A high school diploma is often required to become a certified nurse assistant. A CNA student must also complete a training program (typically ranging from 80 to 150 hours), pass a certification exam (usually given through the program) and then register with the state in order to become a certified nurse assistant.

Classes taken during the certificate program usually include:

• Basic nursing skills
• Personal care skills
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Nutrition
• Infection control
• Body mechanics
• Communication skills
• Resident rights

Many CNA program graduates use the position as a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse (RN).