What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant
A certified nursing assistant provides direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. CNAs help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. They monitor vital signs, report changes in patient condition, and maintain a clean and safe environment. The role is essential in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants held about 1.4 million jobs in 2023, with the largest share in nursing and residential care facilities.
Employers such as HCA Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, and Brookdale Senior Living hire large numbers of CNAs nationwide. Many facilities require candidates to complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency evaluation. Some states also list CNA as a high-demand occupation in their workforce reports. For a general overview of the occupation, see the U.S. Department of Labor page on nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant Duties and Daily Responsibilities
On a typical shift, a certified nursing assistant assists patients with personal hygiene, toileting, and grooming. They help patients move in bed, transfer to chairs, and walk using gait belts or wheelchairs. CNAs serve meals, assist with feeding, and document food and fluid intake. They measure and record temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. In hospitals, CNAs often work under the direct supervision of a charge nurse or clinical manager.
In long-term care facilities, CNAs may be assigned to a specific caseload of residents for continuity of care. They observe and report changes in skin condition, behavior, appetite, or mood to the nursing team. CNAs also help with basic medical procedures such as collecting specimens, applying dressings, and positioning patients for exams. Some CNAs specialize in areas such as dementia care, rehabilitation, or perioperative support. For more detail on clinical tasks and scope of practice, see the American Nurses Association guidelines on nursing assistive personnel.
Certification Requirements, Training, and Career Outlook
Most states require completion of a state-approved CNA training program that includes classroom instruction and clinical hours. Programs typically last between 4 and 12 weeks and cover topics such as infection control, patient rights, communication, and basic nursing skills. After training, candidates must pass a competency exam that includes a written or oral section and a skills demonstration. Training programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, the American Red Cross, and some healthcare employers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of nursing assistants to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, driven by an aging population and high turnover in the field. As of May 2023, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was approximately $30,000, with the highest wages in government and hospital settings. Many CNAs use the role as a stepping stone to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. For salary data and job outlook by state, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.