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Healthcare

Certified Nurse Assistant

Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks with the proper credentials. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

Annual openings

3,652

Median wage

$47,380

Typical education

High school (GED), plus completion of an approved Certified Nurse Aide training program.

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED), plus completion of an approved Certified Nurse Aide training program.

Credential requirement

A certification is required for this job.

Credential detail

To practice, you will need to pass the Colorado Nurse Aide Exam, which consists of a written and manual skills competence evaluation.

Work experience

Entry-level

Experience detail

This is an entry-level role so no previous work experience is required; however, CNA training programs will include 16 or more hours of clinical work experience. In addition, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare (such as Home Health Aide/Caregiver) and Customer Service experience being valued.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job

  • Communication, Interpersonal Skills, and Teamwork — Working very closely with doctors, other clinical staff, and patients and effectively communicating a patient’s needs to provide appropriate care is critical. Effective writing skills are important to accurately record patient care information.
  • Customer Focus and Integrity — Excellent customer service (establishing rapport, having a good bedside manner, providing culturally sensitive care, etc.) is critical, reimbursements are based on patient feedback and outcomes. Maintaining professional boundaries and having a strong work ethic are also important.
  • Working with Tools and Technology — Used consistently to record notes related to patient care and to complete paperwork and billing.
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making — Observing patients, identifying if something unusual is occurring, and understanding when to alert higher level care providers.
  • Adaptability — This jack of all trades position encounters significant situational changes (including dealing with trauma) between patients.
  • Health & Safety and Physical Abilities — The ability to safely lift/transfer patients and maintain safety protocols in all instances.
This job has been identified as a good entry-level job to gain experience for future advancement in Healthcare, Behavioral Health, Public Health, and long-term care careers.
Many employers value being trained in Medication Administration/QMAP so the CNA can administer medication under supervision. This can be obtained through additional training, and it could result in additional pay!

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
  2. Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.
  3. Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.
  4. Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper.
  5. Provide information, such as directions, visiting hours, or patient status information to visitors or callers.
  6. Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
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