Introduction
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) play an essential role in healthcare — and the CNA career path offers many opportunities for growth, advancement and flexibility. CNA jobs are always in demand, available around the clock, and provide a strong foundation for a long-term healthcare career.
Understanding the basics of a CNA career path
CNA roles and responsibilities
Starting a CNA career is relatively quick and economical. CNAs provide hands-on care, including bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility assistance, monitoring vital signs and keeping environments safe.
Because CNAs interact with patients more than other professionals, they often notice health changes first and build meaningful relationships with those they serve.
CNA educational requirements
The first step on the CNA career path (after earning a high school diploma or GED) is completing a state-approved training program. Most CNA programs combine classroom learning with clinical experience and can be finished in four to six weeks.
After training, you must pass a state competency exam to become certified. Requirements vary regionally, so always confirm details with your state’s health department.
What comes after being a CNA? Career advancement options
Since CNAs develop core patient care skills, they are well positioned to move into more advanced roles.
From CNA to LPN or RN
Many CNAs transition into becoming licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVN) or registered nurses (RN).
LPN responsibilities include:
- Running diagnostic tests
- Maintaining charts
- Observing patients
- Recording vital signs
- Assisting RNs and physicians
RN responsibilities include:
- Assessing patients and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Maintaining and updating medical records
- Counseling patients about conditions and treatments
- Coordinating care with physicians
How to become an LPN
Complete an accredited practical nursing program, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and obtain state licensure.
How to become an RN
Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN, about 2 years), or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN, about 4 years), then pass the NCLEX exam and meet state licensing requirements.
Specialized certifications
Some CNAs expand their careers through certifications, including:
- Medication Aide: As a medication aide, you can administer medication under nurse or physician supervision.
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): CMAs may take medical histories, prepare patients for exams, draw blood, administer medications and assist physicians or nurses during exams.
- Restorative Aide (RA): RAs work with physical and occupational therapists to assist patients with therapeutic exercises and activities.
- Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA): GNAs specialize in caring for elderly patients and the unique needs and challenges associated with aging.
- Pediatric Certified Nursing Assistant (PCNA): PNCAs provide care to younger patients and tend to work in clinics, children's hospitals or pediatric offices.
- Home Health Aide (HHA): While many of their responsibilities overlap with a CNA’s, HHAs are trained to provide care in a patient's home.
- Dialysis Patient Care Technician: These technicians work in dialysis centers or hospital dialysis units, assisting patients undergoing treatment.
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA): Specializing in end-of-life care, CHPNAs support patients and their families during the final stages of life.
- EKG Technician: EKG Technicians specialize in performing electrocardiograms, which monitor the electrical activity of the heart.
- Phlebotomy Technician: Phlebotomy Technicians specialize in drawing blood for diagnostic testing.
- Patient Care Technician (PCT): PCTs typically have more training than CNAs and can perform additional tasks such as basic laboratory tests, EKGs and blood draws.
- Psychiatric Aide: Specializing in mental health care, Psychiatric Aides work in mental health facilities, supporting patients with mental illnesses or disabilities.
These specializations allow CNAs to work in more focused areas while gaining new skills and higher earning potential.
Learning while working
Healthcare is always evolving, and staying current boosts career opportunities. CNAs can gain skills on the job, through continuing education or by working in diverse settings.
Using the ShiftKey app, CNAs can explore different facilities and environments, gaining experience while keeping scheduling flexibility.
Where can CNAS work besides nursing homes?
Where can CNAs work? The options are broad:
- Hospitals and emergency rooms
- Long-term care and skilled nursing facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Home healthcare and hospice
- Private practices and clinics
Each environment offers unique experiences, helping CNAs find the best fit for their career goals.
How much can CNAs make as they advance their career?
Advancing along the CNA career path often comes with higher earning potential. Average national annual salaries:
- CNA: $41,270
- RN: $98,430
- LPN/LVN: $64,150
- Medication Aide: $40,290
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA): $44,720
- Restorative Aide (RA): $41,069
- Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA): $39,994
- Pediatric Certified Nursing Assistant (PCNA): $41,734
- Home Health Aide (HHA): $33,585
- Dialysis Patient Care Technician: $44,413
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA): $51,328
- EKG Technician: $49,724
- Phlebotomy Technician: $42,055
- Patient Care Technician (PCT): $44,772
- Psychiatric Aide: $43,160
Is CNA a good career choice in 2025?
The CNA career path looks different for everyone. Whether you advance into nursing, pursue a specialized certification or focus on essential care as a CNA, you have options.
With platforms like ShiftKey CNAs can gain scheduling flexibility, explore new healthcare settings and build skills that prepare them for long-term success.
