Are you interested in a career in the medical field? If so, you have chosen an excellent career path to follow. Not only does a career in the medical field allow you to help other people, it also provides you with a significant amount of job security. After all, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that careers in the medical field are among the fastest growing occupations in the country. In fact, numerous states are reporting shortages in the field, even during these times of economic difficulty. Yet, when it comes to careers in the medical field, you may be a bit confused and overwhelmed by your options.

The reality is that there are literally dozens of different career paths you can pursue in the medical field, ranging from doctors to technicians to nurses. One of the careers you might want to consider is that of a CAN, or Certified Nursing Assistant. But, how is CNA different from others types of nursing careers and why might you want to pursue this path rather than other nursing paths?

Educational Requirements to Become a CNA

Perhaps one of the biggest differences between becoming a CNA versus becoming another type of nurse is the amount of education that is required to pursue a career in the field. In order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, you usually need to complete a 1-year course while Registered Nurses, or RNs, need to earn a bachelor’s degree. To become an CNA, on the other hand, you usually only need to complete about 75 hours of training beyond high school.

The Duties and Responsibilities of CNAs

The duties and responsibilities of CNAs are also different from those that are placed on LPNs and RNs. In general, RNs report directly to the doctor while LPNs report directly to the RNs. As a CNA, you may report directly to the LPN or to the RN. As such, your responsibilities are primarily to assist the RNs and LPNs with their duties.

Your exact duties as a CNA will vary depending upon where you work as well as the regulations that have been established by your state. Nonetheless, the basic duties you can expect to perform as a CNA include helping patients get in a more comfortable position, transferring patients from their beds to wheelchairs or other devices, helping patients use the restroom, and administering oral medications. CNAs may also perform non-invasive procedures such as checking a patient’s temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate.

Expected Income for CNAs

As might be expected, CNAs do not earn the same level of income as LPNs or RNs. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs earned a median annual salary of $57,280 in 2006. LPNs, on the other hand, earned a median annual salary of $36,550 during that same year. Unlike LPNs and RNs, CNAs generally do not work on a salary basis, but receive an hourly wage instead. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median hourly wage for CNAs in 2006 was $10.67. Based on a 40 hour work week, this comes to approximately $22,193.60 per year. And, if you decide that this career path is right for you, you can take advantage of additional educational opportunities and pursue a career as an LPN or RN as well.