CNA License in Alabama

Are you a high school graduate to be or simply someone who is looking to begin an exciting career in Alabama? Do you enjoy helping and caring for people who are sick or/and injured? If so, why not consider training to become a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant? You don’t need to have a certificate or license to work as a CNA in Alabama, as Alabama does not issue licenses or certificates to nurse aides. Your name, of course, will be included in the state’s Nurse Aide Registry upon successfully meeting all of the CNA license requirements.

CNA Licensing Requirements in Alabama

If you wish to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Alabama, you will first need to fulfill the requirements set by the state. The most basic requirement is to complete a state-approved CNA program. After completing your program, you will need to take what is known as the CNA competency exam. This is a comprehensive exam that places your name on Alabama Nurse Aide Registry upon passing.

How to Get Your CNA Status in Alabama

A career as a Certified Nursing Assistant is quite popular in Alabama. This is due mainly to the fact that becoming a CNA is extremely straightforward and simple in the state. Unlike most other healthcare careers, you do not need a license to work as a CNA in Alabama. So long as you receive an acceptable score on your competency exam, your name will be added to the state's Nurse Aide Registry.

How to Verify Your CNA Status in Alabama

You or your employer can obtain verification of your CNA status by accessing the Alabama Department of Public Health website. This system is available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. You will need your Social Security number to access your records. Simply click on "A-Z Index" and then "Nurse Aide Registry." If you need help with the system, you can phone the registry during regular office hours.

How to Renew Your CNA Status in Alabama

Your CNA status in Alabama will expire 24 months after passing the competency exam. You must renew it through the public health department. You need to work at least 8 hours every 24 months to be eligible for renewal. This work must be done in a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, hospice agency, or mental health facility for payment.

How to Reinstate Your CNA Status in Alabama

If you do not complete at least 8 hours of paid work during any 24-month period, you will need to re-establish your CNA status. You can do this by re-enrolling in a state-approved CNA program and passing the CNA competency exam again.

How to Transfer Your CNA Status from Alabama to Another State

If you wish to transfer your CNA status from Alabama to another state, you will first need to find out if Alabama has a reciprocity agreement with your new state. In any case, call the state in which you want to transfer as suggested by the Alabama Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Alabama

While there are many great schools that offer state-approved CNA training programs in Alabama, the following schools are some of the best.

1. Bevill State Community College

   1411 Indiana Ave, Jasper, AL 35501 (800) 648-3271

2. Calhoun Community College

   102 Wynn Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805 (256) 890-4700

3. Coastal Alabama Community College

   1900 US-31, Bay Minette, AL 36507 (251) 990-0445

4. Gadsden State Community College

   1001 George Wallace Dr, Gadsden, AL 35903 (256) 549-8200

5. J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College

   3421 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35811 (256) 539-8161

6. Lawson State Community College

   3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL 35221 (205) 925-2515

7. Shelton State Community College

   9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 391-2211

8. Trenholm State Community College

   1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108 (334) 420-4200

9. University of West Alabama

   Station 200, Livingston, AL 35470 (205) 652-3400

10. Wallace Community College

    1141 Wallace Dr, Midland City, AL 36350 (334) 983-3521