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.
Bevill State Community College
1411 Indiana Ave, Jasper, AL 35501Calhoun Community College
102 Wynn Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805Chattahoochee Valley Community College
2602 College Dr, Phenix City, AL 36869Coastal Alabama Community College
1900 US-31, Bay Minette, AL 36507Easterseals Central Alabama
2185 Normandie Dr, Montgomery, AL 36111Gadsden Job Corps Center
600 Valley St, Gadsden, AL 35901Gadsden State Community College
1001 George Wallace Dr, Gadsden, AL 35903J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College
3421 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35811Jefferson State Community College
2601 Carson Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215Jefferson State Community College
4600 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242Lawson State Community College
3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL 35221Montgomery Job Corps Center
1145 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108Northeast Alabama Community College
138 AL-35, Section, AL 35771Northwest-Shoals Community College
800 George Wallace Blvd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674Shelton State Community College
9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405Snead State Community College
220 N Walnut St, Boaz, AL 35957Trenholm State Community College
1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108University of West Alabama
Station 200, Livingston, AL 35470Wallace Community College
1141 Wallace Dr, Midland City, AL 36350Wallace Community College
3235 S Eufaula Ave, Eufaula, AL 36027Wallace State Community College
801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL 35077
