CNA Certification in Oklahoma

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Oklahoma

Getting your CNA certification in Oklahoma is not a complicated matter, but it does require specific steps. Testing for CNA certification is done in one location – the OSU-OKC Technology Education Center. This is administrated by D&S Diversified, who works with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to handle the CNA registry for the state. Basically, you can take the training at the OSU-OKC campus or you can test independently from the program.

Eligibility Requirements

All of the certified nursing assistant certification programs have the same general requirements:

The candidate has to be 18 or older;Must read to the 9th grade level and take the COMPASS assessment;The candidate will have to have negative TB testing, proof of immunization, and a drug screening; andThe candidate has to have a criminal arrest background check (including a sex offender check).

Applying for CNA Certification in Oklahoma

There are methods for avoiding the need for training, such as waivers, challenges, lapsed certifications, and nursing degrees. Generally, CNA certification in Oklahoma will require training in an approved program. Training is most widely available through the OSU-OKC Certified Nurse Aide Training programs. There are also some new training options available in the state, and the two key providers of the 30 hour training sessions are Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and Tulsa Community College.

There are six different OSU-OKC locations throughout the state, and it is here that the candidate might also acquire the 96 hours of training required. This is divided up into 72 hours of classroom work, 24 hours of clinical work, and can be done during day or evening classes. Once the training is complete, the candidate can apply for the Oklahoma Nursing Assistant Test. They can also work with independent test sites not associated with the OSU training by contacting Prometric.

Additionally, many employers offer candidates a chance to work as they are receiving training. When it is time to test for the registry, it is the employer who handles all of the fees. This is a good way to get training, testing, and materials at no charge or as a reimbursed expense.

Regardless of where it is taken, the examination involves written questions and performance of skills. A sample is available from D&S Diversified.

Costs

In Oklahoma, prices for the training can vary and currently average at over $1000 with books and materials. The courses last a few months, and then the student can apply for the test. If they are deemed eligible they have to send in their application with the necessary fees. And these are:

Written a: $20
Oral: $35
Skill: $75

FAQ

For those pursuing certified nursing assistant certification training in Oklahoma, the following items are very helpful to know:

Testing must be done within two years of training completion date. Candidates are allowed three attempts to take each of the tests, and need only retake the one failed;Candidates must pass both the tests in the same eligibility period for the results to be provided to the registry. If one or both parts of the test is failed three times, a candidate is required to retake a state-approved training program for eligibility to test again;According to federal law, candidates who are employed by or who have a promise of employment from a Medicaid-certified nursing home are eligible to have their exam fees paid for by their nursing home employer.;Candidates are allowed to work in a healthcare setting for up to 120 days before receiving their license. However, if they fail to be certified in that time frame they cannot continue to serve as an aide;Oklahoma CNAs must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each 24-month certification period. To renew the license and remain active the CNA has to have performed at least 64 hours of nursing related services for pay within the past 24 months.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Headmaster LLP
P.O. Box 6609, Helena, MT 59604-6609
Phone: (800) 393-8664
Web: www.hdmaster.com

Prometric
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: (866) 241-3120
Web: www.prometric.com/nurseaide/ok

OSU-OKC Technology Education Center
(405) 945-9145 or (405) 945-9121
900 N. Portland Avenue, Room 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Web: http://www.osuokc.edu/cna