You can work under the direction of a professional nurse in a career as a certified nursing assistant. Nursing assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings throughout the state of Alabama. You can earn a good income without needing to spend a great deal of money on your education to become a CNA.
CNA Training Hours and Requirements
It will be necessary to attend a training program that meets all requirements of the Department of Health if you want to become a certified nursing assistant in Alabama. These courses will provide you with the classroom and clinical instruction you need to become an excellent nursing assistant. A state approved training program must include at least 75 training hours.
All segments of the nursing assistant training course must be completed in order for you to be eligible to sit for the certification exam. A certification exam will include both written and skills sections. When you pass both of these, you will be able to receive your certification.
Transferring CNA Certification to Alabama
You might be able to transfer your certification as a nursing assistant to Alabama if you are certified in another state. In order to be eligible to apply for certification transfer, you must be listed in good standing on the nursing aide registry in that state. If you were charged with abusing or neglecting a patient in your prior state you will not be eligible to transfer your certification.
Once you obtain employment as a certified nursing assistant in Alabama, you can submit your application to be added to the Registry of Nursing Aides. Do not be surprised if you are not able to transfer your certification to the state of Alabama. You might be required to attend a training program and challenge the certification exam directly in Alabama.
CNA Certification Renewal in Alabama
If you are working as a certified nursing assistant in Alabama, you are required to renew your certification every two years. The Nursing Aide Registry should supply you with the documents for renewal a few months before the paperwork is due. It is important to work for 40 hours or more every two years in order to easily renew your certification.
The documents for renewal will be very easy to understand. You must answer all questions and submit any other requested documents with your renewal forms. Do not allow your certification to lapse or you might be asked to complete training again and to challenge the certification exam in Alabama.
FAQ’s
Q. I am hoping to become a CNA. However, I become quite nervous when I take exams. As a result, I have failed my nursing assistant certification competency exam twice now. What will happen if I fail again?
A. Alabama provides you with up to three opportunities to pass your nursing assistant certification. You must pass in two years or less after you complete your state approved nursing assistant training. If you would not pass the test on the next attempt, you would actually be required to complete a state approved nursing assistant training program again before you could sit for another competency test. Carefully review all your materials from your course and maintain a positive attitude when you sit for the test again. Good luck!
Q. I was certified in Alabama as a nursing assistant in the past. My mother has had medical problems for the past couple years. I have taken time off to be with her during this difficult time. As a result it has been a little over two years since I have worked as a certified nursing assistant. I have completed some volunteer work here and there in the last year in a role much like a nursing assistant. Will my certification still be active?
A. I am sorry to say that your CNA certification will be inactive because it has been more than 24 months since you have been employed for pay as a certified nursing assistant. It is unfortunate that volunteer work during that timeframe does not count. You can be required to attend a nursing assistant training program again to make sure you are still up-to-date on all the latest CNA procedures and topics. It will also be necessary to pass the CNA competency exam again.
CNA Certification Guidelines by State:
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