How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and earn an annual salary of $60,000?
Attention veterans and military families!
Did you know you can use GI Bill benefits to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? Consider pursuing a high-demand nursing career and take advantage of fully supported programs to gain professional skills training and high-paying job resources.We’ll help you learn how to take the first step at no out-of-pocket cost to you, and here are resources and FAQs about the program:
Why choose CNA online courses?
Due to high demand, competitive salaries, and skill alignment, nursing is an excellent career choice for veterans:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for CNA positions in the U.S. is expected to grow by about 8% over the next decade, with over 193,100 nursing job openings each year. The economy has proven that your CNA role will be secure even when the economy is failing!
Additionally, while CNA is an entry-level position in the nursing field, it often serves as the best pathway to advancement in other healthcare roles. Becoming a CNA allows you to earn a salary above the national average, with registered nurses earning an average annual salary of $81,220, or about $39.05 per hour. Some states offer even higher wages! Take advantage of GI Bill-funded CNA programs that provide quick certification, practical experience, and foundational skills, allowing you to enter the healthcare field quickly and secure stable income!
What resources can help you quickly become a CNA?
1. VA Nursing Assistant Programs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)offers nursing assistant roles tailored to Veterans’ care.
Certification can be earned in as little as 4 weeks
VA provides education support and leadership development for career advancement (e.g., transitioning to RN) and offers various assistance programs and scholarships.
Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
2. GI Bill and Education Benefits
Most CNA training programs are GI Bill funded, allowing veterans and military families to pay for full tuition and additional allowances through their benefits:
The GI Bill can waive the full nursing tuition at state universities or community colleges, such as CNA training costs at accredited institutions like Aishling Care Academy and Healthcare Career College.
Yellow Ribbon Program: This can help cover tuition and fees for out-of-state, private schools, foreign schools, or graduate schools that are not covered by the GI Bill.
Additional assistance! Veterans and their families can also receive $1,000 for books and supplies, as well as up to $1,200 for tutoring costs. They can also access career counseling, job placement services, and tailored support groups.
Find more nursing schools and other benefits through referral entries:
Success Story: Turning Education into Opportunity
Maria utilized her veteran benefits to fund her nursing degree. Hear from her:
“My name is Maria, and I’m a 35-year-old mom. I had no medical training, but when I learned that I could use GI Bill benefits, I enrolled in a 4-week CNA course and passed the exam, allowing me to work as a CNA. I’m so glad I made the right choice because you need to be licensed to work as a CNA in long-term care facilities; otherwise, you can only earn minimum wage. Long story short, today I am an RN. I love being a CNA; it made me an excellent nurse, and I earn over $5,000 a month.”
Success stories like Maria's are not uncommon. As of last year, CNA programs have helped over 190,000 people secure jobs in healthcare-related fields, with more than 80% of participants reporting significant career advancement.
Career Paths in Nursing for Veterans and Their Families
Not sure which nursing path to take? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the government pays high salaries for nurses. If you want to make the most of your skills, be sure to learn more. Here, we will discuss common nursing careers, including their descriptions and average salary ranges:
Registered Nurse (RN): Average annual salary of $81,220, responsible for assessing, treating, and educating patients and their families, with opportunities in various healthcare settings.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Typically earns between $110,000 and $208,080, assesses/diagnoses patients, arranges tests, reviews results, and prescribes treatment plans, providing advanced care and specialized services.
Home Health Nurse: Average salary of about $104,754, providing care for patients in their homes.
Nurse Manager: Responsible for supervising nursing staff and operations, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $171,620.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): One of the highest-paying nursing positions, with salaries typically exceeding $200,000.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Salary of about $100,000 to $120,000, focusing on improving patient outcomes.
How to Use the GI Bill to Apply for CNA Training
Worried that the application process is complicated? It's actually simpler than you think! Just follow these steps:
1. Confirm Eligibility
- You need to meet at least one of the following conditions: Serving at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001, or receiving an honorable discharge.
2. Choose an Accredited Program
- Ensure that your CNA training program is VA-approved; you can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find the relevant information.
3. Submit Required Documents
- Include identification and bank account information for remittance, and apply through the VA website.
4. Wait for Eligibility Review
- Processing times may vary, but if approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to share with your school's certifying official to start using your benefits.
Additional Notes
Housing Allowance (MHA): Calculated based on the school's location, enrollment intensity (greater than 50% attendance), and whether the course is in-person or online.
Expiration: Benefits do not expire if you were discharged after January 1, 2013 (Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act).
Courses typically last 4-6 weeks and offer flexible full-time and part-time schedules.