How to Become a Nurse Aide: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Arleigh Hatcher, BSN, RN • July 23, 2025
From Training to Certification: Your CNA Roadmap
If you’ve ever considered a career in healthcare and want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, becoming a nurse aide could be the perfect place to start. Nurse aides—also known as nursing assistants or CNAs—are essential in supporting nurses and caring for patients. Here’s a quick look at how to start your journey.
Step 1️⃣: Enroll in a State-Approved Training Program
The first step is enrolling in a certified Nurse Aide training course. These programs typically include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. You'll learn vital skills like taking vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and infection control.
💡 Ready to get started?
Click below to sign up or learn more:
Step 2️⃣:
Pass the Certification Exam
After completing your training, you’ll take a state certification exam. Once you pass, you’ll be officially certified and ready to apply for jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
Step 3️⃣:
Advance Your CNA Skills
Take your career to the next level by enrolling in our Medication Aide
course. This program builds on your CNA foundation and prepares you to safely administer medications under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Your Next Skill Starts With What You Already Know
Thinking about opening a CNA, phlebotomy, or CPR school? A nurse-founder's 5-step roadmap: programs, state approval, setup, pricing, and launching your first class.
Hybrid Medication Aide Program If you’re a nurse aide or PCA looking to grow in your healthcare career, our Hybrid Medication Aide program is a great place to start. You’ll do part of your learning online at your own pace and the rest in person with our instructors, so it’s easier to fit around work and family. What the program includes The program runs 5–6 weeks and totals 68 hours: 24 hours of online coursework 16 hours of in-person classroom sessions An 8-hour Insulin Administration module, covered in the last two classroom sessions 20 hours of clinical training at an assisted living facility Our RN and LPN instructors teach every part of the course. They take the time to answer questions and make sure you’re comfortable giving medication before you finish. Who can enroll This program is open to students who have completed a nurse aide (CNA) or PCA program. Next class and tuition Dates: October 19 – November 20, 2026 Tuition: $600. A $300 deposit reserves your seat, and the balance can be paid in installments with no interest. How to register You can sign up here: Register for the next class If you have questions, we’re happy to help. 📞 (757) 229-0919 ✉️ admin@hearttoheartctc.com Office visits are by appointment only. Please call us to schedule a time.
