Students interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can enroll in a short qualification course, which typically lasts just a few weeks. CNAs must possess good communication abilities in addition to manual dexterity. There are many different programs available, so it is important for an aspiring CNA to choose the right one.
The responsibilities of a nursing assistant
A CNA assists patients in undertaking daily life activities. For example, CNAs may dress, bathe, and feed their patients during a typical work day. They work under the supervision of more senior nursing staff, acting as an intermediary between them and their patients. Interpersonal skills are particularly critical, since a CNA must monitor her patients’ state of health and provide basic psychological support.
The median salary for a CNA in North Carolina is $22,340. Top-performing nursing assistants can earn significantly more; the top quartile of the state’s 50,000 CNAs earn over $26,000 per year. Employment prospects are bright as major employers like Premier expand their operations in North Carolina. Furthermore, since CNAs work in a wide variety of settings like hospitals, private clinics, schools, and homes, demand for their services should remain very stable for years to come.
To help the state’s prospective nursing assistants, we’ve compiled a list of CNA education programs available in North Carolina. You’ll find them organized below by major metropolitan area.