How to Get Your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate Online

Q: How long does it take to become a CNA?

CNA programs can range from 4-12 weeks, but the process may take longer if you are balancing other commitments. After the CNA program, you can complete the clinical hours and take the exam. The whole process can take six months or more, depending on your state's requirements.

Q: What's the difference between a CNA and a CMA?

Although their roles overlap, certified medical assistants (CMAs) can complete CNA tasks and more. Duties unique to CMAs include phlebotomy, scheduling appointments, taking EKGs and vital signs, and patient education.

Q: Can CNAs prescribe medicine?

Although CNAs work closely with healthcare providers, they cannot prescribe medicine. At most, supervising nurses sometimes allow CNAs to administer nebulizer treatments or some over-the-counter medications.

Updated on October 16, 2025

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Career Overview
Work Settings
How to Become
Advantages and Disadvantages
CNA Salary
FAQ

Discover what a CNA does and how to earn your CNA certification online in this guide.

Key Takeaways

You can earn your certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification online by completing just 4-12 weeks of coursework. Clinical experiences cannot be completed online.
CNAs provide essential patient support — feeding, bathing, and taking vital signs — while working under clinicians in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings.
Despite modest pay and demanding work, CNAs can find purpose and fulfillment in helping patients during vulnerable moments.

Are you looking for a quick way to switch careers? Do you dream of entering the healthcare field? A career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) could be for you. CNAs, sometimes called nursing assistants or aides, are part of a healthcare team who work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or another member of the clinical staff.

Earning a CNA certification online is the fastest way to enter the healthcare field. It requires only 4-12 weeks of study plus clinical training. This guide explains more about CNA responsibilities, education, and salaries.

How Long to Become

4-12 weeks

Job Outlook, 2024-2034

+2%

Average Annual Salary

$39,530

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What Does a CNA Do?

High School or GED required

Certification required

CNAs are essential care providers in hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care centers, assisting patients with basic care and life activities.

While CNAs do not provide direct medical care, they must have enough healthcare knowledge to recognize when to call for a nurse or other clinician to assess situations where the patient’s health might be changing or at risk.

Key Responsibilities

Patient feeding and bathing
Communicating patient concerns to other members of the healthcare team
Obtaining routine vital signs

Career Traits

Physically demanding
Patient advocacy
Attention to detail

Expert Insight

How Do I Know if Becoming a CNA Is Right for Me?

Peter LewisCNA, TV host, Entrepreneur

Jason DunneChief Academic Officer, Arizona College of Nursing

If you’re questioning whether being a CNA is right for you, think about this: Are you satisfied with the idea of helping others? Being a CNA is more than physical care… Based on my own experience, I can tell you that when you’re driven by purpose and a genuine desire to help, this career can be incredibly rewarding. CNAs are there for patients during their most vulnerable moments, providing both physical and emotional support. And that often goes unseen. There’s no glory in the job, no applause, no recognition. The reward is simply knowing they made a difference in that moment, being part of someone’s life. They ride the seesaw of life with patients, sharing in their triumphs and, at times, their losses. The work is extraordinarily demanding, physically grueling and emotionally exhausting… But the value of their work is immeasurable.

Where Do Certified Nursing Assistants Work?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 87% of CNAs work in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, residential care facilities, or home healthcare. CNAs have similar duties across all of these work settings.

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: CNAs mostly care for older adults admitted for longer periods of time and who need help with daily activities. Entry-level CNAs may find more opportunities in these work settings.
Hospitals: CNAs care for patients of all ages who stay for shorter periods of time and have various conditions, which allows for more opportunities to learn. Experienced CNAs are preferred.
Home Health Care: CNAs work out of patients’ homes and can be asked to perform additional duties outside of their CNA scope of practice, such as cleaning, cooking, and running errands.

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

You must first complete a state-approved CNA certification program. The classroom portion of the program is often offered online. Every training program includes 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Clinical training cannot be taken online and must occur in a real-world healthcare setting. Subjects covered in a CNA program include residents’ rights, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, basic restorative skills, caring for cognitively impaired residents, and mental and social services needs.

You must have a high school diploma or GED certificate to enroll in a CNA program before you can sit for a state certification exam. After passing the exam, you receive your CNA certification and get added to your state’s nurse aide registry. You can then start applying for positions as a CNA.

Why Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

The pros of being a CNA make the career a popular choice for people who want to eventually advance their nursing career. However, the cons of being a CNA can be significant.

Advantages of Becoming a CNA

Ability to form close relationships with patients
Quick education and training
Options for career advancement
Flexible schedule

Disadvantages of Becoming a CNA

Low salary
Long shifts
Lack of autonomy
Physically demanding

How Much Do CNAs Make?

CNAs earn a median annual salary of $39,530, according to BLS data. The lowest 10% of CNAs earn less than $31,000, while the highest 10% earn over $50,000. Skills, experience level, work setting, and location can affect how much money CNAs make.

Most CNAs work in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals. CNAs employed by the government earn the highest median annual salary of $45,760, followed by those working in hospitals, who earn $40,170.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CNA an online course?

CNA training programs are available online and in person. Regardless of the course format, students must complete supervised, in-person clinical hours to become certified. Check your desired programs to learn more about what they offer.

How long does it take to become a CNA?

What’s the difference between a CNA and a CMA?

Can CNAs prescribe medicine?

How to Become a Registered Nurse

Discover how to become a registered nurse with this essential guide. This guide covers educational paths, licensing requirements, and a salary and career outlook.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D. •September 9, 2025