FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is a CNA?
In many areas of the country, the term “Certified Nurse Aide” and “Certified Nursing Assistant” are used interchangeably and both use the abbreviation of “CNA”.
In either case, they have completed formal skills and knowledge based training programs that have been approved by the state and they have taken and passed a state competency and evaluation exam to receive official certification as a CNA. In addition, they work as “paid” employees and are often on a “career path” to pursue additional training. As a result, many CNAs eventually become nurses, doctors and even administrators and directors of major medical facilities.
Because of their formal training, a CNA can interact closely with patients, nurses and doctors as valuable members of the healthcare team. In many situations, they actually work more closely with the patients then any other member of the healthcare team.
CNAs work in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospice facilities, patient's homes and many other healthcare institutions.
According to the US Department of Labor, CNAs are a high demand profession that is expected to be the one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States over the next two decades.
Do you have to be a CNA before you can become an LPN or an RN?
This is not a State requirement or regulation, and many LPNs and RNs were never CNAs. However, an extremely high number of LPNs and RNs did get their start as CNAs. In addition, a growing number of trade schools, colleges and universities require that students complete a CNA program as a prerequisite to admission into a nursing program.
Who do the CNAs work with and assist?
A CNA provides nursing assistance to LPNs, RNs and doctors that are taking care of patients, and (under their supervision) also provides nursing care to the actual patients/residents. Some CNAs work in hospitals, medical clinics or doctor offices. Most work in long-term care and assisted living facilities.
