CNA Certification in Kansas

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Kansas

Certified nursing assistant certification in Kansas is overseen by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. This is the group in charge of credentialing all CNAs in the state. The actual CNA registry is managed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. When someone wants to become a CNA in Kansas they must take the mandatory training and then pass the state’s competency exams before they can appear on the registry.

In Kansas, a candidate needs to establish eligibility for enrollment in an approved training program. These programs are available in community colleges, technical schools, post-secondary schools, long-term care facilities, adult care homes, long-term units of hospitals, and nursing homes. Often, a candidate can work in the same facility that provides them with training, and will also be able to take their competency exam there too.

Eligibility Requirements

Kansas certified nursing assistant certification training candidates must meet a set of criteria that include:

They have to submit to a criminal background check that includes fingerprint data and a clean felony arrest record;They must have documentation of a high school diploma or a GED;They must be at least 18 years of age; andThey must undergo a health screening that includes a negative TB test, a negative drug check, and proof of immunizations.

Applying for CNA Certification in Kansas

Some candidates will not need to attend an approved program if they can use alternate methods:

Reciprocity – if a candidate can provide documentation that they have already appeared on another state’s registry and are in good standing, they can often just take the exams and skip training; orLapsed – if a CNA has an inactive license they can take a short “refresher” course and then sit for the exam.

Should a candidate for CNA certification in Kansas require a complete program, there is a full list available from the KDADS.

Any approved programs have a minimum of 75 hours, with 60 hours spent on classroom instruction and 15 hours spent in practical work. Following this, the candidate applies for exam eligibility, and if this is accepted they are given a list of numbers to contact to book their two part examination. Testing includes both the written exam and practical skills, which must both be passed before the student can apply for a place on the state registry.

Costs

There are no “average” prices CNA certification training programs in Kansas. Colleges can charge up to $1000, and require several months to complete. Employers cannot charge their employees for testing and training, and can require up to a year before the student is ready.

The training fees are separate from testing fees and most sites that must charge for testing ask $20 for the written and skills exams.

FAQ

Below is a list of useful and frequently required facts for CNA certification:

Candidates have a total of three attempts per year from the beginning date of the course to successfully complete the written state test. If the test is not passed within one year from the starting date of the initial course, the course must be retaken to be eligible to retake the test.Each attempt requires the payment of a new test fee.Fees are not refundable or transferable.A sample exam is available.Certification is valid for two years, but you must have thirty approved continuing CNA education hours to remain eligible for renewal.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services
Health Occupations Credentialing
503 S. Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603-3404
Phone: 785-296-6877
Web: http://www.ksnurseaidregistry.org/

Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Curtis State Office Building
1000 SW Jackson
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Web:http://www.kdheks.gov/