You do not need a four-year college degree to start a career in direct patient care. For many people, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is one of the more accessible ways to enter the healthcare field, gain hands-on experience, and build a foundation for future healthcare careers.
The opportunity is significant. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nursing assistants had a median annual wage of $42,260 in May 2025. Employment for nursing assistants is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, with about 39,000 new nursing assistant jobs projected during that period. Across nursing assistants and orderlies, BLS projects about 203,300 openings each year, largely because workers leave these occupations or move into other jobs.
But becoming a CNA is not simply a matter of taking a short class and getting a certificate. You generally need to complete an approved training program, demonstrate the required skills, pass your state’s competency requirements, and meet registry requirements.
Here’s what the process looks like in 2027.
What Is a CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant, commonly called a CNA, provides basic hands-on care and support to patients or residents under the direction of licensed nursing staff.
CNAs commonly help with activities of daily living such as:
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing
- Eating and hydration
- Toileting
- Moving and transferring patients
- Positioning
- Measuring vital signs
- Recording and reporting patient concerns
- Supporting patient comfort and safety
BLS notes that nursing assistants work as part of a healthcare team under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs). They commonly work in nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living settings, and other healthcare environments.
A CNA is not the same as an RN or LPN/LVN. CNAs provide supportive care, while nurses have broader responsibilities involving assessment, clinical decision-making, treatment, medication management, and other duties permitted by their license and state law.
What Are the CNA Requirements in 2027?
One of the most important things to understand is that CNA requirements vary by state.
There is no single application process that applies identically across the United States.
Depending on your state, you may need to meet requirements involving:
1. Minimum age
Some states allow CNA training at 16, while others require applicants to be 18 or meet other age requirements.
Check your state’s official nurse aide program before enrolling.
2. Education
Some programs may require a high school diploma or GED, while others may have different educational eligibility rules.
Do not assume that a high school diploma is a universal federal requirement for every CNA pathway.
3. State-approved training
You generally need to complete a state-approved nurse aide training program unless you qualify for another pathway recognized by your state.
4. Competency examination
Applicants typically must demonstrate that they have the knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform CNA duties safely.
5. Background screening
Many states or employers require criminal background checks.
6. Health requirements
Depending on your state and employer, you may need documentation such as:
- Physical examination
- TB screening
- Immunization records
- Drug screening
- CPR/BLS certification
The exact requirements should always be confirmed with your state’s official regulatory agency.
For CNAs working in federally regulated nursing facilities, CMS requires successful completion of the applicable Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) and competency evaluation requirements. CMS states that state survey agencies manage approval of these programs.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA?
There is no single nationwide timeline.
Your total time depends on:
- Your state’s required training hours
- Whether you attend full-time or part-time
- Classroom scheduling
- Clinical or hands-on training
- Background-check processing
- Exam availability
- State registry processing
The general process looks like this:
Choose an approved program → Complete training → Complete hands-on requirements → Apply for the competency exam → Pass the required exam components → Complete registry requirements → Apply for CNA jobs
Some CNA programs can be completed in a matter of weeks, while others take longer.
The important point is to focus on your state’s required training and competency standards, rather than assuming a program advertised online will automatically qualify you.
What Do You Learn in CNA Classes?
CNA training is designed to prepare you for real patient-care situations, not just an exam.
Depending on your state-approved curriculum, you may learn about:
- Patient and resident rights
- Communication
- Infection prevention
- Personal hygiene
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Nutrition and hydration
- Mobility and transfers
- Positioning
- Vital signs
- Basic nursing skills
- Skin care
- Dementia care
- Safety procedures
- Recognizing changes in a patient’s condition
- Reporting observations to nursing staff
- End-of-life and comfort care
CMS materials identify competencies involving areas such as resident rights, person-centered care, communication, basic nursing skills, restorative services, skin and wound care, infection control, pain management, cultural competency, and recognizing changes in condition.
That means your CNA training is about more than memorizing multiple-choice answers.
You are learning how to provide safe, respectful, hands-on care.
How Much Does CNA Training Cost?
The cost of becoming a CNA varies significantly by state and training provider.
Potential expenses can include:
- Tuition
- Registration fees
- Textbooks
- Uniforms
- Shoes
- Background checks
- Physical examination
- TB testing
- CPR/BLS certification
- State exam fees
- Registry fees
- Transportation
A community college program may have a different price from a private career school, while an employer-sponsored program may cover some or all of your training.
This is why it is better to research the total cost of becoming certified, rather than looking only at tuition.
And if the cost seems too high, don’t assume you have to pay everything yourself.
Are There Free CNA Classes?
Yes, free or employer-sponsored CNA training may be available, but availability depends on your location and eligibility.
Here are several places to look.
1. Healthcare Employers
Some nursing homes and other healthcare employers may sponsor CNA training for candidates they want to hire.
The employer may cover some combination of:
- Tuition
- Training
- Exam fees
- Study materials
- Other certification expenses
However, read the agreement carefully.
A “free” program may come with an employment commitment or other conditions.
Ask:
- Is the training completely free?
- Who pays the exam fee?
- Are uniforms included?
- Is there an employment requirement?
- What happens if I leave the employer?
- Are there repayment provisions?
2. Workforce Development Programs
State and local workforce-development agencies may provide financial assistance for healthcare training.
Depending on the program, assistance may cover some training costs for eligible applicants.
Look for programs through:
- State workforce agencies
- Local workforce development boards
- American Job Centers
- Community colleges
- Government-funded training initiatives
Eligibility can depend on income, employment status, age, location, or other program requirements.
3. Scholarships and Grants
Community colleges, nonprofit organizations, healthcare employers, and workforce programs may offer scholarships or grants for healthcare training.
Search for:
- CNA scholarships
- Healthcare workforce grants
- Community college financial aid
- State healthcare training programs
- Local workforce scholarships
4. Community College Programs
Some community colleges offer lower-cost CNA programs compared with private career schools.
Even when a program is not free, financial aid or workforce funding may reduce what you pay out of pocket.
Remember: “Free” may not mean zero cost
A program might cover tuition but still require you to pay for:
- Background checks
- Uniforms
- Transportation
- Exam fees
- Books
- Health screenings
Always ask for a complete cost breakdown before enrolling.
How Does the CNA State Exam Work?
After completing the required training, you will generally need to demonstrate competency.
The exact exam structure depends on your state, but competency evaluation commonly includes knowledge and skills components.
Written or Oral Examination
The knowledge portion may test areas such as:
- Infection control
- Safety
- Patient rights
- Communication
- Personal care
- Basic nursing skills
- Emergency procedures
- Nutrition
- Recognizing changes in condition
Skills Examination
The skills portion requires you to demonstrate selected CNA skills.
Depending on your state and testing program, skills may include:
- Hand hygiene
- Taking vital signs
- Transfers
- Positioning
- Personal care
- Mobility assistance
- Infection-control procedures
CMS regulations establish federal requirements for nurse aide competency evaluation in federally regulated nursing facilities, while states administer and approve their own programs.
Who Administers the CNA Exam?
The testing provider varies by state.
Depending on where you live, your state may use organizations such as:
- Prometric
- Credentia/NNAAP
- A state-specific testing vendor
- Another state-approved examination organization
Because vendors and procedures can change, always check your state’s official nurse aide website before scheduling your exam.
Your state’s regulatory agency should be your primary source for:
- Approved training programs
- Exam registration
- Exam fees
- Testing locations
- Skills requirements
- Retesting rules
- Registry requirements
Why CNA Requirements Are Different by State
One of the biggest mistakes prospective CNAs make is assuming that a requirement they saw online applies everywhere.
States can differ in:
- Minimum age
- Education requirements
- Training hours
- Clinical requirements
- Background checks
- Exam fees
- Testing vendors
- Number of exam attempts
- Registry procedures
- Renewal requirements
- Continuing education
- Reciprocity rules
For example, a training program that meets one state’s requirements may not automatically meet another state’s requirements.
Before enrolling, ask one question:
“Is this program approved by my state’s nurse aide regulatory authority?”
If the answer is unclear, verify it through the official state website before paying tuition.
What Happens After You Pass the CNA Exam?
Passing the exam is an important milestone, but there may still be administrative steps to complete.
Step 1: Check Your State Registry
Many states maintain a nurse aide registry.
BLS explains that nursing assistants who pass the competency exam are placed on a state registry and that they must be on the registry to work in a nursing home. States may also have additional requirements such as continuing education and background checks.
Step 2: Prepare Your Resume
Your first CNA resume can include:
- CNA training
- Certification or registry status
- Clinical experience
- CPR/BLS certification, if applicable
- Patient-care skills
- Communication skills
- Healthcare-related experience
You do not need years of healthcare experience to start applying for entry-level CNA positions.
Step 3: Start Applying
Potential workplaces include:
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Assisted living communities
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Long-term care facilities
- Home healthcare organizations
The right setting depends on your certification, state rules, employer requirements, and personal career goals.
How Much Do CNAs Make in 2027?
According to the latest BLS data, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $42,260 in May 2025.
The lowest 10% earned less than $33,940, while the highest 10% earned more than $51,980.
BLS projects nursing assistant employment to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 39,000 additional nursing assistant jobs projected over that period. Across nursing assistants and orderlies, there are expected to be about 203,300 openings per year on average.
These numbers are national benchmarks, not guaranteed salaries.
Actual CNA pay can vary based on:
- State
- City
- Employer
- Experience
- Facility type
- Shift
- Specialty
- Full-time vs. part-time status
- PRN or per-diem arrangement
BLS also provides state and metropolitan-area wage data through its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, which can be more useful when researching your local market.
Can CNAs Work PRN or Per Diem?
Yes, depending on the employer, state requirements, and available opportunities, CNAs may work in several arrangements, including:
- Full-time
- Part-time
- PRN
- Per diem
- Weekend shifts
- Evening shifts
- Night shifts
PRN and per-diem work can be useful for CNAs who want more control over their schedules or want to supplement another job.
For eligible healthcare professionals looking for flexible shifts, MyShyft is one platform that can be explored for available healthcare opportunities. The platform allows eligible professionals to review available shifts and apply based on the opportunities and requirements in their market.
Keep in mind that flexible work is still healthcare work. A PRN CNA shift can involve the same responsibilities, physical demands, and patient-care expectations as other CNA positions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Becoming a CNA
1. Choosing a Program Without Checking Approval
A cheap CNA class is not necessarily a good choice if it does not satisfy your state’s requirements.
Always verify approval.
2. Assuming Every State Has the Same Rules
CNA requirements can differ significantly from state to state.
Check your state’s official requirements before enrolling.
3. Studying Only for the Written Exam
The competency process can include practical skills.
Practice hands-on skills, not just multiple-choice questions.
4. Forgetting About the Registry
Passing an exam may not be the final administrative step.
Check whether you need to complete additional state registry requirements.
5. Assuming Free Training Has No Conditions
Read the fine print.
An employer-sponsored program may require you to work for the employer for a certain period or meet other conditions.
6. Ignoring the Physical Demands
CNA work can be physically demanding.
BLS notes that nursing assistants spend much of their time on their feet and may frequently need to move patients. The occupation also has one of the higher rates of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Understanding these demands before entering the field can help you decide whether CNA work is the right fit.
Your CNA Career Can Start With the Right Training Program
Becoming a CNA can be a practical way to enter healthcare without spending several years completing a college degree.
The basic pathway is straightforward:
Check your state requirements → choose an approved CNA program → complete your training → prepare for the competency exam → pass the required components → complete registry requirements → start applying for jobs.
If you’re concerned about the cost, don’t immediately assume you have to pay everything yourself. Look for employer-sponsored training, workforce-development programs, scholarships, grants, and community college options.
And once you’re certified, you can choose from different employment arrangements depending on your location and eligibility, including traditional full-time or part-time positions and potentially PRN or per-diem opportunities.
For healthcare professionals interested in flexible work, MyShyft can be one option to explore available shifts after meeting applicable credentialing and eligibility requirements.
The most important first step is simple:
Check your state’s official CNA requirements before enrolling in a program.
That one step can help you avoid paying for training that does not meet the requirements you need for certification or registry eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNA
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026). Nursing Assistants and Orderlies , Occupational Outlook Handbook. The latest BLS profile provides information on CNA duties, training, wages, employment, and job outlook.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026). Nursing Assistants , Occupational Requirements Survey. Provides additional information about the work requirements and characteristics of nursing assistant occupations.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2026). Clarification regarding Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) and Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (CEP) requirements and allowable flexibilities. April 8, 2026.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. State Operations Manual and Nursing Home Guidance. Federal requirements and guidance related to nursing facilities and nurse aide competency.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional career, legal, or licensing advice. CNA training, certification, examination, and registry requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state’s official regulatory agency before enrolling in a training program or accepting employment. Salary figures and job outlook information are based on available national data and may differ by location and employer.