Last Updated on December 28, 2022

If you are a student, then you understand the difficulty in finding a job during the school year. With all of the homework and other activities that your teachers assign, you cannot find time to work during the school day. It really is hard to find a job that is part-time. You may have heard about being a CNA (certified nursing assistant), but you were told that you were unable to work as one until after you graduated from high school. However, that is not true. There are many schools that allow students to become CNAs at 16 and above. If this has sparked your interest, then keep reading for great information on becoming a CNA at sixteen years old.

Collegelearners will provide you with all the relevant information you are looking for what states allow you to be a cna at 16, cna age requirements by state, how to become a cna while in high school, how to become a cna online, and so much more.

HOW TO BECOME A CNA WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL

6 Requirements to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) While Still in High school

Having a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an excellent opportunity to offer healthcare assistance. Fortunately, CNA is a career that high school students can pursue. The entrants can be admitted to a CNA program without a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). Different States and CNA certification schools have set out qualifications for eligible candidates. It is essential to check with your respective area and school to know the exact enrollment requirement to train and earn a CNA certification. The most common qualifications on how to become a CNA while still in high school are elaborated below.

Learn about CNA Program Eligibility in Your State

It is vital to know your State’s eligibility criteria for you to become a CNA while still in high school. The respective State must approve the CNA program offered by different institutions including vocational trade colleges. This makes it possible for certification process to all successful trainees. The certification permits CNAs to legally work as caregivers in the healthcare system. Some community colleges offering CNA programs may need a high school student to submit a letter signed by the school principal. This is the case at Hutchinson Community College. Other schools and colleges may demand a letter signed by the school counselor or a career specialist.

In addition, some colleges such as Fort Meyers Technical College (FMTC) require high school students to have a learning program approved by their respective schools. Thus, their learning both in high school and as nursing aide trainees will be seamless. Accredited online platforms offering CNA programs will also have an eligibility threshold. For learners below the age of 18 years, parent or guardian consent may be required. However, they must show that they have the necessary skills and competence. These requirements may change from one State to the other or from one school to the other.

Take Placement Aptitude Tests

These tests are aimed at trying the skills and basic knowledge of the applicants. High school students must undertake the tests to get admission to a State-approved CNA program. The test’s score requirement may vary based on the State and the college offering nursing aide’s programs. It is important to do a background check about the CNA program and the college. That kind of information can help you to get a good score on these placement tests and earn a place to get CNA classes.

Another strategy to pass the placement tests is to talk to the CNA program administrator. Since such people have interacted with students undertaking these tests, it is likely to get appropriate advice on the best way to approach the test. Moreover, talking with your advisor can improve your mental stability and preparedness. In most cases, aptitude tests will cover basic knowledge, basic math skills, and writing capabilities.

As a high school student, these tests are almost inevitable because you do not have a high school diploma or a GED. Hence, approaching the aptitudes test in your best mental state of great significance can positively influence your score.

Complete CNA Coursework

Students enrolling for a Certified Nursing Assistant program participate in classroom learning, laboratory experiments, and clinical practices. Class- learning is done in either in-person class learning or online learning. Students are supposed to read medical books, journals, and articles to gain the necessary knowledge on handling patients. Classroom learning equips CNAs with information about human anatomy and physiology, patient legal rights, patient care practices, safety protocols, and tracking and recording patients’ data. It also prepares aspiring CNAs for the clinical practice phase of training.

Students practice what they have learned in classroom by working directly with the patients. These students work in clinical settings like hospitals and other care facilities. In this training phase, the students learn how to take patients’ vital signs and help them exercise. CNA students take five to sixteen weeks to complete their training.

Once the students have finished their training, they must take a state-certified CNA examination to earn their certificate. CNA exam is divided into two sections and one section is the written section while the other is the clinical skill test. The required score is 70-80% in each area to pass the exam, depending on your State. Students can apply for this course in vocational colleges, community colleges, and local nursing colleges.

Apply for Certification

Certified Nurse Assistants must complete a state-approved CNA program from an accredited institution before starting the certification process. It is recommended to check their State’s requirements for the certification process after completing the course. These requirements include the minimum number of class learning and clinical practice hours, which the student should have completed during the program. Also, the learners will need to submit a CNA certification application and make any required payments. The application form should be submitted within a set time frame after the training session.

Find Employers who will Accommodate your Learning Schedule

Time management is of the essence during training and after training for high school students doubling up as CNAs. After completing the coursework and getting the certification, the next step will be applying the gained skills in the healthcare system. Some high school students may use the CNA certification as a stepping stone to further their studies in medicine after attaining a high school diploma. However, you can still find a job and work as a CNA without halting your high school education.

Local nursing homes and elderly homes may be the first place to look for employment. The places offering assisted living can also provide similar employment opportunities. You can plan for a schedule that works best for your studies. This may include working on weekends or during holidays. You may also apply the skills gained in the CNA program to take care of your elderly family members.

The turnover rate for CNAs is very high as many people opt to advance their studies to get other qualifications in medicine other areas. This means the demand for CNAs is always high and can accommodate high school students.

Age Requirements for Potential CNAs

The basic requirement for a CNA training course is a high school diploma or its equivalent. Many institutions also require applicants to be not younger than 18 years. However, some schools and approved bodies such as The Red Cross offering training for CNA while in high school may have different age requirements. There are CNA programs for 17 year olds or 16 year olds. Parental consent is required to get approved to a CNA program if you are below the age of 18 years. So, can you get your CNA license in high school? Yes! You can.

How to Become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in 2021

HOW TO BECOME A CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT

There are four steps to becoming a CNA (certified nursing assistant):

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED;
2. Complete a state-approved CNA training program (offered online or at hospitals, vocational schools, community colleges, The Red Cross and technical schools);
3. Complete in-person clinical training; and,
4. Pass a state-approved competency exam to get listed on your state’s CNA registry.

There are many academic, vocational, and technical colleges and universities that offer CNA training courses. The programs can be completed in one to two semesters, in a year, or in 18 months. CNA training programs can include lectures, demonstrations, testing, and practicum. Some programs require students to complete at least one internship while others do not.

CNA certificate programs are also available online. These programs consist of video lectures, audio lectures, quizzes, and exams. The programs are self-paced so students can complete them at their own pace. The courses may also be available in a hybrid format, so students have the option of completing online or in person.

How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA?

During most of the nurse assistant training programs, you’ll get at least 75 hours of classroom training, plus time learning the clinical skills you’ll need on the job. Check out the CNA job description to learn more.

Being a CNA: Here are some common questions—and totally honest answers about what it’s like to work as a CNA.

1. 1What exactly is a Certified Nursing Assistant?What is a CNA? We’re glad you asked! The CNA is the backbone of health care. Most of the direct patient care in many health care settings is done by CNAs. Working as a team member, the CNA takes vital signs and helps patients bathe, dress, eat, and go to activities. Patients depend on CNAs to help them go to the bathroom and transfer from their beds to chairs. In short, just about everything that a patient needs, a CNA does. CNAs spend more time with patients than any other team members.CNAs spend more time with patients than any other team members.
2. 2What else does a CNA do?There is so much more to this job than you think. While CNAs are helping their patients, they are also observing them. Because CNAs get to know their patients so well, they are often the first to notice tiny changes that would escape anyone else: a little red spot on the hip, a favorite food untouched, a sudden weight gain. These can be significant red flags and need to be promptly reported.
3. 3What about all the “stuff” that needs to be cleaned up?YESThe CNA changes diapers and wipes plenty of bottomsWe won’t lie to you. Being on the front line means being the person who takes care of inconvenient cleanups. Yes, the CNA changes diapers and wipes plenty of bottoms. We also wipe chins. But, you know what? We like helping our patients stay clean and fresh. We do it because they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They never expected this would happen to them. Someday, it could happen to any of us.
4. 4Do I need to be strong?There is a physical requirement to succeed as a CNA. You don’t need to be an Olympic weightlifter, but you should be able to help a patient move in bed, stand, and transfer to a wheelchair with your support. You must know and use proper body mechanics to avoid injury to yourself and others. No one ever lifts or moves more weight than they should. That’s what co-workers are for. It’s called “teamwork!”
5. 5How much will I make? And will I get benefits?$26,000the median salary for CNAsWe asked the same questions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for CNAs is about $28,530 per year. The benefits are great if you work full-time: paid vacation and holidays, medical insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Benefits can add up to 25% of your basic salary! Part-timers often get prorated benefits. Some places also offer tuition reimbursement and child care credits. Want to know what else is super? The job outlook for CNAs is brighter than for most other professions. By 2028, with more baby boomers needing assistance, job growth for CNAs will be 9%–almost double other occupations.
6. 6Are there any low points during the day?Sure! Every day in every job has its low points. Sometimes we’re so busy we can hardly get a bathroom break. Some days, our best patients become childlike or depressed. And the patients that need more care… Well, they need even more care. We may want to pull our hair out, but we know tomorrow will be different. So we soldier on and do the best we can, helping our co-workers to get through the day. And we laugh together.
7. 7There must be some high points, too?There are awesome days that make us glad we chose to become CNAs. Like when a patient learns to eat with a spoon again or take a step after a stroke. When a patient shares a story from the person’s past. When we get to hold a patient’s hand as the person passes away. When we make a patient feel happy to return to their perfectly made bed. When a family thanks us for being so attentive. Little moments, little successes. But they mean the world, and we treasure them.
8. 8What do I need to do to join the CNA ranks?Great question! First, you should be at least 18 years old, although a few states allow 16- or 17-year-olds who have parental consent. A high school diploma or the equivalent is required. Next, you will need to find a CNA training program that is approved by your state. You will take courses in the classroom and in a clinical lab setting. After you pass the training program, you will be eligible to take the certification examination. CNA training programs are 4 to 12 weeks long. You’ll find them at a nearby community college or trade school. The American Red Cross also offers training in many states.
9. 9What happens after I pass the CNA program?This is when things get exciting! Now you can apply for your certification. Each state has its own requirements for the examination: how to apply, what the cost will be, where the exam will be, and what to bring. Your school will tell you what to do.
10. qHow can I prepare for my CNA examination?Of course, you’ll want to review your notes and textbooks from your CNA program. Go over each area of basic skills, patient care, safety, and ethics. But that’s not enough. Rehearse every skill, from handwashing to vital signs to bedpan hygiene. Talk your way through each skill as if you were speaking to the patient and the proctor who grades your demonstration. And then get plenty of sleep the night before, eat a healthy breakfast, and don’t worry about a thing. You’re going to ace it!
11. wAny other advice?Absolutely! Take our practice tests at cna.plus to review important information. Many of the questions are the same as those you’ll encounter when you take your examination. Each time you take one of our practice tests, the questions are shuffled, so they’re never in the same order twice. Plus, the site will give you an explanation for every single question to help you understand and remember the answer.

CNA License Requirements

  CNA License Requirements

Are you interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? If so, you will need to start by making sure you meet the basic requirements for CNA licensing. These requirements vary from state to state, but generally, the requirements are as follows.

Age

The standard minimum age for those who wish to apply for a license is between 16 to 18 years old. Flexible schedules as a CNA allow students to work part time while finishing their high school education and continuing their education on to a community or four-year university.

While some states do allow licensure as early as 16 years of age, certain employers may not hire you until you are at least 18. This is important to keep in mind as your license may be suspended if you do not meet minimum employment requirements for maintaining your license in your state.

Education

Most states require CNA applicants to have completed high school and received a diploma, or alternatively have completed their GED. The exception is states that allow CNA licensure at 16, which require applicants to have completed a minimum of eight years of grade school.

While not required, if you are still in high school and want to become a CNA, try to take courses that will help you when you begin your CNA program such as biology, chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, and algebra or higher-level math courses. Some high schools even have a CNA program – be sure to find out more details about yours.

Screening

In order to work in any area of nursing, you will need to have a clean record. You will eventually be screened to ensure you are free of criminal convictions, chemical dependency and drug abuse, mental health conditions, and medical conditions that may hinder your ability to perform your job.

Criminal convictions include misdemeanors and felonies, and you may have convictions regardless of whether you have spent time in jail. Criminal convictions will show up on your fingerprint check even if it has been expunged, sealed, dismissed, dropped, or closed. This is why it’s important to reveal any convictions you have when asked.

Minor violations, such as traffic tickets, citations, or juvenile offenses may not disqualify you from getting your license. Violations that happened seven to ten years prior may also be forgiven if you have had a clean record ever since.

Although you may be able to get your CNA license with some criminal convictions on your record, you may not be able to gain employment in certain medical settings because of those convictions.

cna age requirements by state

State by State CNA Certification Links

To find out more information on your state’s specific CNA certification and licensing guidelines, please follow the links below:

Alabama CNA Certification Requirements

• Graduate of an approved CNA program
• Completion of at least 75 clock hours of training, including 16 hours of clinical training and 16 hours of labs
• Take and pass the Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by Pearson VUE or Prometric

Link: Alabama Department of Public Health Certified Nurse Aide Registry

Alaska CNA Certification Requirements

• Completion of an approved CNA program
• Completion of a minimum of 140 training hours, including at least 60 classroom hours and 80 hours of lab/clinical practice
• Submit application for Alaska’s Nurse Aide Certification by Examination
• Sit for the Nurse Aide Examination through Pearson VUE

Link: Alaska Nurse Aide Registry

Arizona CNA Certification Requirements

• Attend and complete a board-approved CNA program
• Complete at least 120 CNA training hours
• Pass the state’s written and manual skills exam
• Submit proof of legal residency

Link: Arizona State Board of Nursing

Arkansas CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved program
• At least 90 hours of education/training required
• Pass the Nursing Assistant Competency Exam

Link: Arkansas Department of Human Services Office of Long Term Care

California CNA Certification Requirements

• Be at least 16 years old
• Successfully complete an approved CNA training program
• Obtain a criminal record clearance
• Successfully pass the Competency Evaluation Examination

Link: California Department of Public Health

Colorado CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program
• Take and pass the NNAAP examination administered through Pearson VUE

Link: Colorado Board of Nursing

Connecticut CNA Certification Requirements

• Completion of a board-approved CNA program (within 24 months of the date of application for certification)
• Must take and pass the Connecticut Nurse Aide examination administered by Prometric

Link: Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Delaware CNA Certification Requirements

• Completion of a state-approved CNA training program
• Must take and pass the CNA Competency Exam through Prometric

Link: Delaware Division of Health Care Quality

Florida CNA Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of an approved CNA training program (unless the student plans to apply for certification by exam only)
• Achieve a minimum score on the nursing assistant competency examination

Link: Florida Board of Nursing

Georgia CNA Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of a board-approved CNA program
• Pass the NNAAP exam, administered via Pearson VUE

Link: Georgia Nurse Aide System

Hawaii CNA Certification Requirements

• Completion of an approved CNA training program
• Successfully pass the Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered via Prometric

Link: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing

Idaho CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete an approved CNA program that includes a minimum of 120 training hours
• Take and pass the Idaho Nurse Aide Exam via Prometric

Link: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Illinois CNA Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of an Illinois-approved CNA training course
• Pass the written competency test

Link: Illinois Department of Public Health

Indiana CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved 105-hour Nurse Aide Training Program
• Successfully pass both the written and skills evaluation exam

Link: Indiana State Department of Health

Iowa CNA Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of a 75-hour state-approved CNA training program
• Take and pass the written and skills components of the CNA exam

Link: Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals

Kansas CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a 90-hour approved CNA training program
• Earn a score of 75% or higher on the state CNA examination

Link: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

Kentucky CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete an approved CNA course consisting of a minimum of 75 hours (with 16 hours of supervised clinical training)
• Pass the final examination (written/oral and skills demonstration)
• Complete a competency evaluation

Link: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services 404

Louisiana CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program
• Pass the CNA certification exam

Link: Louisiana Department of Health

Maine CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete 180 hours of training from a state-approved CNA program
• Pass the Maine CNA competency test
• Pass a criminal background check

Link: Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants & Direct Care Workers

Maryland CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete 100 hours of CNA instruction through a board-approved CNA program
• Pass the CNA competency examination (written and manual skills)

Link: Maryland Board of Nursing

Massachusetts CNA Certifiation Requirements

• Attend and complete a department-approved Nurse Aide Training Program
• Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (knowledge portion can be taken up to 4 times; clinical portion can be taken up to 3 times)

Link: Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program

Michigan CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete an approved Michigan training course
• Pass the evaluation test through Prometric to be issued a 2-year certificate

Link: Michigan Nurse Aide Registry

Minnesota CNA Certification Requirements

• Successfully complete an approved nursing assistant program in Minnesota
• Successfully pass the competency evaluation exam
• Or, be in good standing on the nursing assistant registry in another state with a minimum of 8 hours of CNA work within the state in the last 24 months

Link: Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry

Mississippi CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete an approved CNA training program
• Pass the NNAAP examination administered through Pearson VUE

Link: Mississippi State Department of Health

Missouri CNA Certification Requirements

• Completion of a state-approved CNA course comprised of 75 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of on-the-job training
• Pass the two-part (written/oral and practicum) final examination

Link: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services

Montana CNA Certification Requirements

• Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program
• Take and pass the CNA certification examination

Link: Montana Nurse Aide Registry

Nebraska CNA Certification Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Successfully complete a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training or a 21-hour basic resident-care course for intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled
• Successfully complete a one-hour Nebraska-specific abuse/neglect/misappropriation training
• Successfully pass the Nebraska-approved written/oral exam and skills competency exam

Link: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nevada CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a Nevada-approved CNA training program
• Pass the state’s CNA certification exam

Link: Nevada State Board of Nursing

New Hampshire CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved training program
• Pass the appropriate CNA competency evaluation examination

Link: New Hampshire Board of Nursing

New Jersey CNA Certification Requirements

• Enroll in and complete a state-approved nurse assistant training program to include classroom learning and clinical instruction
• Pass the state’s CNA certification examination

Link: New Jersey Department of Health

New Mexico CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program
• Successfully pass the competency exam administered by Prometric

Link: New Mexico Department of Health Certified Nurse Aide Registry

New York CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a New York state-approved training program
• Pass the nurse aide exams administered through Prometric

Link: New York State Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry

North Carolina CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (75 hours or longer)
• Pass the state-approved competency evaluation administered through Pearson VUE

Link: North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry

North Dakota CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training program
• Take and pass the state’s CNA competency evaluation

Link: North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry

Ohio CNA Certification Requirements

• Enroll in and complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
• Successfully pass the state CNA examination

Link: Ohio Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry

Oklahoma CNA Certification Requirements

• Successfully complete an approved Oklahoma Nurse Aide training program
• Pass the state’s competency examination

Link: Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry

Oregon CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete an Oregon State Board of Nursing-approved nursing assistant training program
• Pass a criminal background check
• Take and pass the CNA exam through Headmaster Testing Service

Link: Oregon State Board of Nursing

Pennsylvania CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a Pennsylvania-approved nurse aide training program
• Pass the competency evaluation exam administered by Credentia within 24 months of program completion

Link: Pennsylvania Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry

Rhode Island CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program that contains 120 hours of training
• Apply for a nursing assistant license
• Take and pass the CNA competency examination

Link: State of Rhode Island Department of Health

South Carolina CNA Certification Requirements

• Completion of a state-approved CNA training program
• Schedule and pass the SC Nurse Aide exam administered through Pearson VUE

Link: South Carolina Bureau of Long Term Care and Behavioral Health Services

South Dakota CNA Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of a training program approved by the SD Board of Nursing
• Pass the competency evaluation exam
• Minimum age of 16

Link: South Dakota Board of Nursing

Tennessee CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete an approved nurse aide training program
• Successfully pass the state competency examination within 24 months of the program’s completion

Link: Tennessee Department of Health

Texas CNA Certification Requirements

• Successfully complete a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program
• Pass the competency evaluation examination
• Or, qualify to be placed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry through waiver or reciprocity

Link: Texas Health and Human Services Nurse Aide Registry

Utah CNA Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of an approved CNA training program
• Pass the state’s CNA competency examination

Link: Utah Nursing Assistant Registry

Vermont CNA Certification Requirements

• Verification that you have completed a state-approved nursing assistant program
• Once your application and verification have been received, applicants must sit for and pass the NNAAP examination

Link: Vermont Secretary of State

Virginia CNA Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of a Virginia-approved nurse aide training program
• Take and pass the Virgnia Nurse Aide written/oral skills examination and skills evaluation

Link: Virginia Board of Nursing

Washington CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 85 hours of training through a state-approved program
• Pass the nursing assistant competency exam

Link: Washington State Department of Health

Washington DC CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete an approved training program that consists of 45 hours classroom instruction, 30 hours of clinical labs, and 45 hours of nursing home practicums
• Take and pass the nurse aide examination via Pearson VUE

Link: DC Health

West Virginia CNA Certification Requirements

• Completion of a state-approved training program
• Take and pass the nurse aide competency examination

Link: West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification

• Complete an approved nurse aide training program that consists of 45 hours of classroom instruction, 30 hours of clinical labs, and 45 hours of nursing home practicums
• Take and pass the nurse aide examination via Pearson VUE

Wisconsin CNA Certification Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of an approved nurse aide training program
• Sitting for and passing the competency evaluation

Link: Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Wyoming CNA Certification Requirements

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program
• Send application and fingerprint cards to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing
• Sit for and pass the CNA skills exam via Prometric

Link: Wyoming State Board of Nursing