To become a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)—which is functionally equivalent to a Certified Nursing Assistant in many regions—you must fulfill several foundational education and administrative requirements. First, candidates generally need a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Following this, you must enroll in and complete a state-approved LNA training program, which typically includes a combination of classroom instruction and a mandatory number of supervised clinical hours in a healthcare facility like a nursing home or hospital. These programs cover essential topics such as basic nursing skills, infection control, patient rights, personal care techniques, and vital sign monitoring. After successfully finishing the training course, you are required to pass a state competency evaluation exam, which usually consists of both a written or multiple-choice test and a practical skills demonstration. Finally, you must pass a background check, submit fingerprints, and register with your state's Board of Nursing or designated state agency to officially obtain your license and begin practicing legally.