Frequently spending more time with patients than any other health care provider, the Certified Nursing Assistant or CNA has an extraordinary, rewarding job in the Health Care industry.
A candidate for a CNA position must be in good physical health as the job makes demands on your abilities to move patients, lift patients, supplies and equipment. They also must obtain CNA certification. In addition, under the supervision of a someone with a nursing degree, a CNA is charged with many direct patient care duties.
The usual job requirements for a CNA include successful completion of a CNA certification program that is generally of three to six months duration and passing a comprehensive exam that is comprised of a clinical and academic component. At that point one is a CNA.
CNAs provide direct patient care to individuals in many different health-care settings. In order to be licensed, a CNA must have completed a training program (generally three to six months) and successfully passed a comprehensive exam that includes both a clinical and academic component.
To prepare for the CNA certification exam, most people take a CNA course at a technical school, or community college. For some class work may be available online as well. Programs also include a clinical rotation.
Financial assistance maybe available.
All experts agree, that health care is, and will continue to be a growing field. Demand for certified nursing assistants is great, though the position is in reality an entry level position in health care in general and nursing in particular. Many CNAs go on to obtain a nursing degree after gaining some experience in the field.
As in any field, length of time on the job is a key determinate of salary.
For those with less than one year of experience, the salary range is between $20,000 and $31,000. The wide salary range is due to geographic location and type of facility you are employed at.
Those with one to four years experience as a certified nursing assistant can anticipate a salary range of $22,000 to $55,000. again depending on location and facility type.
The salary range rises with the more experience you have.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic (2010) individuals who have obtained the Certified Nursing Assistant certification exam enjoy a salary of $30,000 – $60,000.
They also forecast growth in CNA jobs to increase by 20% through 2015.
Many Certified Nursing Assistants see the position as a first rung on a career ladder that will ultimately reward them with a nursing degree.
Tags: Certified Nursing Assistant, cna certification, health-care setting