Archive for the ‘CNA Certification Exam’ Category

After the graduation from an accredited CNA program, you would probably be anxious about facing the state CNA certification exam, passing which will, indeed, get you licensed as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Now, it may come as a surprise for you to learn that each state has a varied provision on the CNA licensing requirements as well as on various other nursing degrees such as Registered Nurse degree or medical office assistant degree.

Here are some of the common requirements that you will have to fulfill in order to gain eligibility to sit for the CNA certification test, which is formally acclaimed as the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).

# Standard Requirements for Gaining Access to the CNA Certification Exam! 

Successful Completion of an accredited CNA program:–

Needless to say, one cannot presumably apply to sit for the CNA certification exam without first graduating from an accredited CNA school or community college. So, the first and foremost thing is to complete a CNA program (be it online or in-college based) and be the proud owner of a Certification in Nursing Assistant. Once you achieve this graduate certificate, you will be able to seek entrance to the state licensing exam.

Forms and Applications:–

Receive the schedule for your CNA certification exam by mailing your application to the concerned authority (contact your State Nursing Board for the application provisions) and filling the necessary forms. Along with your application, you are also expected to send a copy of your Certification in Nursing Assistant.

In some states, the candidate will have to fill up 2 application forms and then mail it to 2 different places. One form is for your state’s nursing board whereas the other form is meant for the testing agency, where your written and clinical skill tests would be taken.

Credit Hours to Be Completed in a CNA School:–

Recommended Online CNA Schools!

Stratford Career Institute

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Dental Assistant
• Pharmacist's Assistant
• And more...

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting, AS
• Nursing, MS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
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Western Governors University

At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing
• M.S. in Nursing - Leadership and Management
• M.S. in Nursing - Education

Grand Canyon University

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
• M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education
• And more...

Most states expect the nursing assistants to complete at least 75 credit hours to qualify for state licensing exam. And, out of these 75 credit hours, it is recommended that about 24 credit hours must represent the clinical work portion completed by the aspiring CNA whereas the remaining credit hours should encompass the completion of the essential theoretical courses such as physiology, anatomy, infection control, patient’s rights, body mechanism and nutrition.

Background of the Candidate:–

In addition, you also have to pass a criminal background check in order to sit for the state licensing exam. If, by any chance, your background check showed that you are guilty of some felonies or have drug convictions, then you won’t be able to take participation in the CNA certification exam.

What if you do have a criminal background?

Despite your past crimes, you will still have a chance to take the CNA licensing exam.  And, this is possible only if you submit your application with a document stating that you have fulfilled all the necessary court orders & vowed that you have cease drug abuse.

Age of the Candidate:–

Another general requirement to get qualified for taking participation in the CNA certification exam demands the CNA candidate to be over the age of 18 years old.

# What if you fail in the CNA Certification Examination?

If, unfortunately, you fail in the CNA certification exam, then you should hear this good news that every state does have a policy to give a second chance to those applicants who could not pass the state licensing exam, owing to nervousness or some other factors.

Therefore, failing once in the state certification exam does not completely ruin your desire for becoming a CNA, and, the next time you take the retest exam, you will be a lot more confident of passing the CNA certification test.

Generally, most states allow the students to take retest up to 3 times while some states do also have the policy of only 2 retests. And, of course, you will have to complete these retests within the time period of 2 years.

In case, you also fail again and again in the retests, then the state will demand you to complete additional hours of CNA training programs (basically about 60 to 120 hours) before applying for further retests.