Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide direct patient care across many healthcare settings. They deliver daily support that directly affects patient well-being, including basic nursing care and assistance with activities of daily living. Unfortunately, the pay often does not align with the workload.
After you pass the CNA exam, initial certification grants you entry into the profession, but your education doesn’t have to end there. Career progression, job satisfaction, and higher wages often depend on specialty training. With advanced credentials, CNAs shift from general support to specialized clinical tasks that employers value and often leads to higher earning opportunities. No matter the state you are in, these qualifications improve labor-market competitiveness.
These six high-impact certifications can elevate your career and earning potential.
In this article:
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- Certified EKG Technician (CET)
- Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA)
- Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Assistant (CHPNA)
- The Path Forward
- References
Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
A CMA certification is one of the most common specializations for CNAs, especially for those working in long-term care and assisted living facilities.
What It Is: This training and certification qualify a CNA to administer routine, non-injectable medications to patients allowed by state law and under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This frees up RNs and LPNs to focus on more complex clinical tasks.
Key Skills:
- Safe medication preparation and administration.
- Accurate dosage calculation and documentation.
- Recognizing and reporting adverse drug reactions.
Career Impact: Earning your CMA typically results in a direct hourly wage increase of $1.50 to $3.00 (varies by state), due to the increase in responsibility. It significantly expands your role, opens up specialized positions within facilities, and demonstrates a high level of trust.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
If you enjoy the fast-paced environment of a hospital or clinic, adding phlebotomy to your skillset can turn our to be a rewarding choice.
What It Is: This certification focuses on the specialized practice of venipuncture (drawing blood) and the proper handling and processing of laboratory specimens.
Key Skills:
- Mastering venipuncture techniques.
- Aseptic technique and proper specimen collection protocols.
- Anatomy of the circulatory system and proper specimen handling.
Career Impact: A CPT certification makes you highly desirable in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient laboratories. It adds a complex and essential clinical skill to your repertoire that is directly tied to diagnostic care, making you a more versatile and valuable team member in any health care setting.
Certified EKG Technician (CET)
Cardiology is a growing specialty. Proficiency in cardiac monitoring makes you an asset in acute care units where cardiac monitoring is required.
What It Is: A CET is trained to perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and prepare patients for Holter monitoring, as well as stress tests to record and monitor their cardiac activity.
Key Skills:
- In-depth cardiac anatomy and physiology.
- Correct EKG lead placement and setup.
- Troubleshooting equipment and recognizing common rhythm strip errors.
Career Impact: This is an essential credential for CNAs seeking to work in cardiology units, intensive care, emergency departments, or physician offices where prompt, accurate diagnostics are required. It significantly increases your employment flexibility by expanding your clinical responsibilities.
Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA)
For CNAs who find satisfaction in seeing patients regain their independence, the RNA specialization is incredibly rewarding.
What It Is: An RNA specializes in rehabilitative care, working closely with physical and occupational therapists to help patients maintain or achieve their highest level of physical functioning following a medical event, injury, or surgery.
Key Skills:
- Performing range of motion (ROM) exercises.
- Assisting with ambulation and mobility using assistive devices.
- Implementing personalized care plans focused on independence.
Career Impact: CNAs with RNA training are essential in rehabilitation facilities and skilled nursing homes. Facilities rely on RNAs to improve patient outcomes. Better outcomes can raise facility quality ratings and support higher paying jobs for specialized staff.
Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)
As the population ages, expertise in geriatric care becomes more and more valuable.
What It Is: Basic CNA training covers fundamental patient care. GNA training targets the physical, emotional, and social needs of older adults and some states even require a separate GNA license for employment in skilled nursing facilities.
Key Skills:
- Advanced techniques for dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
- End-of-life and palliative care principles.
- Specialized knowledge of fall prevention and chronic geriatric health issues.
Career Impact: A GNA credential is in high demand at skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, two fast-growing sectors in healthcare.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Assistant (CHPNA)
The decision to specialize in hospice care shows a deep commitment to patient comfort and dignity.
What It Is: CHPNA certification allows individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide specialized comfort and compassionate support to patients with terminal illnesses, as well as their families.
Key Skills:
- Specialized pain management principles (under nurse direction).
- Therapeutic communication and psychological support strategies.
- Recognizing and addressing the signs of approaching death.
Career Impact: This certification allows you to perform meaningful work in hospice organizations and home health, where CNAs are valued for their compassion and specialized knowledge. These roles may offer verry different work environments and more shift stability compared to acute care.
The Path Forward
Your CNA certification is just the beginning of limitless options in healthcare. Once you obtain experience working as a CNA, you may find your passion in a specialty where you can grow as a professional, expanding on your medical knowledge while boosting your financial success. Each credential you earn represents an expanded scope of practice, increased clinical confidence, and the chance for a higher salary. By specializing, you transform from a singular entry-level role into a dynamic, highly respected, and well-compensated career.
References
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Five-Star Quality Rating System. Accessed October 2025. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/certification-compliance/five-star-quality-rating-system
- Hospice & Palliative Credentialing Center. Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA). Accessed October 2025. https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/hpcc/credentials/chpna/
- Maryland Department of Health; Maryland Board of Nursing. Nursing Assistant Certification. Accessed October 2025. https://health.maryland.gov/mbon/pages/cna-info.aspx
- National Healthcareer Association. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). Accessed October 2025. https://www.nhanow.com/certification/nha-certifications/certified-phlebotomy-technician-%28cpt%29
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nursing Assistants and Orderlies. Accessed October 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
