CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) are professionals who help nurses by performing routine duties at hospitals and other care facilities. CNAs help bathe and clothe patients, check vital signs and other statistics like weight and height, and reposition patients who are unable to move themselves, among other responsibilities. Read the steps below to learn how to become a CNA, and how to be a good CNA when you get a job in the field.

Enter a training program. Becoming a CNA requires a high school diploma plus some additional college-level courses, in almost all cases. You can typically sign up for a CNA program through your local community college.

Prepare for a time commitment. CNA programs vary in length, but average between six weeks and five months of extra school. The special CNA classes you have to take are set up so that you can take them in a specific order.
CNA classes are divided between study sessions and hands-on practice sessions. Because CNA programs usually end with a special certificate rather than a degree, electives are not required.

CNA programs can be competitive. Consider volunteering at a hospital or nursing home to boost your chances of acceptance.
Volunteering is also a good way to gauge whether or not you will enjoy being a CNA, as some of the duties you're likely to perform are similar to those a CNA performs.