Procedure to Getting a CNA License in Alabama

Being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) entails knowledge and skills for patient care. The shortage in nurses prompted the federal government to allow the employment of people who can assist Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in caring for their patients. In Alabama, certified nursing assistants who work in nursing homes are required to list their names in the Alabama Nurse Aid registry.

How to Get Certified Nursing Assistant Training

There are plenty of State-approved Nurse Aid Training programs in many community colleges in Alabama. You may inquire directly from your chosen community college. Many nursing care facilities have approved training programs. Some nursing homes can place you under their own CNA program.

Here are top-rated schools with State-approved CNA training programs:

1. Shelton State Community College, Martin
   9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
   
2. Bevill State Community College
   1411 Indiana Avenue, Jasper, AL 35501
   
3. Calhoun Community College
   6250 U S Highway 31 N, Tanner, AL 35671
   
4. Gadsden State Community College
   1001 George Wallace Dr, Gadsden, AL 35903
   
5. Reid State College
   I65 and Hwy 83, Evergreen, AL 36401
   
6. Wallace Community College, Sparks Campus
   3235 South Eufaula Ave., Eufaula, AL 36027
   

Overview of the Certification Exam

To ensure the quality of service to the citizens of Alabama who are in the long-term care facilities, CNAs should pass competency exams that certify their skills in patient care. The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program examination is a test designed to evaluate the nursing assistant’s skills and knowledge. It is mandated by law that the different states should define training and evaluation standards for the workforce who wish to work in heathcare facilities such as the nursing homes.

The exam consists of two parts: the written (or oral) exam and the skills evaluation. These exams are administered on the same day. The written exam is a 70-item multiple-choice type of test. An optional oral examination can be granted to those who are not comfortable reading English. There is also an optional oral exam in Spanish. The skills evaluation exam is practical exam where the examinee is asked to demonstrate applications of the skills to random nursing care situations. You are required to pass both exams before you name will be listed in the Alabama Nurse Aid registry.

How to Get Registered

Since Alabama does not issue certification or licenses for nursing assistants, the only requirement for you to be listed in their database is to pass the certification exam. Your name will be automatically submitted to the Alabama Nursing Assistant registry. You may check their website to verify that you name is on the list by using you Social Security Number.

To keep your certification active, you must be employed and paid as a CNA in a nursing care facility for at least 8 hours every 24 months. Hours of work in a private home setting do not count. Otherwise, the certification expires and you have to undergo another cycle of re-training and re-testing.

Certified Nursing Assistants in Alabama are valuable assets to the health care industry. It is a wonderful opportunity to jumpstart a career in health care.