Use this template
Add your own experience and make this layout yours.
other
Certified Nursing Assistant
Resume Example
4.5 / 5
Why This Template Works
This resume format works exceptionally well for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) because it is structured to include essential sections such as a professional summary, relevant work experience, and education details prominently. It also includes keywords related to healthcare and geriatric care, which are highly relevant for CNA positions and help the resume rank higher in search results.
Moreover, by placing key achievements and certifications in bold or italics within the context of these sections, ATS systems will recognize them as important indicators of a candidate's qualifications. The inclusion of specific skills such as patient care, medication administration, and communication abilities ensures that the resume is tailored for healthcare roles.
Instant Resume Score
Check Your Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Score
Upload your resume for an instant ATS score and practical, role-specific improvements.
- No Signup Required
- Private by Default
- Usually under 30 sec
Your resume
One step to your resume score
Add your resume to run a free score and get prioritized fixes.
How to Write This Resume
Expert guidelines and best practices for each section of your resume.
01
Contact
Contact
First Name Last Name City, State, Zip Code Phone Number | Email Address LinkedIn Profile URL | Portfolio URL (Optional)
General Guidelines
Your contact information is the first section recruiters see. Keep it concise and professional. Ensure your email address is appropriate (e.g., [email protected]). Include your LinkedIn profile for a comprehensive view of your professional journey. A portfolio or personal website is recommended for creative, technical, or design roles.
Avoid This
Do not include your full physical address (street number/name) for privacy reasons. Avoid including personal details like marital status, age, photo, or social security number unless specifically required in your country. Don't use unprofessional email addresses.
Real Examples
See clear examples of how to format contact details effectively.
Don't
John Doe 1234 Random St, Apt 56 New York, NY 10001 [email protected] github.com/aliciacode Single, 28 years old
Do
John Doe New York, NY (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] linkedin.com/in/johndoe | johndoe.com
Quick Tips
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname format)
- Ensure your voicemail is set up and professional
- Double-check your phone number and email for typos
- Make your LinkedIn URL custom (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
02
Summary
Summary
Professional Title Result-oriented [Role Name] with [Number] years of experience in [Key Skills/Industries]. Proven track record of [Major Achievement]. Skilled in [Key Technologies/Skills]. Committed to delivering [Specific Value] for [Target Industry/Company type].
General Guidelines
A professional summary is your elevator pitch. It should be 3-5 sentences long, summarizing your experience, key skills, and major achievements. Tailor it to the job description by using relevant keywords. Focus on what makes you unique and the value you bring to potential employers.
Avoid This
Avoid generic objectives like 'Looking for a challenging role to grow my skills.' Recruiters want to know what value you bring to them, not what you want from them. Don't use first-person pronouns (I, me, my). Keep it concise and impactful.
Real Examples
Compare a weak objective with a strong professional summary.
Don't
Objective: I am a hard-working individual looking for a CNA position where I can learn new things and advance my career.
Do
Certified Nursing Assistant with 6+ years of experience in geriatric care. Reduced patient fall rates by 20% through innovative mobility programs. Expert in chronic disease management and telehealth utilization.
Quick Tips
- Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., 'Increased revenue by 20%')
- Keep it under 5 lines for readability
- Use strong action verbs to start sentences
- Tailor the summary to match the job description
03
Skills
Skills
Technical Skills - Languages: [List] - Frameworks: [List] - Tools: [List] Soft Skills - [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]
General Guidelines
Group your skills logically (e.g., Technical, Soft). Focus on hard skills relevant to the job. List skills in order of proficiency or relevance.
Avoid This
Do not list skills you are not comfortable using in an interview. Avoid using progress bars or percentages to rate your skills as they are subjective and often misinterpreted. Don't include outdated technologies unless specifically required.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for skills
Don't
Java: 80%, C++: 75%
Do
Telehealth utilization, patient monitoring software
Quick Tips
- Focus on technical skills such as telehealth utilization and patient monitoring software.
- Include relevant soft skills like compassionate caregiving and adaptability in a separate section.
- List skills that directly relate to your job responsibilities and achievements in previous roles.
- Avoid listing irrelevant or outdated technologies unless they are crucial for the position.
04
Experience
Experience
Job Title | Company Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Action Verb + Context + Result (Quantified) - Led [Project] resulting in [Outcome]... - Collaborated with [Team] to implement [Feature]...
General Guidelines
This is the core of your resume. Use reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Start each bullet with a strong action verb. Focus on achievements and impact, not just duties. Use numbers to quantify your impact (dollars, percentages, time saved, users affected). Show progression and increasing responsibility.
Avoid This
Avoid passive language like "Responsible for..." or "Tasked with...." Don't list every single daily task; focus on significant contributions and measurable outcomes. Avoid jargon that recruiters outside your field won't understand.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for experiences
Don't
Responsible for monitoring patients' vital signs, documenting the information in charts, and alerting doctors when necessary.
Do
Monitored patients’ vital signs regularly; documented all critical data accurately in patient records; promptly informed medical staff of any abnormalities.
Don't
Provided daily personal care to residents including bathing, grooming, and assisting with mobility needs.
Do
Ensured resident independence through assistance with activities like bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility exercises, enhancing their quality of life.
Quick Tips
- Use strong action verbs that highlight your initiative and impact.
- Quantify achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the scale of your contributions.
- Showcase leadership roles or initiatives you've taken beyond regular duties.
- Include specific examples of challenges overcome and innovative solutions implemented.
05
Education
Education
Degree Name | University Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2] - Honors/Awards: [Award Name] - GPA: X.X (if above 3.5)
General Guidelines
List your highest degree first. If you have significant work experience, keep the education section brief. Include your GPA only if it is above 3.5 or if you are a recent graduate. Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, honors, or leadership roles.
Avoid This
Do not include high school details if you have a college degree. Avoid listing every single course you took; select only the most relevant ones. Don't include graduation dates from decades ago if age discrimination is a concern in your field.
Real Examples
Don't
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO September 2016 – May 2020 - Coursework: Introduction to Biology, Calculus I, English Composition
Do
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO September 2016 – May 2020 - Relevant Coursework: Geriatric Care Management, Chronic Disease Management - Honors/Awards: Dean's List (Spring 2023) - GPA: 3.8
Quick Tips
- List your education in reverse chronological order with the most recent degree at the top.
- Focus on highlighting courses that are directly relevant to a career as a CNA, especially those related to geriatric care and patient management.
- Include any honors or awards you received if they add value to your application, particularly for roles requiring strong academic performance.
- If you have extensive work experience in the field, consider moving education below professional experience. Keep it concise but impactful.
06
Projects
Projects
Project Name | Tools/Technologies Used - Briefly describe what you created and its purpose - Highlight specific challenges you solved - Link to portfolio or demo if available
General Guidelines
Projects are excellent for demonstrating practical skills, especially if you lack work experience or are changing careers. Include a link to your portfolio or demo if possible. Focus on projects that show problem-solving skills and relevant tools for the target role.
Avoid This
Don't include trivial tutorials unless you significantly expanded on them. Avoid projects that are outdated, incomplete, or irrelevant to the role you're applying for. Don't just list technologies—explain what you created and why it matters.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for projects
Don't
Created a basic website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to demonstrate front-end skills. The site is outdated with no recent updates or functionality.
Do
Developed a mobile application aimed at simplifying daily routines for elderly individuals, integrating features such as medication reminders, appointment scheduling, and emergency contact management. Utilized React Native for cross-platform compatibility.
Quick Tips
- Ensure each project demonstrates your ability to solve real-world problems relevant to the healthcare industry, particularly in geriatric care.
- Use projects to highlight any specialized skills you have gained through training or certifications that are not covered in your work experience section.
- When possible, include a link to an online repository or a live demo where recruiters can see your code and assess your technical proficiency.
- Clearly articulate how the project aligns with the role of a CNA, such as integrating technology into patient care routines or improving operational efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this role and how to best present it on your resume.
Highlight direct patient care, ADL support, vital signs, safe transfers, infection control, documentation, teamwork with nurses, and experience with older adults or rehabilitation patients.
Use specific care settings, patient counts, tools, and outcomes where truthful. For example, describe fall-prevention routines, EHR documentation, or improved shift handoffs instead of listing only daily duties.
Include your state CNA certification, CPR or BLS if current, dementia-care training, infection-control training, and any facility-approved patient-safety courses.
Yes, but connect them to care delivery. Compassion, patience, reliability, and communication are stronger when shown through patient support, family updates, and timely escalation to nurses.
Your Next Interview is Just One Resume Away
Create a professional, optimized resume in minutes. No design skills needed—just proven results.
Beat the 75% ATS Rejection Rate
3 out of 4 resumes never reach a human eye. Our keyword optimization increases your pass rate by up to 80%, ensuring recruiters actually see your potential.