I have been a CNA for about 10 years although back in school FT for radiography tech so just doing that as well as care for 3 kids at them moment! LOL
My course was 6 week through a local hopspital back in 1999 though. Most course are under 6mos from what others have told me. There is some basic medical terminology as well as basic anatomy, but most is really common sense. It is kind of alot to learn at first though. I felt the course was easy compared to what the job entails!
Typically it depends where you work. You do basic care for patients and basically help them with whatever they can not do. You may be changing them, dressing them, feeding them. You need to be extremely compassionate and at times it can be depressing if you work with eldery especially. You may have patients pass away on you. Typically it is quite physical as many patients can't move to well and CNA
do the grunt work. It is a rewarding job but can be rough on the body! I have worked in many different settings but mostly geriatrics. I personally loves hospice but thats not for everyone. I am back to school so I can make more money and work in a different area of medical profession! I wish you luck. Message me if you need more info I have worked in hopitals, rehab units, assisted living, long term care, hospice, and acute care setting just not pedatrics! LOL