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 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? 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 requirements.

CNA 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's 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.

Alabama Nurse Aide Registry

If you have additional questions, contact the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry at:

Alabama Department of Public Health
Division of Healthcare Facilities

PO Box 303017, Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: (334) 206-5169
Fax: (334) 206-3031
Registry Search: https://dph1.adph.state.al.us/NurseAideRegistry/

State-Approved CNA Programs in Alabama

While there are many great schools that offer state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant 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. Chattahoochee Valley Community College

   2602 College Dr, Phenix City, AL 36869 (334) 291-4900

4. Coastal Alabama Community College

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

5. Easterseals Central Alabama

   2185 Normandie Dr, Montgomery, AL 36111 (334) 288-0240

6. Gadsden Job Corps Center

   600 Valley St, Gadsden, AL 35901 (256) 547-6222

7. Gadsden State Community College

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

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

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

9. Jefferson State Community College

   2601 Carson Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215 (205) 856-7710

10. Jefferson State Community College

    4600 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 856-7710

11. Lawson State Community College

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

12. Montgomery Job Corps Center

    1145 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108 (334) 262-8883

13. Northeast Alabama Community College

    138 AL-35, Section, AL 35771 (256) 638-4418

14. Northwest-Shoals Community College

    800 George Wallace Blvd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 (256) 331-5200

15. Shelton State Community College

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

16. Snead State Community College

    220 N Walnut St, Boaz, AL 35957 (256) 593-5120

17. Trenholm State Community College

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

18. University of West Alabama

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

19. Wallace Community College

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

20. Wallace Community College

    3235 S Eufaula Ave, Eufaula, AL 36027 (334) 687-3543

21. Wallace State Community College

    801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL 35077 (256) 352-8000

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