As the overall American population ages, demand for well-qualified CNAs is expected to grow. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 21% growth in demand for CNAs in the next several years. This statistic means that demand for CNAs will be far greater than demand for workers in many other professions.
That’s good news for people hoping to enter the medical field after a short training period. The reason behind the burgeoning demand for CNAs is the large baby boom population. As that segment continues to age and requires greater assistance with the tasks of everyday living, an ever increasing number of CNAs will be needed to meet that demand. CNAs will find many employment opportunities in long term care facilities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes where they can focus their efforts on caring for the aging portions of the population.
Studies also suggest that remaining in the home will be an increasingly popular choice for senior citizens. Accordingly, people who have completed their CNA training and obtained their state certification may benefit from looking into becoming a home health aide. This health care professional performs many of the same duties of a CNA employed in a nursing home or similar facility, but does so in the care recipient’s private home. Usually, a home health aide provides care to several different clients and travels from one home to the next.
Still other CNAs will find employment in hospitals and doctor’s offices. They may work with patients requiring instructions to care for a wound or needing temporary assistance while they recover from surgery. When it comes to working as a CNA, there is a great deal of variety.
Demand for CNAs is also expected to remain high because a large number of practicing CNAs choose to continue their education. Frequently CNAs choose to become registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. This happens so often that new opportunities are always opening up for CNAs. Accordingly, new CNAS can expect not only to be hired quickly, but also to enjoy good employment security.
Training to become a CNA is affordable and requires only a few weeks to complete. Most graduates who pass the state certification exam have no difficulty finding employment immediately. With the job outlook for new CNAs expected to remain outstanding for several years, there’s never been a better time to enroll in a CNA training program.