A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, helps patients with activities of daily living and other healthcare needs under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). CNAs are also commonly referred to as a Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), or a Nurse’s Aid.

Some individuals will use their knowledge as a CNA to bridge the gap to further their career and become an LPN or RN. Interestingly, a large number of CNAs are already in a nursing school program and use this career as a chance to learn more about the healthcare world and gain additional real-world application and knowledge. Others become a CNA in order to determine if they want to continue to the next step in their healthcare journey.