CNA salary

a person in scrubs with a stethoscope
Request More Info
Your safety and education are priorities for SCI. Until further notice, we’re offering our classes in a hybrid/online teaching environment.
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden

By submitting this form, I agree that Southern Careers Institute may contact me via email, text message or telephone, including the use of autodialers, regarding its programs and offers. Standard text and/or usage rates may apply.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant’s Salary Compared to a Caregiver’s Salary?

“Our Nurse Aide program provides an opportunity for students to be in a new career field in just 5 weeks! The hands-on training keeps the students active and excited to become caregivers, and provides the skills needed to be successful not only in their externship, but once they gain employment in the healthcare field.”

Promise-CNA-South-Grad Promise Nyong had two graduations to look forward to—his high school’s, and his certified nurse aide program (CNA) with Southern Careers Institute’s San Antonio South campus. The five-week long program is designed to give students the hands-on-training they need in basic nursing, safety, infection control, body mechanics as well as health and social service needs. Graduates of the CNA program are eligible for their CPR and CNA certifications and qualified for careers in nursing homes, extended care facilities, in home health and hospitals.

How much more is a CNA Salary than the Wages of a Non-Certified Caregiver?

Had Promise attempted to join the workforce as a caregiver without getting trained as a certified nurse aide, he would be making about $11.57 per hour according to the BLS median pay for home health aides and personal care aides.  This is about $2.15 less than he could expect to earn as a Certified Nurses Aide

But it’s not just about the CNA Salary…

Getting Certified Will Help You Get the Job

Rhonda Bravo, another recent graduate of the CNA program at Southern Careers Institute, definitely has a heart for the elderly and disabled. She “fell in love with caregiving,” after treating two patients with Down Syndrome while working at an assisted living home when she was 18 years old. Yet, even with the experience, she still found trouble finding a job in the home care industry after she retired from military service. “Everybody wants you to have your CNA.” she told SCI. For her the convenience and the affordability made her choice to attend school at SCI a simple one. It paid off, as she was recently hired with a CNA salary with her top choice of companies, Texas Blue Skies.

Rhonda-CNA-SCI-South-Grad

What to Expect from a CNA Program

“You’ll get great training,” Promise responds enthusiastically, when asked what one could expect from the certified nurse aide program with Southern Careers Institute. “In 5 weeks, SCI helps with your clinical, they help you with the job process, your applications and resume.” And although the job outlook for nursing assistants and orderlies is growing at 9% which is faster than average, many employers want to ensure that new hires have what it takes to be successful in the role. “We require either 1 year of experience as a caregiver or your nurse aide certification,” says Nicole Vielma, Human Resources Coordinator for Griswold Home Care, a nationwide home care service provider headquartered in San Antonio who recently hired Promise as one of their care providers. She emphasizes that people working in the home care service industry must have a passion for helping others.

CNA is a Career that Cares

If you have a heart for helping the elderly and disadvantaged like Promise and Rhonda, then CNA might be the right career path for you. As a CNA, you will develop close relationships with your residents and patients due to the direct care that you’ll provide. This could be a very emotionally rewarding career and a great first step into the medical field. The aging baby boomer population is booming at rates that could fuel a 75% increase in Americans aged 65-and-older requiring nursing home care to 2.3 million in 2030, according to the Population Reference Bureau.

As for Promise, let’s check in and see how he is doing at his first job since his double graduation this summer. “He’s had a couple cases,” says Nicole from Griswold’s HR department, “and the ones he has picked up are very happy.”

If you are looking for a caring career with a big future, look no further than Southern Careers Institute’s Nurse Aide program, which recently launched in the Rio Grande Valley and Corpus Christi. Learn more about the CNA Program Here or you can Apply Now to take the first step toward your new career.

References

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-1
  • https://southerncareer.wpengine.com/nurse-aide/
  • https://griswoldsa.com/
  • https://www.prb.org/unitedstates-population-bulletin/

Want to learn more about how National Certifications might help you in today’s job market?

What SCI Students Are Saying

"Just finished school for welding. Had the best experience with Southern Careers Institute, and had a lot of fun with my buddies. Already working at SpaceX. SCI is the place to be guys! Don't wait any longer, sign up!”

Testimonal

Enrique H.
Welding

"I recently achieved my dream of becoming a CDL driver, passing my CDL exams at our local DMV in Edinburg. Mr. Gonzalez was such a great instructor, even though it was raining I passed with flying colors!”

Testimonal

Juan L.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator

“I made a complete career change when I started my training at Southern Careers Institute. I needed a stable career to continue providing for my growing family. SCI provided me with the medical terminology and know how that I needed to understand and acquire a career in the medical field. SCI taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are in life right now; you always have room to advance and learn.”

Testimonal

Denise S.
Medical Assistant

“I am extremely grateful for the assistance I received from SCI’s Career Services team. I enjoy where I work and what I do. SCI has helped me succeed in life by getting me the necessary education and by making me a stronger and more confident person.”

Testimonal

Raquel S.

“Once I graduated from SCI, I had a sense of accomplishment that helped me through the job search process. SCI provided me with the opportunity to brush up on my skills, extend my accounting knowledge, and they boosted my self-confidence. I went to work two days after my last day of school.”

Testimonal

Annette D.
Business Accounting

“When my youngest child graduated from high school, I told my husband that it was my time. I went back to school to change careers after spending 37 years in the business field. At SCI, the instructors are professional, and they care about what they are teaching you, as well as expect you to give 100% in return. I had problems understanding how to draw in syringes and give injections. I requested extra help from a knowledgeable instructor, and I was able to receive one-on-one training. Today, I draw injections for approximately 100 patients each week. I am very confident in what I’ve learned. SCI has given me the chance to do what I always wanted to do. Thank you for my education. I am doing wonderful.”

Testimonal

Bonnie M
Medical Assistant

“I am now a certified Lab Tech. SCI helped me get an externship, and I came out with a job. After my little sister had cancer, I knew I wanted a career in the medical field that allowed me to help others. I am happy about what I do.”

Testimonal

Sidney B
Medical Assistant

“The best place ever!! Ms.Tonia rocks she is the best teacher… I love going to school my time there is amazing.”

Testimonal

Andrea Garcia

“Southern Careers went beyond my expectations. Very impressed. The assistance I got from Career Services is truly amazing. They really went out of their way to get me placed. They really care and I am grateful to all of them.”

Testimonal

Olga C.

“Southern Careers Institute totally surpassed my expectations. Once I finished school, the Career Services team helped me find a job. I would tell anyone thinking about starting career training that you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I wish I would have started my training sooner.”

Testimonal

Valerie D.

Speak with an
Admissions Advisor

Call 1.833.SCI.TEXAS

Our mission is to be a leading talent producer by delivering employer-tailored training.

Contact Us Today