Certified Nurse Assistant Training FAQ

For those considering a career in medicine, becoming a certified nurse assistant (CNA) could be the perfect beginning. CNAs provide a crucial role in hospitals, care facilities and other settings, all while benefiting from a rewarding career. 

However, before starting a career as a CNA, it’s important to understand what the job entails so you can decide if it’s the right career for you. 

What Is A CNA?

A certified nurse assistant, also known as a certified nurse aide, is a medical professional who provides a foundational level of care for their patients. While a CNA can’t administer medicine, they can carry out many vital caregiving functions. A CNA supports nurses as they provide the best possible care for all their patients. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CNA must complete a CNA training program. 

What Is CNA Training?

CNA training covers everything you need to become a certified nurse assistant. Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to:

• Administer CPR.
• Check vital signs.
• Transport patients safely.
• Care for patients’ personal hygiene.

CNA training courses usually last between three and eight weeks, depending on where you’re training and your current level of experience. Part of this training will be classroom-based, while the final few days or weeks will be clinical training.

Who Is CNA Training For?

CNA training isn’t just for those who want a career as a certified nurse assistant. Many nurses-in-training will complete a CNA course so they can work as CNAs as they continue their studies. This gives them valuable firsthand experience and an income to fund their studies. 

Some people also choose to train as CNAs to see if working in the health industry is for them. Since CNA courses are shorter than most other medical courses, it’s one of the easiest ways to explore a career in the health sector without committing to long-term and expensive training programs.

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for CNA training. To succeed as a CNA, you also need good time management skills, strong critical thinking abilities and empathy for those you care for.

What Jobs Can You Get As A CNA?

After becoming a certified nurse assistant, you can work in various medical facilities. As of 2024, 35% worked in nursing care facilities, while 33% worked in hospitals. Others focus on looking after older adults in assisted living communities. If you prefer not to work in a traditional setting, you can provide home healthcare as a CNA. 

Other environments for CNAs to work in include:

• Schools: CNAs working in schools assist school nurses in caring for the students.
• Government facilities: CNAs can work in various government facilities, from military hospitals and medical centers to agencies and clinics.
• Hospices: Working in a hospice, CNAs will support nurses and doctors in caring for terminally ill patients.

Is Becoming A CNA Worth It?

There are several reasons why you might consider a career as a CNA. If you’re passionate about caring for people, you’ll find working as a CNA a rewarding career. You’ll look after people daily, ensuring they receive the best possible care. Many CNAs will see this as the best part of their job, something you can’t get with most other careers.

A career as a CNA can provide good job prospects, too. CNAs are in high demand nationwide, meaning you won’t be competing for a position as much as you might in many other fields. Since CNAs are needed at all times of the day, every day of the year, there’s plenty of opportunity for flexible work and overtime. 

Finally, working as a CNA can provide a stepping stone into other careers in the health industry. Many nurses either start their careers as CNAs or work as one while they complete their nursing degrees.

What Is The Average Salary For A CNA In Massachusetts?

A CNA’s salary can vary, depending on their work location, the type of environment they work in and how much experience they have. The average pay for CNA jobs in MA is about $22 per hour, while the average CNA salary is $45,579.

Based on the national average, government facility CNAs earn the most compared to other CNAs. In 2024, they earned an average salary of $45,760, followed by hospital CNAs with $40,170 and CNAs working in care facilities with $39,170. 

Common CNA FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions that people who are considering CNA training ask. 

Is CNA Training A Good Idea?

If you’re contemplating a career in medicine or are passionate about caring for people, CNA training is a viable option. It’s also a good idea for anyone who enjoys caring for people and wants reliable job prospects.

What Can You Do As A CNA?

As a CNA, you can work in various environments. Each one offers different challenges, and your typical patient will vary from one environment to the next.

You can also use your CNA experience as the foundation for a career as a nurse, paramedic or doctor. 

What Characteristics Are Needed In CNAs?

Successful CNAs are typically compassionate and patient, which makes them the perfect caregivers, even when the patient is upset. They must also be great communicators and comfortable with physical tasks such as lifting. 

How Much Does A CNA Training Course Cost?

You can categorize CNA training costs into several separate expenses. While the course itself usually costs between $500 and $1,000, it’s important to factor in other costs such as the exam, certification and uniform. In total, you should expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 to become a CNA. 

Do CNAs Have To Renew Their Credentials?

In Massachusetts, CNAs must renew their certification every two years. If you’ve worked as a CNA for at least eight hours over the last two years, the CNA renewal process is simple and free. There’s no examination involved — you simply have to apply for the renewal.

Take The First Step Toward Becoming A CNA

Working as a CNA offers a highly rewarding career that can take you anywhere, thanks to the high demand. But to get your CNA career off to the best start, you need expert training. 

At Mount Wachusett Community College, we can deliver this training while supporting you as you begin your career as a CNA. Whether you’re joining us straight out of school, changing careers, or interested in further training, we can support you at every step. Thanks to our career services center, we can also help you find the perfect role after you complete your training.

We also have transfer agreements with many colleges in Massachusetts, meaning you can easily transfer any credits from your CNA course to another degree. This allows you to switch paths and further your career without constraint. 

To find out more about CNA training at the Mount, get in touch with us today.