CNA Certification in Utah

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Utah

In the state of Utah, anyone who wants to work as a professional CNA must first ask themselves a few essential questions. These include being eligible for employment as a CNA; where to get training if you do qualify for the work; how much it costs; where to get tested for certification; and even how to remain on the state’s registry.

It all begins with the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry, as this is the agency that approves state programming and manages the CNA registry. They have partnered with D&S Diversified Technologies to handle the testing process and the grade reports. CNA candidates will have to apply to sit for the exam, and then pass both parts to become an official CNA.

Eligibility Requirements

Like so many other states, Utah has a list of basic eligibility requirements that a candidate must meet before they can even enroll in a training program. These requirements include:

The candidate must submit to a background check that includes fingerprinting and a criminal history search;The candidate has a full health screening that includes a TB test, drug screening, proof of immunizations, and no restrictions on lifting;They must read to the 9th grade level; andThey will be 18 years or older.

When a candidate meets these requirements they can enroll in their program of choice, and the Board of Nursing has a full list at their website.

Applying for CNA Certification in Utah

The state makes a lot of allowances for CNA candidates who may not require any training, or who can simply apply to the CNA registry to be listed. These allowances come with very specific terms, however, and include:

Students must have completed their first semester of nursing school within the previous two years. An official transcript must be provided with your application. If you do not pass either part of the examination within three attempts, you are required to complete an approved training program.Licensed nurses whose license has expired must show their previous license (in any state) and must be in good standing with the state board. The student has one opportunity to pass both parts of the exam. If they do not pass, they must take an approved training program.Expired Utah CNAs in good standing (within one year from expiration) has one opportunity to pass both parts of the examination. If they do not pass, an approved training program must be taken.Out of state CNAs that are currently certified and in good standing must show proof of certification and have reciprocity.

If the candidate does not fall under any of the exceptions, they must take an approve program. All programs will have a minimum of at least 80 hours that is split between 64 in the classroom and 16 in hands on or practical work. After the coursework is done, the candidate can apply for the exam. If they are deemed ready to take the test, they will receive the appropriate documentation to provide on the day they schedule both parts.

Costs

Utah and federal laws make it quite possible for a student to obtain training and testing for free. Any candidate working for, or with an offer from, a skilled nursing facility with Medicare approval cannot pay for testing. Many also qualify for reimbursement of training costs. Programs average at roughly $800, and the testing fees are:

Skills only: $35Written only: $35
Retests: $35 each

FAQ

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

To qualify for renewal, the CNA must provide proof of nursing duties under the supervision of a licensed nurse for at least 200 hours during the two-year period after certification. These hours must be paid hours, not volunteer;Renewal is two years from initial issue date, and renewal notices are mailed to the last known address on file approximately 45 days before the renewal date;Candidates working in a licensed facility (as an uncertified nursing assistant), but who is pursuing certification, has four months from the date hired to obtain CNA certification;CNA training is valid for one year from the completion date of training. All testing must be completed within that time or the candidate will have to complete another program of training; andAll expired CNAs must test within 1 year from their certificate expiration date or they will need to complete another training program.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Utah Health Technology Certification Center550 East 300 South
Room 2036
Kaysville, UT 84037-2699
Phone: 801-547-9947
Web: http://www.utahcna.com/

D&S Diversified Technologiesdba HEADMASTER
PO Box 6609— Helena, MT 59602
Phone: 406-442-8656
Web: www.hdmaster.com