Category
Healthcare
What It Is
Provides direct daily care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or home settings under nurse supervision.
Best For
People who want the fastest, lowest-cost entry point into healthcare and enjoy direct patient care.
Avoid If
You are not comfortable with physically demanding patient care tasks (lifting, bathing, mobility assistance).
Degree Required
No degree. State-approved CNA program, 4-12 weeks.
Skills Needed
Compassion, physical stamina, basic clinical tasks, communication with patients and families.
Training Path
State-approved CNA training program (often free through community colleges or employers), then pass a state competency exam.
Certs / Licenses
State CNA certification, listed on the state nurse aide registry.
Time to First Job
4-12 weeks of training.
Cost to Enter
$0-$1,500 (many employers and community programs offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment).
Income Range
General estimate: $28,000-$40,000 entry-level, higher with shift differentials in hospitals. Corrected 2026-07-14 against BLS: Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, median $39,530 (May 2024).
First Job Titles
Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician.
Companies Hiring
Nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, assisted living facilities.
Best Next Step
Ask local nursing homes or hospitals about free or employer-sponsored CNA training programs, and treat this as a stepping stone toward LPN/RN if interested.
Real Training Providers Near You
- Chicago Medical Assistant School – Olympia Fields – Olympia Fields, Illinois (5★, 20 reviews)
- The College of Health Care Professions – Houston, Texas (4.9★, 834 reviews)
- Houston Medical Assistant School – Katy – Katy, Texas (4.8★, 52 reviews)
Verified via Google Business listings, 2026-07-06. Always confirm current pricing, schedule, and enrollment requirements directly with the provider.