what is the difference between a cna and a nurses aid?

There is no difference in the job. Only a different title used by different entities. There are even other titles that you will come across that are looking for essentially the same skill set, such as patient care technician or patient care associate. You can contact the certifying authority for your state and find out the requirements to become certified. Usually require a training program of about 12 weeks in length. These programs can be found in community colleges, at adult schools, regional occupational centers, some offices of the Red Cross, and long term care facilities.

Sure. A little more complicated when you go to apply. You will need a high school diploma, some schools require high school chemistry and algebra. I don't know if a GED certificate is accepted or not; I believe it is. You can apply to LPN programs at community colleges or private, for profit schools. The community college programs are less expensive, about one quarter what you would expect to pay at a for profit school. The course is usually from 12 months to 24 months long. If you attend at a community college you may choose to obtain an associates degree along with graduation from the LPN program by taking the additional courses required for the degree. When you graduate you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. When you pass this exam you can get your license from your state.

i really don't see much of a difference at all.. i've worked as a CNA before and have been called nurses aide, CNA, and even patient care technician.