---
title: "CNA Classes: How to Become a Nursing Assistant"
description: "CNA classes explained: the 75-hour federal minimum, the state exam, where CNAs work, May 2025 median pay and the job outlook."
url: https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cna/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: CareerDirecting
---

Healthcare · CNA

# CNA classes and becoming a nursing assistant Weeks of training, real patient care.

Healthcare career profile

Certified nursing assistants help people with the basics of daily life: bathing, dressing, eating and moving. Training is short, jobs are everywhere, and it is the first step for many future nurses.

In short

CNA classes teach basic patient care and must include at least 75 hours, with 16 hours of supervised practical training, under federal rules for nursing home aides. After the course you pass a state competency exam and join the state registry. Nursing assistants earned a median of $42,260 in May 2025, per BLS.

**Job numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics** Updated October 9, 2026. Pay figures are national medians and are not a promise of what you will earn.

**On this page**

1. [ What CNA classes cover](#s-what-cna-classes-cover)
2. [The steps](#s-the-steps)
3. [Is it for you?](#s-is-it-for-you)
4. [Questions people ask](#s-faq)

| Median pay | $42,260 a year, about $20.32 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | Certificate |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 1,505,900 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected growth of 2.6% |
| Openings each year | About 196,200 on average, including replacements |
| Federal training minimum | 75 hours, including 16 supervised practical hours |
| Where they work | Nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living, home health |

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm). National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.

## What CNA classes cover

Classes teach infection control, safe lifting and transfers, taking vital signs, personal care, communication with residents and their rights. The clinical part puts you in a real care setting under a nurse. Many states require more than the federal minimum.

## The steps

Step 1

### Find a state-approved program

Community colleges, the Red Cross in some areas and some nursing homes offer them.

Step 2

### Finish the classroom and clinical hours

Often a few weeks full time.

Step 3

### Pass the competency exam

A written test and a skills test.

Step 4

### Get listed on your state registry

Employers check it before hiring.

## Is it for you?

The work is physical and emotional. You will lift people and help with very personal care. People who love it talk about the relationships with residents. If you plan to become a nurse, CNA time is useful experience.

## Questions people ask

### How long are CNA classes?

At least 75 hours under federal rules, often finished in four to twelve weeks.

### Can I get paid to take CNA classes?

Some nursing homes cover training for new hires. Federal rules also limit charging aides who are hired by a nursing home within a year of training.

### What comes after CNA?

Many go on to become [LPNs](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/lpn/) or registered nurses.

## Sources

- [BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, Table 1.2 (occupational projections and worker characteristics)](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm)
- [BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nursing assistants](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm)
- [42 CFR 483.152: requirements for approval of a nurse aide training program](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-483/subpart-D/section-483.152)

## Where to go next

- [Medical assistant vs CNA](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/medical-assistant-vs-cna/)
- [CNA vs LPN](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/cna-vs-lpn/)
- [LPN](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/lpn/)
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