Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are members of healthcare teams who are often nursing students and provide direct, hands-on care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health environments.
Their responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, supporting patient comfort and safety, and communicating patient needs to nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Becoming a CNA is a great option for gaining paid, clinical hours and healthcare paraprofessional experience towards health professional programs such as; BSN, ELMSN, PA, and many more!
CNAs contribute meaningfully to patient care and support positive health outcomes across diverse populations.
General Information
CNA programs are typically short-term and can often be completed in 4–15 weeks, depending on the institution and schedule (full-time or part-time).
Most programs do not require college-level prerequisites, making CNA an accessible entry point into healthcare. Requirements usually include being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, completing required immunizations, and obtaining CPR certification.
After completing an approved training program, students must pass a state certification exam to become licensed.
Many students pursue CNA training as a pathway to nursing or other healthcare careers, as it provides valuable patient care experience and exposure to clinical settings.
How To Become a CNA
Degree: CNA Certificates must be certified by your state's nursing board/health department. These training programs are mainly offered by community colleges. Red Cross chapters, and even nursing homes themselves (meaning you get your license while training for your job).
- Time: Training programs can take anywhere between 4 to 15 weeks. There is a minimum of necessary training hours listed in the prerequisites below.
- Prerequisites: High School diploma/GED Certificate
- Pre-Certification requirements:
- Training Hours (state-mandated)
- 50 hours of classroom training
- 100 hours of supervision under a Licensed Practitioner Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
- Seven hours of HIV/AIDS training
- Competency Exam
Accredited California CNA Programs
Please visit the CDHP to review a full list of available programs accredited by the state of California.