Nursing Assistant
A smiling Nursing Assistant in blue scrubs holds a tablet in a brightly lit medical facility.

Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Nursing degree career guide
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What is a Nursing Assistant? 

Two female Certified Nursing Assistants in blue scrubs and stethoscopes smile as they look at a tablet together in a bright medical setting.

Nursing assistants, commonly known as CNAs, or certified nursing assistants, provide essential, compassionate, hands-on care to patients and residents in healthcare facilities. These dedicated professionals assist patients with daily living activities, monitor health status, and support the broader nursing team in delivering safe, quality care. They work under the supervision of Licensed Practical Nurses and/or Registered Nurses. Nursing assistants are also sometimes referred to as Nursing Aides or Nurses’ Aides in the workplace. For individuals who want to enter the healthcare workforce quickly and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day, becoming a nursing assistant is one of the most direct and rewarding paths available.

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What Does a Nursing Assistant Do? 

Nursing assistants work under the direct supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to deliver fundamental patient care. Their responsibilities are centered on maintaining patient comfort, safety, dignity, and overall well-being throughout the care experience.

Common job duties include:

  • Assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating
  • Monitoring and accurately recording vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rate
  • Helping patients move, reposition, and transfer safely to prevent falls, pressure injuries, and complications of immobility
  • Responding promptly to patient call lights and requests for assistance
  • Observing patients and reporting changes in physical or mental condition to the supervising nurse
  • Maintaining clean, organized, and safe patient environments
  • Providing emotional support and respectful companionship to patients and their families
  • Assisting with restorative and rehabilitative activities under the direction of nursing and therapy staff

How to Become a Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Nursing Associate Degree
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Under 2 years

Approximate Program Length

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72 credits

Total Credits

Program Start Date Icon

May 06

Next Start Date

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Bryant & Stratton College offers nursing programs designed to help students build the clinical knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional foundation needed to succeed in patient care roles. Whether you’re beginning with a nursing assistant certificate or planning a long-term career path in nursing or allied health, our advisors can help you map out the right educational journey. Reach out to an admissions advisor today to explore your options.

To become a certified nursing assistant, individuals must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) competency examination, which includes both a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills performance evaluation. Most state-approved training programs can be completed in 4 to 12 weeks, though minimum training hour requirements vary by state. Upon passing the competency exam, candidates are listed on their state’s nurse aide registry and are eligible to work as CNAs. Renewal requirements also vary by state.

AAS / ADN Nursing NY

AAS / ADN Nursing NY

Build a career centered on care. Our nursing associate degree prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a register nurse, pursue rewarding career opportunities, and open the door to further your nursing education journey. Available in NY state.

Next On-Campus Start Date:
May 06

Total Credit Hours: 64

Approximate Program Length:
Under 2 years

Careers available with this degree:

  • Licensed Practical Nurse
  • Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Registered Nurse
On-Campus
BS Nursing Generalist (OH, WI)

BS Nursing Generalist (OH, WI)

Learn the skills required to pursue a career as a nurse in a clinical setting. Graduates will gain the knowledge to provide support in a wide range of healthcare settings and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and become a registered nurse.

Next On-Campus Start Date:
May 06

Total Credit Hours: 125

Approximate Program Length:
32 months

Careers available with this degree:

  • Registered Nurse
On-Campus
BS Nursing – RN to BSN and RN to BS

BS Nursing – RN to BSN and RN to BS

The online RN to BSN and RN to BS program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This program is for registered nurses who are looking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program is offered online in all states except New York, providing flexibility for working nurses. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to make the transition to professional nursing in a variety of settings.

Next Online Start Date:
May 06

Total Credit Hours: 122

Approximate Program Length:
40 months

Careers available with this degree:

  • Registered Nurse
Online

Next Start Dates

Online & Campus

May 06

Start Date

Our flexible delivery model is designed to cater to diverse schedules and preferences, offering many different terms to accommodate the unique needs of our students. With starts available every 8 to 16 weeks, you have the freedom to choose a timeline that aligns with your lifestyle and commitments.

This approach ensures that you can embark on your educational journey at a time that suits you best, providing the convenience and accessibility necessary for a successful learning experience.

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Where Do Nursing Assistants Work?

Four healthcare professionals, including a Certified Nursing Assistant in blue scrubs, walk together in a bright hallway, carrying clipboards and tablets while engaged in conversation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers of nursing assistants are as follows: nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities), hospitals; state, local, and private, continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly, home healthcare services, and government.  

Nursing assistants work across a diverse range of healthcare settings. Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes) represent the largest employer of CNAs, followed by hospitals, home health agencies, assisted living communities, and residential care facilities.

CNA positions are available in virtually every state and community across the country, making this one of the most geographically accessible careers in healthcare.

Nursing Assistant Career Outlook

The BLS projects 4% growth in nursing assistant employment from 2022 to 2032, consistent with the average for all occupations. This steady demand is sustained by the aging U.S. population, the growing need for long-term care services, and high turnover rates inherent to direct care roles.

The BLS estimates approximately 216,200 annual job openings for nursing assistants over the projection decade, driven by both newly created positions and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation.

A smiling Certified Nursing Assistant in blue scrubs stands with arms crossed, wearing a stethoscope around her neck, in a medical facility with privacy curtains in the background.

Gain Real World Experience at Bryant & Stratton College

Through our partnership network, students are provided with opportunities to actively apply their learnings in real-world settings.

There are several benefits to internship experiences that can impact your career success. Internships can provide insight into the hiring process, help you sharpen your professional skills, and learn to work with confidence in real-world situations.

Plus, internships are a valuable way to prove yourself to potential employers who may want to hire you as a result. You can also start developing a network of peers and mentors you can lean on for guidance and support. If you want to learn how we connect students with local internships that align with their goals, request info today.

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What Are Students Saying?

Browse our Blogs and Unlock Valuable Insights

For insights into a career in the healthcare industry, please visit the Healthcare Degrees section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information about nursing and healthcare careers. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Healthcare Degree Programs page.

Frequently Asked Questions

CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. A CNA is a nursing assistant who has completed a state-approved training program and passed a state competency evaluation examination, earning placement on the state nurse aide registry. The terms “nursing assistant” and “CNA” are often used interchangeably.

Most state-approved CNA training programs can be completed in 4 to 12 weeks, though the exact length varies by state and program format. Some programs are offered part-time and may take longer to complete. Federal law requires a minimum of 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical skills practice, but many states require significantly more.

Yes. Many nursing assistants use the CNA credential as a foundation for advancing into higher-level healthcare roles. Common pathways include becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a registered nurse (RN), or pursuing specialty certifications such as the Certified Nursing Assistant, Advanced (CNA-A) or Certified Restorative Aide (CRA). Bridge and articulation programs at institutions like Bryant & Stratton College can help CNAs earn advanced credentials more efficiently.

Yes, the CNA role involves significant physical activity, including assisting patients with mobility and transfers, which requires proper body mechanics and physical stamina. Healthcare facilities provide training on safe patient handling techniques, and many use assistive equipment to minimize injury risk. Despite the physical demands, many CNAs find the work deeply rewarding due to the direct impact they have on patient well-being.

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