What Education and Testing is Required to Become a CNA?
- Certified nursing assistants can complete their training at a high school, community college or vocational education center. Training programs teach topics such as anatomy, nutrition, personal care skills, and infection control. Nursing assistants who work in mental health facilities may be required by their state to attend a formal training program.
- CNAs who work in nursing care facilities must complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training, notes the BLS. They must also pass a competency evaluation as mandated by federal law. Once certified, CNAs are listed on their state's nurse aides registry.
- Certified nursing assistants can expect an "excellent" job outlook, states the BLS. As the population ages, the demand for nursing assistants is projected to grow approximately 18 percent through the year 2018. In May of 2008, the median hourly wage for nursing assistants was $11.46, according to the BLS. Those working in mental health facilities earned a median hourly wage of $12.77.
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