CNA Training How-tos

Explore the Possibilities of a CNA Career

Learn more about the CNA life and get details about how to enroll in NextStep’s training-to-placement CNA program.

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Employer Spotlight: Christopher House Rehabilitation and Care Community

Wondering where you can work as a NextStep CNA grad? Meet one of our many respected employer partners — Christopher House Rehabilitation and Care Community!

How to select the best CNA program

Identifying the best CNA program can be tough. These tips will help you figure out which CNA schools are legit!

What makes a CNA program a blended-learning course?

NextStep’s blended-learning approach is the fastest, most flexible type of CNA program — you get the convenience of online learning and the confidence of hands-on practice.

NextStep mentors help you meet your CNA goals.

Our mentors are here to support you at every step toward your CNA career — from your first day learning online through your first 90 days on the job.

Pass on the first try with CNA exam prep

NextStep’s free CNA exam prep sessions prepare you to pass your state CNA exam with flying colors!

A beginner’s guide to CNA certification requirements

Worried about pulling together the documentation required for CNA certification? NextStep will guide you through the process from background check to vaccination records.

What does a CNA do?

Curious what exactly a CNA does? Read on to get the scoop on how a typical CNA shift flows for a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Learn CNA skills online with NextStep

Study to become a Certified Nursing Assistant anytime, anywhere with the online learning component of NextStep’s CNA program.

Day to day as a CNA

The daily life of a CNA is a lot of things: hectic, demanding, long — but also rewarding and inspiring. Just ask these mentors who, before joining NextStep, spent years learning how to care for others.

How do I choose among CNA programs near me?

Wondering which CNA school to go with? From tuition to time commitment, we’ll help simplify the process of finding the right training program for you.

Looking for a career change? Become a CNA!

Whether you’re out of a job or just don’t love the job you’re in, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a great career idea. NextStep can help you make a career transition to being a CNA with no experience and no tuition.

Want an in-demand job? Become a CNA.

There’s a dire shortage of CNAs in the United States, which makes the role one of the best career-change jobs you could choose. Read on to learn more about these in-demand jobs!

10 CNA tips for success

Our mentors often get asked for first CNA job tips or what makes a good CNA. Make use of the CNA tips below, and you’ll be a caregiver rockstar in no time!

Caregiver vs. CNA — Do you know the difference?

You’ve probably heard the terms caregiver and CNA, but do you know the difference between the two? Take our quiz to test your knowledge, then read on to learn even more.

NextStep Graduate Spotlight: Matt Maneotis

Matt Maneotis’s passion for caregiving started with a friendship. He’s now a CNA honored as employee of the month and headed toward becoming a RN!

Should I take CNA classes online?

Wondering if an online CNA course is right for you? Take our quiz to find out if traditional, online or blended CNA training fits you best!

How does NextStep CNA job placement work?

At NextStep, we don’t just train you. We guarantee a CNA job offer with one of our respected employer partners after you graduate.

CNAs make a difference

Discover how Certified Nursing Assistants improve the lives of those they care for every day.

Learn CNA job skills in practice lab

NextStep’s practice labs let learners try out Nursing Assistant skills they learned in the app with the support of peers and expert instructors.

Caregiver heroes

Our in-person Nursing Assistant practice labs are named in honor of caregivers who broke barriers, cared for others despite grave danger to themselves, fought for equity and shaped the future of caregiving.

How to be a CNA: 6 top tools

We asked our experienced CNA mentors which tools they can’t live without — so our new graduates know exactly what to pack for the first day of their exciting new CNA careers!

Do you have a caregiver personality?

You probably know compassion and empathy are a big part of caregiving, but did you know CNAs also need great problem-solving skills and a sense of humor?

Self-care for CNAs

Self-care is essential for CNAs and other health care professionals, particularly during pandemic times.

Career switch: Caregiving opens health care doors

Caregiving is a rewarding career in its own right and a potential launchpad into other health care roles.

Caregiving is one of the best careers to go into

Some of the benefits of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant — like job security and growth opportunities — you might know about. But most CNAs say giving back is what they like most about their job.

4 CNA lessons I learned on the job

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant can change your life and the lives of those you provide care to daily. CNA Meaghen Green shares four important lessons she’s learned on the job.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Curious if a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is right for you but not sure exactly what the job requires? Read on to find out what a CNA is, how to become one, and what a typical day on the job looks like.