Plain-English guides to becoming a nursing assistant Facts from state registries and official handbooks ยท Career information, not medical advice
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CNA guides

Becoming a CNA

What a nursing assistant does, the requirements, and the steps to certification.

Three healthcare workers in blue scrubs with stethoscopes, smiling
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All Becoming a CNA guides

What is a certified nursing assistant? CNA job and training What is a certified nursing assistant? The CNA job, the federal 75-hour training minimum, the exam, the state registry and pay, from official sources. Updated 7 November 2026

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CNA training and classes How programs run, how long they take, what they cost and where to find free ones. CNA rules by state Training hours, exams, fees and the nurse aide registry in each state, from official sources. The CNA exam The written and skills tests, who runs them, and how to prepare. License and working Looking up and renewing a license, moving states, the job itself and pay. Other healthcare paths LPN, patient care technician, phlebotomy, medical assistant and home health aide.