Each state has a set of guidelines outlining the amount of time required for CNA training and testing - also referred to as Certified Nursing Assistant. The first step in determining how to become a CNA is to understand your local requirements by visiting the State Nurse Aide Registry and/or State Licensing Board.  Many CNAs start their career as caregivers to gain experience before and during CNA school, which varies from a few weeks to a few months.  There are varying degrees of caregivers from uncertified to certified caregivers (e.g. 10 hour caregiver certification program by the Professional Association of Caregivers).

Although the job description for a CNA is fairly standard across the board, CNA job duties are highly dependent upon the needs of the person(s) cared for and the type of company you work for.  A CNA job description often includes the following:

CNAs can work directly with patients, in a hospital, for an assisted living home, or with a senior home care agency.  All caregiver and CNA jobs posted on myCNAjobs are through a company - most often, a senior home care agency.  

For those looking to become officially certified as a Certified Nursing Assistant, there are hundreds of CNA schools throughout the country. CNA programs range from part-time to full-time and are flexible to meet the demands of a working caregiver. 

If you’d like to learn more about 10-hour Caregiver Certification, visit our partner.  To learn more about local CNA schools, check out our comprehensive local CNA school directory.