Why 2024 is the Perfect Time to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Fordham Institute Inc. • August 27, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in providing frontline patient care. As the demand for healthcare services grows, particularly in the aftermath of the global pandemic and the ongoing aging population trends, becoming a CNA in 2024 presents a unique and timely opportunity to join a vital sector of the workforce. Here’s why now is the perfect time to start your journey toward becoming a CNA.
The Role of a Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistants provide essential support to patients and healthcare teams in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare environments. Their responsibilities include:
- Basic Care: Assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
- Vital Signs Monitoring: Measuring and recording patients’ vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse, which are critical for monitoring health status.
- Patient Comfort: Ensuring that patients are comfortable and their needs are met, contributing to their overall well-being.
- Communication: Acting as a bridge between patients and other healthcare professionals, reporting any changes in a patient's condition.
The Growing Need for CNAs in 2024
Several factors are driving the increased need for CNAs in 2024:
- Aging Population: The U.S. population is aging rapidly, with a significant increase in the number of older adults who require long-term care. CNAs are essential in supporting these individuals, particularly in residential and home care settings.
- Healthcare Industry Expansion: Post-pandemic, there has been a substantial investment in the healthcare industry to improve resilience and expand care facilities. This expansion has created more job opportunities for CNAs, who are indispensable in providing day-to-day patient care.
- Shift Toward Personalized Care: There is a growing trend toward more personalized and patient-centered care, which has increased the demand for skilled CNAs who can provide compassionate, individualized support to patients.
Benefits of Becoming a CNA in 2024
Choosing a career as a CNA comes with several benefits, especially at this time:
- High Demand and Job Security: With the growing demand for healthcare services, CNAs enjoy a high level of job security. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in CNA employment, making it a reliable career choice.
- Quick Entry into the Workforce: CNA programs are often shorter than other healthcare training programs, allowing individuals to enter the workforce quickly. Most CNA programs can be completed in a matter of weeks to a few months, depending on the program's intensity and state requirements.
- Hands-On Experience: CNAs gain valuable hands-on experience in patient care, providing a solid foundation for those who wish to advance in the healthcare field. This experience is invaluable for those looking to become nurses, medical assistants, or other healthcare professionals.
- Personal Fulfillment: Working as a CNA is incredibly rewarding for those who enjoy helping others. CNAs make a significant difference in the lives of their patients, often forming close, meaningful relationships with them.
- Flexible Scheduling: Many healthcare facilities offer flexible scheduling options, allowing CNAs to work shifts that fit their personal lives. This flexibility makes it an attractive career choice for individuals looking to balance work with other commitments.
How to Become a CNA in 2024
The path to becoming a CNA is straightforward and accessible. Here’s a brief overview of the steps:
- Complete a State-Approved Training Program: Enroll in a certified nursing assistant program at a community college, vocational school, or healthcare facility. These programs provide the necessary training and skills to perform the job effectively.
- Pass the CNA Certification Exam: After completing the training program, you will need to pass a state certification exam, which typically includes both a written and a practical skills test.
- Apply for State Certification: Once you pass the exam, you can apply for your state certification and start working as a CNA.
- Seek Employment: CNAs are in high demand in various settings, so there are plenty of opportunities to find a role that suits your interests and career goals.
Becoming a CNA in 2024 is a smart and rewarding career choice, offering job security, personal fulfillment, and a quick entry into the healthcare field. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, CNAs will play a vital role in providing essential care and support to those in need. If you are looking for a career that makes a difference and offers numerous opportunities for growth, consider becoming a CNA today.
Enroll in our CNA program to start your journey in the healthcare field and be a part of a profession that truly matters!
In school and in life, it’s easy to compare yourself to others. Someone else may seem ahead, faster, or more confident. You might wonder if you’re moving too slowly or falling behind. But here’s something important to remember: progress is personal. No two journeys look exactly the same. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we see students from all walks of life—each with different schedules, responsibilities, and challenges. And yet, every single one is moving forward in their own way. Success isn’t about speed—it’s about commitment. Here’s how to focus on your own path and trust your progress. 1. Stop Comparing Your Timeline to Others Everyone starts from a different place. Some students may have fewer responsibilities, while others balance work, family, and school all at once. Your journey is shaped by your life—and that’s okay. Comparing timelines only adds pressure. Focus on what you can do today. 2. Celebrate Small Wins Progress doesn’t only come from big milestones. It also comes from small daily victories: Showing up to class Completing assignments Learning a new skill Staying consistent These small steps add up more than you think. 3. Remember That Growth Takes Time Confidence, knowledge, and experience don’t happen overnight. They develop gradually through practice and repetition. The more you show up, the more natural everything begins to feel. Patience is part of the process. 4. Focus on Commitment, Not Speed It’s not about how fast you finish—it’s about not quitting. Steady, consistent effort will always take you further than rushing and burning out. Healthcare careers are built on reliability. Showing up consistently matters more than moving quickly. 5. Trust Your Journey Even when it feels quiet or slow, growth is happening. Every day you invest in yourself is moving you closer to your goals—even if you can’t see the results yet. Trust your timeline. Keep going. Your progress is real. Keep Showing Up Your path is yours alone. Walk it with confidence, patience, and pride. What matters most is not where others are—it’s that you keep moving forward. 📞 Ready to take the next step? Call 718-480-1804 Progress isn’t about being first—it’s about not giving up. And you’re doing better than you think. 💙
Healthcare professionals give so much of themselves every day. Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and students in training spend their time supporting others—offering comfort, assistance, and compassion. But in the middle of caring for everyone else, self-care often gets pushed aside. The truth is simple: you cannot give your best care if you are exhausted, overwhelmed, or burned out. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we remind our students that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s part of being a strong, reliable caregiver. When you take care of yourself, you show up stronger for others. Here are simple ways to protect your mind, body, and energy. 1. Prioritize Rest and Sleep Long days and busy schedules can make sleep feel optional—but it’s essential. Aim for consistent sleep each night Wind down before bed Give your body time to recharge Rest improves focus, patience, and overall performance. 2. Nourish Your Body With Healthy Meals Food is fuel, especially in healthcare roles that require both physical and mental energy. Eat balanced meals Pack snacks for long shifts or classes Stay hydrated throughout the day Proper nutrition helps you stay alert and energized. 3. Take Short Mental Breaks Even a few minutes can make a difference. Step outside for fresh air Stretch your body Take a few deep breaths Pause and reset your thoughts Small breaks help prevent stress from building up. 4. Set Boundaries When You Can It’s okay to protect your time and energy. Learning when to rest or say “not today” helps prevent burnout. You don’t have to do everything at once. Balance is key to long-term success. 5. Remember: Self-Care Is Professional Care When you feel supported and balanced, you’re calmer, more patient, and more present. Clients and patients benefit most when caregivers feel healthy and steady. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s responsible. Stronger You, Stronger Care Your well-being matters just as much as your skills. Make self-care part of your daily routine, not an afterthought. When you take care of yourself first, everyone around you benefits. 📞 Start training with confidence: 718-480-1804 Care for yourself the way you care for others—with patience, kindness, and intention. 💙
Life can feel overwhelming when everything feels rushed, scattered, or unpredictable. Between classes, work, family responsibilities, and personal obligations, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time in the day. That’s where routine becomes your greatest support. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we often remind our students and caregivers that routine creates stability. It doesn’t have to be strict or complicated—it just needs to be consistent. A simple daily structure can help you feel calmer, more organized, and more confident in both your training and your career. Here’s how building small routines can make a big difference. 1. Start Your Day the Same Way How you begin your morning often sets the tone for everything that follows. Try: Waking up at the same time each day Preparing your clothes or uniform the night before Giving yourself a few quiet minutes to plan your day A predictable start helps your mind feel focused instead of rushed. 2. Create a Study or Review Habit Healthcare training requires steady learning. Instead of cramming, set aside short, consistent study times: Review notes for 15–20 minutes daily Practice skills regularly Break lessons into smaller chunks Small daily effort reduces stress and helps information stick better. 3. Prepare Ahead to Reduce Stress Preparation is one of the simplest routines you can build. Try: Packing your bag before bed Planning meals or snacks in advance Checking your schedule for the next day When you’re prepared, you feel more in control—and less overwhelmed. 4. Understand Why Routine Matters in Healthcare Routine isn’t just helpful for students—it’s essential in caregiving. Clients feel safer when they know what to expect. Consistent schedules build trust, reliability, and professionalism. The habits you build now during training will follow you into your career. 5. Keep It Simple and Realistic Routine doesn’t mean being perfect or rigid. It means creating habits you can actually maintain. Start with one or two small changes. Once they feel natural, add more. Consistency beats complexity every time. Small Habits, Big Confidence If life feels scattered right now, don’t try to fix everything at once. Start small. One routine at a time. Over time, those small habits create structure—and structure builds confidence. 📞 Interested in starting your healthcare journey? Call 718-480-1804