Overview: A CNA is an entry-level health care role that provides support to nursing staff and basic care to patients. It is a great starting point to gaining healthcare experience before nursing school, and may even help with admissions. No degree required, and in Washington state you must be 18 years of age.
WA Care Careers, Nursing Assistant Certified
includes information on how to become a CNA (also called an NAC)
Step 1: complete 85 hours of training through a state-approved program (usually offered through community colleges, technical schools or privately-owned schools) includes both classroom and clinical experiences
Step 2: After you complete your training, you’ll take a nursing assistant certification exam
Step 3: Apply for certification through the department of health
What they do: assist patients with feeding, ambulating, taking vital signs, toileting, and most activities of daily living. They primarily report to RN's and LPN's.
Where they work: hospitals, nursing homes, long term care facilities, home health, clinics.