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Becoming a CNA in Idaho

Steps to Become a CNA in Idaho:

Requirements: Understand the essential requirements for becoming a CNA in Idaho.

Attend a School: Explore the process of selecting and attending a state-approved CNA training program.

Test Information: Find out what to expect from the certification exam and how to prepare. Includes a CTA button for a practice test.

Certification Registration and Upkeep: Understand how to register your certification and keep it active with renewals and continuing education.

1. Requirements

Before you can become a CNA in Idaho, it’s important to meet a few essential requirements.

Basic Requirements:

Training Hours: Idaho mandates that CNA candidates complete 120 hours of training, which includes:

80 hours of classroom instruction.

40 hours of hands-on clinical practice in a healthcare setting.

Age and Education: You don’t need a high school diploma or GED to begin CNA training in Idaho, although some programs may prefer it. There’s no minimum age requirement, but being at least 18 years old is often preferred by employers.

Background Check: While Idaho does not require a background check to take the CNA exam, most employers will perform one before hiring you, especially in facilities like nursing homes.

These requirements ensure you’re prepared for the challenges of working as a CNA in healthcare settings across Idaho.

2. Attend a School

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the basic requirements, the next step is to attend a state-approved CNA training program. Idaho offers several training options across the state.

What to Expect in a CNA Program:

Program Length: CNA training programs in Idaho are typically completed in 6-8 weeks, depending on your schedule and availability.

Classroom Training: You’ll need to complete 80 hours of classroom instruction, where you’ll learn essential topics like:

Communication skills

Infection control

Patient safety and emergency procedures

Promoting patient independence and respecting residents’ rights

Clinical Training: In addition to classroom work, you’ll spend 40 hours in clinical training. This is where you’ll apply your classroom learning in real-world settings under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

Tips for Choosing a CNA Program:

Location: Idaho offers CNA programs across the state. Some well-known options include:

College of Western Idaho (Nampa, ID) – 1-208-562-3000

College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls, ID) – 1-208-732-6701

College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls, ID) – 1-208-535-5345

Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID) – 1-208-282-3372

Lewis-Clark State College (Lewiston, ID) – 1-208-792-2388

North Idaho College (Post Falls, ID) – 1-208-769-3333

Cost: The cost of CNA training programs can vary but typically ranges from $400 to $1,500. Make sure to inquire about financial aid, scholarships, or employer-sponsored programs if needed.

By selecting a school that’s convenient and fits your budget, you’ll be well on your way to completing your training.

Featured CNA Programs in Idaho

3. Test Information

After completing your CNA training, the next step is passing the Idaho state CNA certification exam. The exam consists of both written and practical (skills) components.

Exam Overview:

Written Exam: This portion of the exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of nursing care, patient safety, infection control, and more. You’ll have 90 minutes to complete this exam.

Skills Test: The skills portion requires you to demonstrate 5 randomly selected skills from the CNA curriculum. These might include:

Handwashing

Taking a patient’s pulse and respiration

Assisting with ambulation using a gait belt

Measuring urine output

Performing a bed bath

Who Can Take the Test?

Graduates of CNA Programs: Anyone who has successfully completed a state-approved CNA program in Idaho is eligible to take the test.

Nursing Students: If you’ve completed at least one semester of an accredited nursing program, you may challenge the exam without completing a full CNA training program. You’ll need to provide your transcripts showing successful completion of basic nursing courses, such as Nursing 101.

Test Preparation:

Practice Tests: To give yourself the best chance at success, it’s a good idea to take practice tests. These will help you get familiar with the format and content of the written exam.

CTA: Prepare for your Idaho CNA exam with our practice test

Once you pass both portions of the exam, you’ll be ready to apply for your certification and start working as a CNA in Idaho!

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

After passing the CNA certification exam, the next step is to get your name on the Idaho CNA Registry.

Registration:

Once you pass the exam, your information will be submitted to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which manages the Idaho CNA Registry.

You can check your certification status on the Prometric Idaho CNA Registry website.

Maintaining Your Certification:

To keep your certification active, Idaho requires you to renew your CNA status every two years. Here’s what you need to know about staying certified:

Renewal Requirements:

Work Requirement: You must work as a CNA for at least 8 hours during every 24-month certification period. This must be paid work in a healthcare setting.

Renewal Application: Idaho does not charge a fee for renewing your CNA certification. However, you’ll need to fill out a renewal form and have your employer sign off to verify your hours. You can download the form from the Idaho CNA Registry website.

Submit Early: It’s a good idea to submit your renewal form at least 30 days before your certification expires to ensure timely processing.

What If You Let Your Certification Lapse?

If you don’t meet the renewal requirements, your certification will expire. To become active again, you’ll need to retake and pass both the written and skills components of the CNA exam.

Delays and Processing Times:

Renewal Processing: Due to high demand, processing renewals may take 14 to 30 days. Be sure to plan accordingly to avoid any interruptions in your certification status.

Reciprocity and Test Approvals: If you’re transferring from another state or waiting for approval to test, note that these requests may take up to 60 days to process.

Keeping your certification active is essential for continuing your career as a CNA in Idaho. Make sure to track your work hours and renew your certification on time.

With these steps, you’re well-prepared to start your career as a CNA in Idaho. From meeting the initial requirements to passing the state exam and maintaining your certification, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started.

Other Local CNA Programs

id	Name	Website	Street Address	City	State	Zip Code	plus_code	Phone	latitude	longitude	latlong	Category	Reviews	Rating	5star	4star	3star	2star	1star	Monday Hours	Tuesday Hours	Wednesday Hours	Thursday Hours	Friday Hours	Saturday Hours	Sunday Hours	Details
595	Ashton Living Center	https://ashtonmemorial.com/services/ashton-living-center	700 N 2nd St	Ashton	ID	83420	3GHX+P5 Ashton, Idaho	(208) 652-7461	44.08	-111.45	44.079308-111.452029	Nursing home	7	4.0	5	0	0	1	1	7AM to 7PM	7AM to 7PM	7AM to 7PM	7AM to 7PM	7AM to 7PM	7AM to 7PM	7AM to 7PM	More details
596	Carrington College	https://carrington.edu/location/boise-idaho/	1299 N Orchard St	Boise	ID	83706	JQ84+66 Boise, Idaho	(208) 779-3100	43.62	-116.24	43.6155489-116.2444875	College	76	3.8	43	10	3	2	18	7AM to 8PM	7AM to 8PM	7AM to 8PM	7AM to 8PM	8AM to 5PM	9AM to 1PM	Closed	More details
597	Centennial Job Corps	https://www.jobcorps.gov/	3201 Ridgecrest Dr	Nampa	ID	83687	JF39+R9 Nampa, Idaho	(208) 442-4500	43.60	-116.53	43.6045439-116.5315271	Education center	61	3.8	36	5	4	1	15	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	Closed	Closed	More details
598	Clearwater Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia	https://www.clearwaterhealthandrehab.com/	1204 Shriver Rd	Orofino	ID	83544	FPVJ+8P Orofino, Idaho	(208) 476-4568	46.49	-116.27	46.493323-116.268197	Nursing home	7	3.7	4	0	1	1	1	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
599	College of Western Idaho	https://cwi.edu/	5500 E Opportunity Dr	Nampa	ID	83687	JF7V+J4 Nampa, Idaho	(208) 562-3000	43.61	-116.51	43.6140899-116.5072495	Community college	154	4.1	103	18	4	4	25	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	9AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
600	Gateway Transitional Care Center	https://gatewaytransitional.com/	Nursing Home-Portneuf Long Term Care, 527 Memorial Dr	Pocatello	ID	83201	VH99+9C Pocatello, Idaho	(208) 478-3333	42.87	-112.43	42.8684387-112.4314092	Nursing home	132	4.4	108	6	0	2	16	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
601	North Idaho College	https://www.nic.edu/	525 Clearwater Loop	Post Falls	ID	83854	PX2R+H2 Post Falls, Idaho	(208) 769-3444	47.70	-117.01	47.7014618-117.0099671	College	3	5.0	3	0	0	0	0								More details
602	Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center	https://parkeviewrehab.com/	2303 Parke Ave	Burley	ID	83318	G5FX+P4 Burley, Idaho	(208) 677-3073	42.52	-113.80	42.5242711-113.8021315	Rehabilitation center	42	4.4	33	2	2	0	5	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
603	River's Edge Rehabilitation & Living Center	https://riversedgerehab.com/	714 N Butte Ave	Emmett	ID	83617	VGJ7+HQ Emmett, Idaho	(208) 365-4425	43.88	-116.49	43.881451-116.485528	Nursing home	30	4.5	25	2	0	0	3	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
604	Bingham Memorial Hospital	https://binghammemorial.org/	98 Poplar St	Blackfoot	ID	83221	5MV3+85 Blackfoot, Idaho	(208) 785-4100	43.19	-112.35	43.1933562-112.3470108	Hospital	214	3.4	112	12	7	10	73								More details