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Patients who require assistance with activities of daily life are often cared for by a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), who works under the supervision of an RN or a licensed nurse practitioner (LNP). Choosing to become a CNA is an excellent decision for a number of reasons. Here are eight reasons why this career path is a good fit for you.

CNAs are in High Demand in the Current Labor Market.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% growth in the number of nursing aides employed by 2028. For this reason, there will be greater demand for intensive care in the future as the elderly population ages. There are a number of illnesses that necessitate close monitoring and care by CNAs, including heart disease, dementia, and others.

Nurses at residential care institutions, long-term care facilities, and home health and community rehabilitation services are expected to be in high demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An experienced CNA can be an invaluable asset at a facility with many elderly or chronically ill residents

There Is No College Degree Required to Be a CNA.

CNAs, in contrast to registered nurses, are not required to have a college degree in order to get certified. High school graduation or GED, as well as nursing assistant training from a recognized program, is required to sit for the CNA certification exam. Your state's nursing board and the National League for Nursing Accredited Commission must approve the program you select (NLNAC).

In the event that you plan to use your CNA certification as the first step toward becoming an RN, it is possible to get licensed and begin working as a CNA while attending college. To begin your career as a nurse, you'll want to extensively examine the licensing requirements in your local state.

If you want to become an RN, this could be the first step.

Because CNAs interact with a wide range of healthcare professionals on a daily basis, they get a thorough understanding of their responsibilities of them. Despite the fact that their tasks differ, they are nonetheless familiar with the fundamental obligations of an RN.

As a CNA to an RN, you may expect a large boost in compensation, and the demand for RNs is much greater (12 percent projected growth by 2028). To advance from CNA to RN, all you need to do is pass the NCLEX-RN exam and receive your state's nursing license once you've completed your nursing education.

As a CNA, Finding Flexible Shifts is a Piece of Cake

Opportunities abound for CNAs, so you'll never be stuck for something to do. Because of the strong demand for CNAs, you can find work in a wide range of settings, from nursing homes to rehab centers. Even if you work part-time at multiple places, you aren't restricted to just one. If you wish to work part-time or pick up per-diem CNA shifts, you can do so.