CNA Certification in Louisiana

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Louisiana

To become a CNA in the state of Louisiana means enrolling in a program that has been approved by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. Once the training has been completed, the candidate can then take the state competency exam. In Louisiana this is the NNAAP exam and is administered through Pearson Vue sites. The exam is administered, scored, and reported through this group, but the CNA will appear on the state registry as managed by the Louisiana Board of Examiners of Nursing Facility Administrators.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for enrollment in a Louisiana CNA certification training program, the candidate must:

Be at least 18 years of age;Have proof of high school graduation or a GED;Undergo a criminal background check that includes fingerprint data and felony records; andSubmit to a health screening that includes verification of immunizations, TB testing, drug screening, and verification that the candidate is cleared for lifting.

Once completed, the candidate can enroll in the program to get CNA certification for Louisiana.

Applying for CNA Certification in Louisiana

Not everyone has to enroll in and complete training programs. Some candidates can forgo training and either sit for the exams or just apply to appear on the registry. These exceptions are:

Reciprocity candidates are CNAs good standing who have valid credentials from another state and who submit the proper documentation;Student nurse or graduate nurse who submits the proper documentation; andLapsed CNAs who has been on the state registry in the past, who are in good standing, and who take a brief recertification course.

For those who must obtain training, the state has a full list available. All of the CNA certification programs in Louisiana require a minimum of 80 hours divided between clinical and classroom hours. After the hours are completed, the candidate can apply to take the exam. They do so through Pearson Vue, who makes forms and a study guide available online.

NNAAP exams use a two part method of practical and written. Exams are also given orally for those with testing anxiety or language issues.

Costs

The cost for CNA certification programs in Louisiana varies between $600 and $1000, and takes several months to complete. When a candidate is employed by a skilled nursing facility, there cannot be any fees for the training or the testing. In addition to tuition fees and materials, there are also fees for the tests (though some facilities host the tests and pay for them). These are:

Both written and practical: $90
Both written and practical administered orally: $100

FAQ

The following issues are those which many candidates frequently need to know:

CNA candidates can work up to 120 days while taking an approved training program. They must get training, certification and licensing within that time;Renewal periods are for two years from the last day you worked as a CNA;Louisiana requires the CNA candidate to take the exam and pass it within 24 months of training;Under federal laws, any candidate employed by (or with an offer of employment from) a skilled nursing facility during training may not pay for any part of the certification; andTo qualify for renewal the CNA must have worked for pay for at least eight hours during the last 24 months.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Louisiana State Board of Examiners for Nursing Facility Administrators, (NFA)
Nurse Aide Registry
5647 Superior Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: 225-295-8575
Web: www.labenfa.com

Department of Health and Hospitals
P. O. Box 629
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629
Phone: 225.342.9500
Web: http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/directory/detail/733

Pearson VUE®
PO Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Web: www.pearsonvue.com