunities for CNAs across the nation.

There is a lot of turnover in CNA as CNAs usually leave or move on for advanced training to be come an LPN or RN. This helps to create the high growth rate for CNAs as well as the overall increased demand for medical professionals.

CNA Salary

CNA is an entry level position and as such, certified nurses assistants receive the lowest salary of all nursing careers. However, the experience gained is well worth the work, as it provides educational experience in preparation for an advanced nursing career.

The salary of a CNA varies depending on location, shifts worked, and working through private contracts. Those working through private contracts, and nights and weekends can make considerably more.

At payscale.com, the median salary for a CNA in California is 24,000 while lower in Texas at 20,000. In 2002, the median hourly wage for CNAs was $9.59, with a range from $6.98 to $13.45/hour.

According to payscale.com, CNAs who had jobs in schools, government, franchise, and self-employed were the highest earners, while those working in companies and colleges earned the least.

Search For CNA Jobs

Become A Certified Nursing Assistant!

For more information about obtaining a nursing assistant certification, continuing education, professional development or jobs, simply use the Search Tool below.

Find Self-Study, Online, Or Classroom Courses In Your Area

Licensing/Designations
Earn a License or Designation quickly and easily!
Continuing Education
CE courses to maintain your license or designation!
Professional Development
Products & Services to help manage and grow your career!

Need training or resources in other areas? Try our other Training Center sites:

HR, Acct., Banking, Insurance, Fin. Svcs., Real Estate, Mortgage, HealthCare, Safety, Sales, IT