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Becoming a CNA in Louisiana

Steps to Become a CNA in Louisiana

If you’re planning to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Louisiana, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps. From meeting the basic requirements to taking the state exam and maintaining your certification, it’s important to understand the process. Below is everything you need to know about becoming a CNA in Louisiana.

Meet Basic Requirements: Know the minimum qualifications needed for enrolling in a CNA program and obtaining certification.

Attend a School: Find an accredited CNA program in Louisiana and know how to choose the right one.

Take the Test: Schedule your exam date and pass Louisiana’s CNA exam.

Certification Registration and Upkeep: Get registered and and keep your CNA certification active in Louisiana.

1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before diving into a CNA program in Louisiana, it’s essential to make sure you meet the state’s basic requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what’s expected:

Basic Requirements for CNA Training and Certification:

Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a CNA training program in Louisiana.

Criminal Background Check: Every prospective CNA must pass a criminal background check. This is mandatory for everyone working in healthcare, ensuring that individuals with disqualifying convictions do not work in the field.

Education: While a high school diploma is not required in all cases, having it (or equivalent education) is helpful, as many programs expect a basic educational foundation.

Physical Health: Ensure that your vaccinations are up-to-date, and you may be required to provide proof of immunization, including a recent TB test.

Once you meet these criteria, you’re ready to start looking for a CNA program that suits your needs.

2. Attend a School

Louisiana requires aspiring CNAs to complete a state-approved CNA training program. These programs are offered at a variety of locations, including high schools, community colleges, technical schools, and private academies.

Key Details About CNA Training Programs:

Total Training Hours: The state requires at least 80 hours of training. This typically includes:

40 hours of classroom instruction covering theoretical knowledge such as patient care, safety protocols, and infection control.

40 hours of clinical training in a healthcare setting, where you’ll practice hands-on skills under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

What to Expect During CNA Training:

Patient Care Skills: Learn to assist patients with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, and feeding.

Basic Nursing Skills: Training will include taking vital signs, recognizing emergency situations, and providing CPR.

Safety Standards: You’ll also learn about infection control, hygiene, and how to safely transfer patients.

Specialized Training: Louisiana programs often include training on caring for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Tips for Choosing a Program:

Accreditation: Make sure the program is approved by the Louisiana Department of Health. Approved programs meet state standards and prepare you for the certification exam.

Program Duration: CNA programs in Louisiana can vary in length, typically lasting from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the schedule (full-time vs. part-time).

Cost: The cost of a CNA program in Louisiana can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the institution. Some programs may offer financial aid or payment plans, so it’s worth asking about these options when comparing schools.

If you’re looking for a nearby CNA program, you can use our Free CNA School Finder to locate one that fits your schedule and budget.

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3. Test Information

After completing your CNA training, the next step is to pass the Louisiana CNA Competency Evaluation. The test is administered by Prometric in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health. You’ll need to take the test within one year of completing your CNA program.

Louisiana CNA Exam Overview:

The CNA exam consists of two parts:

Written Knowledge Test: This portion of the test contains 60 multiple-choice questions. You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam, which covers topics such as patient care, safety procedures, and infection control. If English is not your first language, you may request an oral version of the test.

Clinical Skills Test: In this part of the exam, you’ll need to perform five randomly selected skills under the supervision of an evaluator. Two of the required skills will always include handwashing and indirect patient care. Other skills could include transferring a patient, taking vital signs, or changing bed linens.

Exam Preparation:

Taking a CNA practice test can help you feel more confident and prepared for the real exam. Click here to access our free CNA practice test.

Exam Fees:

Written (or Oral) Exam: $25

Clinical Exam: $30

What to Bring on Exam Day:

A valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)

A second form of ID with your signature

Your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from Prometric

Non-skid, closed-toe shoes (for the clinical skills portion)

A watch with a second hand

Scrubs or a medical uniform are recommended, but not required

Once you’ve successfully passed both parts of the exam, your results will be automatically sent to the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, and you’ll officially be certified to work as a CNA.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you’ve passed the exam, it’s time to register as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Louisiana.

How to Register:

After you pass the state exam, Prometric will notify the Louisiana Department of Health, and your name will be added to the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. This registry is required for anyone working as a CNA in the state. You can verify your certification status online through the Louisiana Department of Health’s website.

Maintaining Your Certification:

To keep your certification active, you must:

Work at least 8 hours in a paid nursing-related job every two years. This must be verified by your employer.

Renewal Process: The renewal process is simple as long as you meet the work requirement. You’ll receive a notification from the Louisiana Department of Health reminding you to renew your certification. Failure to do so within the specified time will result in your certification becoming inactive.

CNA Reciprocity in Louisiana:

If you’re already a certified CNA in another state and are moving to Louisiana, you may be able to transfer your certification through the reciprocity process. Louisiana does not require additional testing for CNAs transferring from other states, but you must ensure that you meet all state-specific background check requirements and submit the necessary documentation.

For additional details or to check your certification status, contact the Louisiana Department of Health:

Address: 628 N. 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone: 225-342-9500

Fax: 225-342-5568

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Louisiana!

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
746	Avoyelles Manor Nursing Home	https://amnhome.com/	5682 LA-107	Plaucheville	LA	71362	W3H2+J2 Plaucheville, Louisiana	(318) 922-3404	30.93	-91.95	30.9290249-91.9499921	Nursing home	6	4.5	4	1	1	0	0								More details
747	Carville Job Corps Center	https://www.jobcorps.gov/	5465 Point Clair Rd	Carville	LA	70721	6V2G+7H Carville, Louisiana	(225) 319-3800	30.20	-91.12	30.20068-91.1236099	Training centre	53	3.7	28	5	6	2	12	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
748	Acadiana Technical College		205 Shepard Dr	Lafayette	LA	70508	6265+GM Lafayette, Louisiana	(337) 262-5962	30.21	-91.99	30.2112545-91.990829	Educational institution															More details
749	Livonia High School	https://www.pcpsb.net/o/lhs	3118 LA-78	Livonia	LA	70755	HC5W+M3 Livonia, Louisiana	(225) 637-2532	30.56	-91.55	30.5591398-91.554751	High school	2	3.5	1	0	0	1	0								More details
750	New Orleans Job Corps Center	https://neworleans.jobcorps.gov/contact-us	8825 Airline Hwy	New Orleans	LA	70118	XVCM+QV New Orleans, Louisiana	(504) 484-3500	29.97	-90.12	29.971887-90.1152598	Training centre	29	3.2	13	2	3	0	11	8AM to 3:30PM	8AM to 3:30PM	8AM to 3:30PM	8AM to 3:30PM	8AM to 3:30PM	Closed	Closed	More details
751	Shreveport Job Corps Center	https://shreveport.jobcorps.gov/	2815 Lillian St	Shreveport	LA	71109	F6R8+HQ Shreveport, Louisiana	(318) 227-9331	32.49	-93.78	32.4914126-93.7830505	Trade school	37	2.9	16	1	1	1	18	7AM to 5PM	7AM to 5PM	7AM to 5PM	7AM to 5PM	7AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
752	Acadia St. Landry Nursing & Rehabilitation and Road Home Therapy Center	https://www.acadiastlandryguesthome.com/	830 S Broadway St	Church Point	LA	70525	9QVQ+RW Church Point, Louisiana	(337) 684-6316	30.39	-92.21	30.3945369-92.2101745	Nursing home	5	3.0	1	2	0	0	2								More details
753	Bossier Parish Community College	https://www.bpcc.edu/	6220 E Texas St	Bossier City	LA	71111	G9Q3+QJ Bossier City, Louisiana	(318) 678-6000	32.54	-93.65	32.5394912-93.6459283	Community college	113	4.2	73	18	5	2	15								More details
754	Baton Rouge Health Care Center	https://commcare.com/location/baton-rouge-health-care-center/	5550 Thomas Rd	Baton Rouge	LA	70811	HV57+65 Baton Rouge, Louisiana	(225) 774-2141	30.56	-91.14	30.5580539-91.1371078	Nursing home	10	4.2	8	0	0	0	2	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
755	Central Louisiana Technical Community College	https://www.cltcc.edu/	516 Murray St	Alexandria	LA	71301	8H63+2F Alexandria, Louisiana	(318) 487-5443	31.31	-92.45	31.3101085-92.4463379	Community college	14	3.7	7	2	2	0	3	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	Closed	Closed	More details