A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. CNAs assist patients with daily living activities, monitor vital signs, and support clinical staff in hospitals, nursing homes, and pediatric settings.

To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program, which typically includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical hours. After finishing the program, you must pass your state's CNA competency exam — which covers both a written test and a skills evaluation — to earn certification. Practicing with resources like a CNA basic nursing skills practice test can help you prepare for the skills portion.

CNAs assist patients with bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility, while also taking vital signs and reporting changes in patient condition to supervising nurses. In pediatric settings, CNA duties also include comforting young patients, supporting families, and assisting with age-appropriate care routines.

CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant, a credentialed role in the healthcare system responsible for hands-on patient care. CNAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, pediatric clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.

What Does CNA Stand For?

CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. The certification is awarded after completing an accredited training program and passing a state competency exam that tests both theoretical knowledge — including anatomy and physiology — and practical nursing skills.

How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA?

Most CNA training programs take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Federal law requires a minimum of 75 hours of training, though many states mandate 120 hours or more, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice before you can sit for the certification exam.

Pediatric CNA Job Duties Pay Training and How to Get Started

CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant By Dr. Sarah MitchellApr 24, 202615 min read

Pediatric CNA by the Numbers: Salary, Demand, and Training at a Glance

Pediatric CNA is one of the most accessible healthcare careers, with strong pay, steady demand, and training programs that can be completed in just a few months.

💰$18–$22/hrAverage Hourly Payup to $40/hr as a travel CNA

📈4%Job Growth Through 2032BLS projection for all CNAs

🎓75–175 hrsTraining Requiredvaries by state

✅80–85%First-Attempt Pass Ratenational CNA exam average

👩‍⚕️1.5M+CNAs Employed Nationwideacross all U.S. care settings

🆓$0Training Cost (Some Programs)via Medicaid facilities and hospital sponsorships

Quick Facts: Pediatric CNA by the Numbers: Salary, Demand, and Training at a Glance

Average pediatric CNA hourly wage: $18–$22/hr nationally, up to $40/hr as a traveling CNA
CNA training hours required by state: 75–175 classroom and clinical hours
BLS projects 4% CNA job growth through 2032; pediatric facilities among fastest-growing employers
First-attempt CNA exam pass rate: approximately 80–85% nationally

What Does a Pediatric CNA Do? Job Duties by Care Setting

🏥Hospital & Acute CareInpatient Setting

Pediatric CNAs on dedicated children's floors monitor vital signs every 2–4 hours, assist with age-appropriate ADLs (bathing, feeding, mobility), and transport specimens to the lab. They also perform post-procedure monitoring after sedation or surgical recovery, reporting any changes in condition directly to the RN.

pediatric cnainpatientvital signs

Core Tasks: Vitals, ADLs, specimen transport
Setting: Children's hospital floors & PICUs
Shift Type: 12-hr rotating (days/nights)
Supervision: Direct RN oversight

🏠Pediatric Home HealthHome-Based Care

Home health pediatric CNAs care for medically complex children — including those on ventilators, G-tubes, or tracheostomies — in their own homes. Duties include tube feeding, suctioning, mobility assistance, and medical equipment management. CNAs also train and support family caregivers, making communication skills as critical as clinical technique.

pediatric cnahome healthmedically complex

Common Patients: Vent-dependent, G-tube, trach kids
Key Duty: Family caregiver education & support
Equipment: Feeding pumps, suction devices, O2
Shift Length: 8–12 hr private duty shifts

🏫School-Based HealthAcademic Day Setting

School-based pediatric CNAs support students with disabilities or chronic conditions — such as Type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, or cerebral palsy — throughout the academic day. Responsibilities include medication reminders, health screenings, and assisting the school nurse during illness or injury response. This setting operates on a school-year schedule, making it appealing for CNAs seeking consistent daytime hours.

pediatric cnacna jobs near meschool health

Student Needs: IEP health plans, chronic illness mgmt
Key Tasks: Med reminders, screenings, first aid
Hours: School-day schedule (~185 days/yr)
Coordinator: Works under licensed school nurse

🩺Outpatient & Specialty ClinicsClinic Setting

In pediatric outpatient and specialty clinics, CNAs room patients, record chief complaints, prep exam rooms, and assist physicians during developmental screenings and well-child visits. Growth charting — plotting height, weight, and BMI on age-specific pediatric curves — is a standard daily task. Traveling CNAs frequently fill short-term clinic staffing gaps, earning up to $40/hr in high-demand metro markets.

pediatric cnacna jobs near metraveling cna

Daily Tasks: Rooming, growth charting, exam prep
Screenings: Developmental, vision, hearing
Pace: High-volume (15–30 patients/day)
Travel Opportunity: Up to $40/hr for travel CNA roles

What Does a Pediatric CNA Do? Job Duties by Care S - CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant certification study resource

How Much Does a Pediatric CNA Make? Pay by Setting and Experience Level

Pediatric CNA pay varies significantly based on experience, setting, and location — but most earn between $31,000 and $52,000 annually. Here's a breakdown of typical hourly rates across different roles and experience levels.

🌱$15–$18/hrEntry-Level Pediatric CNA (0–1 year)Starting pay for new CNAs in pediatric settings; common in outpatient clinics and long-term care facilities

⭐$19–$24/hrExperienced Pediatric CNA (3+ years)Pay bump after building hands-on pediatric skills; often includes shift differentials for nights and weekends

🏥$20–$26/hrHospital-Based Pediatric CNAHighest base pay setting due to acuity level; children's hospitals and pediatric units in major medical centers

🏠$17–$22/hrPediatric Home Health CNAOne-on-one care for pediatric patients at home; pay varies by agency, case complexity, and location

✈️$25–$40/hrTraveling CNA in PediatricsHighest total compensation — includes tax-free housing and meal stipends on top of base hourly pay

📅$31,000–$52,000/yrAnnual Salary RangeFull-year earnings depend on state, setting, overtime, and shift differentials; highest salaries in CA, WA, and NY

Rates reflect 2025 national averages. Actual pay depends on state wage laws, employer type, union agreements, and whether you hold a specialty certification. Traveling CNA totals include non-taxed stipends and may not reflect direct hourly wages alone.

CNA Anatomy and Physiology Basics — Start Free

CNA Certification Requirements: What You Need Before Working with Kids

Verify minimum age: most states require 16–18 to enroll in a CNA programHold a high school diploma or GED before applying to any state-approved CNA programPass your state CNA competency exam: written knowledge test plus hands-on skills evaluationObtain current CPR/BLS certification — must be valid on your first day of hireComplete a criminal background check; certain convictions disqualify applicants from pediatric healthcare rolesSubmit health clearances: TB test, varicella, and MMR immunization records required for pediatric settingsCheck if your employer requires PALS or CPI certification before your pediatric start dateRenew your CNA license every 1–2 years with documented continuing education hours per your state board

How to Become a Pediatric CNA: Step-by-Step from Enrollment to First Job

✅

Day 1

Confirm Your Eligibility

Before enrolling in any cna programs, confirm your state's minimum age requirement — most states set this at 16–18. Have your high school diploma or GED ready, as every state-approved program requires proof of completion at enrollment. Run a self-background check through your state's public records system; prior convictions involving abuse, neglect, or controlled substances will disqualify applicants from pediatric healthcare settings entirely. Catching a disqualifying issue before you pay tuition saves both money and months of training time.

🏫

Week 1–2

Choose a State-Approved CNA Program

Search for cna programs near me using your state's official nurse aide registry or board of nursing website — only state-approved programs qualify you to sit for the licensure exam. Compare three program formats: in-person programs offer immediate hands-on practice; online-hybrid formats pair flexible coursework with scheduled in-person clinical days; 4-week accelerated cohorts compress the full curriculum for candidates who can commit full-time. Evaluate programs on total cost (typically $500–$2,000), clinical site partnerships, and specifically whether placements rotate through pediatric units or children's hospitals — that access matters when you target your first job.

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Weeks 3–16

Complete Classroom & Clinical Training

State-mandated cna schooling ranges from 75 hours (federal minimum) to 175 hours depending on your state. Classroom hours cover anatomy, infection control, patient rights, and vital sign measurement. Clinical hours put you on an active patient floor — this is where you build the hands-on competency that employers evaluate during hiring. If pediatric specialization is your goal, speak with your program director before clinicals begin: some programs can arrange rotations at children's facilities or pediatric units within general hospitals. Use every clinical hour deliberately — observe age-appropriate communication techniques and pediatric equipment handling whenever the opportunity arises.

📝

Week 16–18

Pass the State CNA Competency Exam

After completing your cna schooling hours, you'll sit for the two-part state competency exam administered by a state-approved testing vendor — Prometric or Pearson VUE in most states. The written section (typically 60–70 multiple-choice questions) tests knowledge of patient care, safety, communication, and basic nursing procedures. The skills evaluation requires you to correctly demonstrate 3–5 randomly selected patient care tasks in front of a state evaluator; commonly tested skills include hand hygiene, vital sign measurement, patient repositioning, and catheter care. Most states allow multiple retake attempts, but passing on the first attempt compresses your total timeline to first paycheck by two to four weeks.

📋

Week 18–20

Get Licensed & Join the Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass the competency exam, your testing vendor notifies your state board, which adds your name to the nurse aide registry — the official public database that hospitals, home health agencies, and pediatric clinics use to verify cna certification before extending an offer. This step is not optional; no licensed healthcare facility can legally assign you to a patient before your name appears in the registry. Most states process registry additions within one to two weeks of exam passage. CNA licenses require renewal every one to two years, typically requiring proof of active work hours (commonly eight hours per 24-month period) plus state-board-approved continuing education documentation.

👶

Week 20+

Apply, Onboard & Start Your Pediatric Career

With active cna certification in hand, target employers who specialize in the pediatric population: children's hospitals, pediatric wings of general hospitals, pediatric home health agencies, outpatient specialty clinics (oncology, cardiology, rehabilitation), and school district nursing programs. Tailor your resume to highlight any pediatric clinical exposure, current CPR/BLS certification, and supplemental credentials such as PALS or CPI. Most children's facilities run a mandatory specialty orientation before your first patient assignment — expect training that covers pediatric vital sign ranges by age group, developmental-stage communication techniques, family-centered care protocols, and mandatory reporter obligations under your state's child abuse reporting laws. Completing this orientation is a non-negotiable prerequisite to independent patient assignment.

How to Become a Pediatric CNA - CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant certification study resource

CNA Basic Nursing Skills 1 — Start Free

CNA Programs and Training Options: Online, In-Person, 4-Week, and Free Courses

How does an online CNA program work?	Theory and coursework are completed online at your own pace; clinical hours (typically 16–75 hours depending on state) are arranged through a local partner facility near you. You never skip hands-on training — only the lecture component moves online.
How long do online CNA programs take?	Accredited online hybrid programs run 4–12 weeks. Faster completion depends on how quickly you finish the self-paced theory modules and how soon your program can schedule your local clinical placement.
What does an online CNA program cost?	Tuition ranges from $800–$2,500, which typically covers online coursework, textbooks, and clinical coordination fees. State exam registration ($80–$150) and skills lab supply fees are usually billed separately.
Who is an online CNA program best suited for?	Working adults, parents with variable schedules, and caregivers who cannot commit to a fixed daily classroom schedule. As long as your state approves the online provider, the resulting certification carries identical legal weight to an in-person credential.
Can online CNA graduates work in pediatric settings?	Yes, provided the program is state-approved and clinicals are completed. When scheduling your clinical rotation, explicitly request a pediatric placement — children's hospitals and pediatric home health agencies accept graduates of approved online hybrid programs.

How does an online CNA program work?

Theory and coursework are completed online at your own pace; clinical hours (typically 16–75 hours depending on state) are arranged through a local partner facility near you. You never skip hands-on training — only the lecture component moves online.

How long do online CNA programs take?

Accredited online hybrid programs run 4–12 weeks. Faster completion depends on how quickly you finish the self-paced theory modules and how soon your program can schedule your local clinical placement.

What does an online CNA program cost?

Tuition ranges from $800–$2,500, which typically covers online coursework, textbooks, and clinical coordination fees. State exam registration ($80–$150) and skills lab supply fees are usually billed separately.

Who is an online CNA program best suited for?

Working adults, parents with variable schedules, and caregivers who cannot commit to a fixed daily classroom schedule. As long as your state approves the online provider, the resulting certification carries identical legal weight to an in-person credential.

Can online CNA graduates work in pediatric settings?

Yes, provided the program is state-approved and clinicals are completed. When scheduling your clinical rotation, explicitly request a pediatric placement — children's hospitals and pediatric home health agencies accept graduates of approved online hybrid programs.

Pros and Cons of Working as a Pediatric CNA

Like any healthcare role, working as a pediatric CNA comes with genuine rewards and real challenges worth understanding before you commit.

✅Advantages of Working as a Pediatric CNA

+Deeply rewarding work — supporting children's health, development, and recovery creates strong daily purpose that many CNAs cite as their primary reason for staying in the field.
+Consistent job availability across hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, and schools means low unemployment and strong long-term stability for pediatric CNAs.
+Fast-track entry into healthcare is possible through accelerated CNA programs, with full certification achievable in as little as 4 weeks.
+Clear career ladder to RN, LPN, or pediatric specialty nursing, with many children's hospital systems offering tuition reimbursement to help you advance.
+Traveling CNA positions in pediatric settings offer pay rates 40–80% above standard staff CNA wages, plus tax-free housing and meal stipends.

❌Challenges of Working as a Pediatric CNA

−Physically demanding work — frequent lifting, repositioning, and 8–12 hour shifts on your feet can take a significant toll on your body over time.
−The emotional weight of caring for seriously ill, injured, or terminally ill children is a well-documented occupational stressor that requires strong coping strategies.
−Entry-level wages remain lower than the level of hands-on responsibility the role demands compared to other healthcare positions.
−CNA license renewal with continuing education is mandatory in most states, adding recurring time and out-of-pocket cost every one to two years.

CNA Feeding and Hydration 3 — Start Free

Pediatric CNA Career Growth: Advancement Paths and Next Roles

A Pediatric CNA credential opens doors to multiple advancement paths, from clinical promotions to specialty roles and traveling positions. Whether you pursue additional schooling or leverage experience-based growth, each path builds on your pediatric foundation.

💊

Pediatric CNA → Pediatric LPN

With 12–18 months of accredited LPN schooling, you can expand your scope to include medication administration and care planning. Pediatric LPNs earn an average of $48,000–$58,000 per year, representing a meaningful salary jump over entry-level CNA pay. This is one of the most direct clinical advancement routes available to working CNAs.

🩺

Pediatric CNA → Pediatric RN

LPN-to-RN and CNA bridge programs allow you to become a registered nurse in 2–4 years, often while continuing to work. Pediatric RNs in children's hospital settings earn $70,000–$90,000 per year, with additional specialty differentials for PICU and NICU units. Your CNA certification and hands-on pediatric experience give you a strong head start in nursing programs.

✈️

Pediatric CNA → Traveling CNA

Traveling CNA roles require no additional credentials beyond your existing certified CNA status, though cna reciprocity rules vary by state when crossing state lines. You negotiate short-term contracts through travel staffing agencies and can earn $25–$40 per hour plus housing stipends in high-need pediatric markets. This path offers flexibility, higher pay, and exposure to diverse pediatric care environments nationwide.

🏠

Pediatric CNA → Home Health Aide Supervisor

Experienced pediatric CNAs can advance into supervisory roles within home health agencies without returning to school. In this role you coordinate caregiver schedules, conduct quality checks, and mentor CNAs on pediatric home care protocols. It is a leadership path that rewards tenure and clinical judgment over additional credentials.

📋

Pediatric CNA → Medical Assistant

A lateral move into medical assisting requires roughly 9–12 months of additional MA training and broadens your scope in pediatric outpatient and clinic settings. Medical assistants handle both administrative tasks like scheduling and billing and clinical duties like vitals and specimen collection. This hybrid role is well-suited for CNAs who want a less physically demanding position while staying in pediatric care.

🎓

Pediatric CNA → CNA Instructor

Teaching the next generation of CNAs requires RN or LPN licensure plus a state-issued teaching certification, making this a longer-term goal that rewards professional growth. Instructors can develop pediatric-focused curricula at vocational schools, community colleges, or hospital-based training programs. It is a highly respected role that lets experienced clinicians shape the standards of cna certification and patient care for years to come.

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About the Author

Dr. Sarah MitchellRN, MSN, PhD

Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.