Nursing Assistant Job Requirements: Mandatory Qualifications, Preferred Assets, and Market Outlook

Nursing Assistant (NA) / Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) requirements combine regulatory minimums and employer preferences.

Mandatory Qualifications (Nearly Universal)

• Age ≥18 (some states 16–17 with restrictions).
• High school diploma or GED.
• State-approved training program completion (or equivalent military/foreign training).
• Pass state competency exam (written + skills).
• Active listing on state nurse aide registry (no disqualifying findings).
• Pass criminal background check (fingerprint-based).
• Negative drug screen (often pre-hire + random).
• Physical: Lift 50 lbs, stand/walk 8+ hrs, TB test/immunizations current.

Preferred / Competitive Assets

• CNA certification (if state separates training from cert).
• BLS/CPR + First Aid.
• Experience: Prior CNA, PCT, HHA, EMT, military medic.
• Specialty: Dementia care, restorative, wound care, medication aide (state-permitted).
• Bilingual (Spanish, ASL, community languages).
• Soft skills: Communication, empathy, teamwork, time management, cultural humility.

Employment Outlook (BLS 2022–2032)

• Growth: 4% (≈58,000 new jobs); high replacement needs (turnover >50%).
• Median Annual (2023): $38,130 ($18.33/hr).
• Top Paying: Government ($43K), Hospitals ($39K), Home Health ($37K), Nursing Homes ($36K).

Career Ladder

CNA → LPN/LVN (bridge) → RN (ADN/BSN) → APRN. Many employers offer tuition assistance, flexible scheduling, career counseling.