Do I Need A Degree to Become A CNA?

Certified Nursing Assistants provide basic care, and hands-on care to ill, infirmed, or disabled patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The tasks they perform depend on the healthcare facilities, but they generally include: 

  • Responding to patients’ calls for aid  
  • Measuring and recording vital signs  
  • Turning bedridden patients  
  • Wound care  
  • Assisting patients with personal hygiene 
  • Assisting nurses and physicians with medical procedures  
  • Keeping patients’ room clean  

As you can see, a CNA’s responsibilities are not as invasive or extensive as licensed nurses, and so a professional degree is not necessary. CNAs have a vital role in the care and management of patients. This role requires federal and state-mandated post-secondary training to ensure the health and safety of both patients and nurse aides.  

What Does CNA Training Cover?

CNA class requirements depend on the state where you live and plan to practice. There are some aspects of the program that are common to all states, such as the theoretical and practical requirements. All nurse aide programs will include a theoretical component that will cover topics such as infection control, mental health, vital signs, observation and reporting, and personal hygiene. The practical aspect of the program is another common requirement as it gives students the opportunity to put the theory into practice. Hands-on practice begins in the school’s simulation lab and continues in a real-world clinical environment where students care for patients under the direction of the nurse instructor.  

Classes cover the federal minimum of 75 hours of instruction including 16 hours of clinical training and passage of your state’s certification exam. Some states mandate additional training hours for nurse aide students. Arizona has a 120-hour minimum while Maine requires 180 hours. Other states, such as Florida, have a challenge option for students to take the certification exam without completing state-approved training.  

The required hours, topics, and duration of the program depends on your state. Click to learn more about your state’s specific requirements.  

What About the CNA Exam? 

A third-party national testing service will administer the exam after you complete the nurse aide training. Services such as Prometric, Credentia, D&S Headmaster assume the responsibility of scheduling, administering, and delivering of your scores on the nurse aide exam. Most states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) to evaluate your competency as a nurse aide.  

All exams include a theoretical and manual skills component that you must pass to be eligible for certification. The theory is administered as a multiple choice and the skills test requires successful performance of at least five skills based on a given scenario. Both tests are administered on the same day, and scores may be available immediately thereafter in some states.  

Click for a more extensive look at the CNA Exam Requirements For Your State.  

Where Can I Find a CNA Program? 

CNA classes are available at high schools, vocational schools, colleges, rehabilitation centers, healthcare facilities, and private schools.  

What Are Other Requirements to Become A CNA?  

Some states require a high school diploma. Most states require that you pass a criminal background check and be in sound physical and mental health.  

Some other good traits to succeed as a nurse aide include:  

  • Good communication skills  
  • Ability to understand and follow directions  
  • Compassion and empathy  
  • Patience  
  • Flexibility  
  • Ability to work with a team  
  • Ability to stand for extensive hours  
  • Detail oriented  

Other Common CNA Degree Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA? 

The length of the program depends on the number of hours mandated by your state and whether it is full-time or part-time. In general, a CNA program may be completed in 4 to 8 weeks. Some programs can be completed in 2 weeks while others may be as long as 6 months.  

Nursing assistant training providers schedule their program to accommodate a range of students’ scheduling needs and may include evening classes, weekend-only classes, or daytime classes.  

How much does it cost to become a CNA? 

Tuition for nurse aide classes can range from $500 to a few thousand dollars. CNA prep classes in Florida cost $250 to $300. There will be other costs apart from tuition, such as background check, immunization, books, medical supplies, and the nurse aide exam. Healthcare facilities such as rehabilitation centers offer free CNA classes to recruit new employees. They may cover the cost of books and supplies and even the cost of the nurse aide exam.  

Is financial aid an option for CNA classes? 

Financial aid is not typically available for nurse aide training. You can search out low-cost or no-cost programs in your city to help cover your expenses. The American Red Cross offers free training in some areas. Check also with your local healthcare facilities to see what options are available. Your healthcare employer might be willing to sponsor your training. When all else fails, you can apply for reimbursement of your expenses, including the exam cost, if you begin working at a Medicaid-sponsored facility within 12 months of completing the program and passing the state certification exam.