Becoming a Nursing Assistant

Becoming a part of the healthcare field offers many exciting prospects for those who choose to enter the field. Many dream of becoming nurses, but they are not exactly sure what to do expect from the profession.

Before beginning a CNA program, students must either have a high school diploma or a GED. This is the only prerequisite to begin a program. A few of the education options that Nursing Assistants have are community colleges and technical colleges.

The American Red Cross is one of the other options that students have to earn their education. In addition, many programs also require that students receive a minimum of 16 hours of practice in facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.

Benefits of Being a CNA

  • No Prerequisites – This is one of the only careers that do not require certain courses or degrees to enter the program. Students only need a GED or high school diploma to begin a CNA program.
  • Competitive Salaries – The average annual salary for a CNA is $29,000. Some CNAs can make as much as $40,000 to $50,000 annually in some states. The more experience they have, the more money they make.
  • Stepping Stone Job – No other career can prepare individuals to become nurses like a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs learn the basic skills that are the foundation of any nursing career.
  • Short Training – This training program is one of the only nursing programs that students can complete in just a few weeks. Students can begin working much sooner by studying to become CNAs.
    Becoming a CNA makes it easy for Nursing Assistants to transition to positions as Registered Nurses if they choose to do so.
  • Fast Growing Career – The field of healthcare is growing very rapidly. Nursing careers are expected to see an increase between 19% and 22%, depending of the type of nurse that students want to become. Positions as CNAs are one of the only positions that are expected to see an increase in demand through the year 2018.
    Celeste Botonakis
     

    On the Nursing Assistant Guides blog, certified medical assistant Celeste Botonakis explores the daily life of a CMA. She'll keep you up-to-date with the latest on what’s happening in the field, and provides tips for those who are interested in becoming a medical or nursing assistant. Celeste has served in the medical field for over six years, and is passionate about helping people. She currently works at CSR Primary Care in Skokie, Illinois. Click here to learn more about Celeste Botonakis and NursingAssistantGuides.com.