There are numerous reasons to become a CNA/certified nurse assistant.
For instance, CNAs enter healthcare more quickly than other professions allowing employees to earn money immediately.
They also allow workers to promptly determine whether healthcare is an ideal career without spending years in college.
Some individuals use their time as CNAs to gain experience and make a living while pursuing higher education.
Besides that, becoming a CNA is relatively inexpensive compared to other healthcare professions.
Nursing students pay thousands of dollars per year in nursing school and require up to 4 years of college.
CNA courses only cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to complete the entire program.
This article covers multiple reasons to begin your career as a CNA, even if you plan on becoming a registered nurse.
1. Fast Entry into Healthcare
Becoming a CNA allows you to enter the healthcare profession without requiring a college degree.
As a result, you’ll accumulate experience that can translate into more profitable healthcare career opportunities early on.
In 4 – 12 weeks, most individuals become CNAs by completing a qualified CNA program.
Therefore, it’s one of the fastest programs for entering the healthcare industry.
The RN program requires students to spend 2 – 4 years in college.
RN students must also take necessary prerequisites, adding months or years to their education.
Thus, it takes much longer to enter healthcare and gain hands-on experience.
Besides that, some individuals pursue the LPN program, which requires a year of education.
Although the program is faster than the RN program, it’s more limited than becoming a registered nurse.
That said, numerous nurses start careers as certified nurse assistants.
It helps them gain first-hand experience and understand bedside nursing.
It also enables potential nursing students to determine whether it’s worth pursuing a nursing degree.
Becoming a CNA is a more cost and time-efficient way to determine career goals.
Finally, you can pursue further education while working as a part-time CNA.
It provides an income while pursuing becoming a registered nurse and is excellent for your resume.
2. Recieve Pay Faster
Becoming a CNA allows you to earn money and make a living quickly.
It only takes 4 – 16 weeks to become a CNA compared to 1 year to become an LPN or 2 – 4 years to become an RN.
Nevertheless, more advanced programs may take up to six months to complete.
Numerous places also provide CNAs with flexible schedules to accommodate their education or personal needs.
For instance, nursing students may take courses full-time and work as CNAs on the weekends or vice versa.
It allows them to cover college costs more efficiently and work a schedule that accommodates their endeavors.
Some full-time CNAs receive worker benefits, including health insurance, vacation time, and retirement plans.
It provides an additional incentive for them to remain CNAs if they’re unsure whether to pursue other careers.
Finally, some retired individuals work as CNAs part-time to earn extra money while maintaining flexible schedules.
It’s a promising career for passionate individuals who want continue working after retirement.
3. Determine Whether Healthcare is a Good Fit
Becoming a CNA is an excellent way to determine whether healthcare is a good fit for you.
Firstly, it’s relatively easy to enter healthcare as a CNA.
After completing a 4 – 12 week program and passing your certification exam, you can earn your certificate.
You can get hired and provide primary healthcare duties at a hospital, long-term care facility, or retirement community.
While working, you’ll learn to provide bedside care and manage basic tasks with patients and other healthcare workers.
The first-hand experience allows you to understand the healthcare field better and see if it’s a career you want to pursue.
Unfortunately, some registered nurses spend 2 – 4 years in college without healthcare experience.
It is costly and timely for those who get their associate’s or bachelor’s and decide they aren’t suited for healthcare.
Therefore, starting a career as a CNA is a much safer and more beneficial way to get your foot in the healthcare door.
4. Affordable Education and Training
The CNA program is relatively inexpensive compared to other healthcare programs or a nursing degree.
Depending on the institution and state, most individuals pursue CNA courses for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
There are numerous options for trainees to pursue CNA classes.
It includes local education organizations, healthcare facilities offering CNA programs, online courses, and the Red Cross.
Some healthcare institutions offer free CNA courses for students willing to work for them after graduation.
In this case, the institution usually requires a guaranteed number of work hours in exchange for free education.
Those who leave without completing the work requirements often need to pay for the entire course.
Nursing programs cost thousands of dollars yearly, significantly more expensive than CNA courses.
As a result, it’s beneficial for students to pursue CNA programs if they’re unsure whether healthcare is their dream career.
5. Growing Job Market
The healthcare industry is growing, and the same holds for CNA jobs.
The U.S. Beauru of Labor Statistics provides an analysis of salaries and career outlook of nursing assistants and orderlies.
Those who become CNAs have numerous possibilities to find employment, seek advancement opportunities, and earn a living.
Working as a CNA is a great way to gain experience for your resume while earning money to cover college expenses.
It also enables students to make contacts at a hospital or healthcare facility to find fast employment after graduation.
Fortunately, healthcare will always demand highly trained and skilled individuals interested in healthcare.
6. Job Stability and Flexibility
Because healthcare workers remain in demand, CNAs have excellent job stability and flexibility.
Firstly, numerous long-term care facilities are providing flexible employment for CNAs.
As a result, some CNAs work part-time to pursue further education or manage personal/family goals.
It’s great for those working numerous jobs, taking care of kids, or following particular interests.
Secondly, the healthcare industry is continually growing, providing qualified workers with a steady supply of job opportunities.
Well-trained CNAs in high-demand areas quickly find employment to earn extra money or change healthcare facilities.
A stable job with schedule flexibility is essential for those who require specific schedules to accomplish their tasks.
That said, every institution is distinct.
Some provide more flexibility than others, so look at various jobs to determine which is best for you.
7. Emotionally Rewarding Career
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the rewarding aspects of being a certified nurse assistant.
As a CNA, you’ll provide bedside care to patients requiring long-term medical assistance and support registered nurses and healthcare workers.
You’ll also build deep, meaningful relationships with those in diverse healthcare settings.
If you enjoy working with people and helping others lead healthy lives, becoming a CNA may be a fantastic career.
CNAs work for various healthcare institutions and departments.
It includes hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, retirement residences, assisted living, and long-term care facilities.
As a result, you’ll have numerous options to apply at different facilities and institutions.
Becoming a CNA provides many opportunities to interact with others and ensure individuals receive necessary care.