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Becoming a CNA in Nevada

Steps to Become a CNA in Nevada

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Nevada is a rewarding path for those interested in healthcare. As a CNA, you’ll provide essential care to patients under the supervision of licensed nurses. The process of becoming a CNA in Nevada involves meeting specific requirements, completing a state-approved training program, passing an exam, and maintaining certification. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the steps and what you need to do.

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Make sure you fulfill the necessary qualifications to enroll in a CNA training program and meet the state certification standards.

  2. Attend a School: Select a state-approved CNA training program, considering key factors such as cost, location, and schedule.

  3. Pass the CNA Exam: Understand the structure of Nevada’s CNA exam, including the written and practical skills components.

  4. Certification Registration and Upkeep: Register as a CNA on the Nevada Nurse Registry and learn how to maintain your certification through regular renewal and training.



1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before you can begin your training to become a CNA in Nevada, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements set by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. These requirements ensure that candidates are prepared to successfully complete the training and become competent healthcare workers.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

  • Education: A high school diploma or GED is generally required.

  • Health: You must be in good physical and mental health to perform the necessary duties of a CNA, such as lifting patients and assisting with mobility.

  • Background Check: You are required to pass a criminal background check. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from becoming a CNA.

  • Immunization Records: You must provide proof of up-to-date immunizations, including a tuberculosis (TB) test, to ensure you are not a health risk to vulnerable patients.

Criminal Background Check

In Nevada, all CNA candidates must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Certain offenses—such as murder, robbery, or crimes against children—are grounds for disqualification. You should ensure your record is clear before applying.

By meeting these basic requirements, you can proceed to the next step: enrolling in a CNA training program.

2. Attend a School

After ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to attend a state-approved CNA training program. Nevada requires specific training to prepare you for both the CNA exam and the duties you will perform in your career.

CNA Training Program Requirements

Nevada mandates that CNA training programs consist of 75 total hours of instruction, which includes:

  • 60 hours of classroom-based theory: This covers essential topics such as infection control, communication skills, and patient rights.

  • 15 hours of clinical practice: These are supervised hands-on sessions where you will learn and practice skills like bathing, feeding, and assisting patients with mobility.

This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills ensures that you are fully prepared for your role as a CNA.

Choosing the Right Program

When selecting a CNA program in Nevada, keep the following considerations in mind:

  • Accreditation: Ensure the program is approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Only graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take the state certification exam.

  • Cost: The cost of CNA training programs in Nevada can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the institution. Be sure to inquire if there are any financial aid options or payment plans available.

  • Location: Consider the proximity of the training center to your home or work. Community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities often offer CNA programs.

  • Class Schedule: Some programs offer evening or weekend classes to accommodate students who are working or have other responsibilities.

What You Will Learn

Your CNA training program will cover a wide range of skills and knowledge, including:

  • Basic nursing skills like taking vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, etc.).

  • Patient care techniques such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

  • Infection control and safety procedures.

  • Assisting patients with mobility and transfers.

  • Communication skills, especially in dealing with elderly or cognitively impaired patients.

Upon completion of your training, you will be well-prepared to move on to the next step: passing the state certification exam.

Featured CNA Programs in Nevada

Genevieve Training Center

Genevieve Training Center offers a 6-week intensive program with hands-on clinical experience, flexible payment plans, and strong career support, ensuring comprehensive preparation for a successful healthcare career. Read more…
$2,680
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Life Savers Training Center

The Life Savers Training Center’s nursing assistant program stands out for its flexible scheduling options, including both day and evening classes, and its comprehensive support, which includes on-site state exam testing and preparation. Additionally, the program is led by highly Read more…
$2,650
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College of Southern Nevada

The CSN Nursing Assistant program offers flexible class options, including an accelerated track and online lectures, plus robust career support through networking on Nurses Lounge. Read more…
$1,645
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Goodwill Southern Nevada

Goodwill’s program features a unique weeklong bootcamp with hands-on experience at UNLV, exposure to healthcare leaders, and free career coaching, setting it apart as a comprehensive pathway to a healthcare career. Read more…
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Saint Therese Learning Institute

$2,650
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Online

UNLV

This program uniquely combines hybrid learning with 100% Clinical Simulations, ensuring flexibility and comprehensive hands-on experience, all under the guidance of expert instructors in state-of-the-art facilities. Read more…
$2,575
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3. Pass the CNA Exam

After completing your CNA training program, you must pass the Nursing Assistant Competency Exam to become certified in Nevada. This exam is designed to test both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Exam Structure

The CNA exam in Nevada consists of two parts:

  1. Written Exam: This portion includes multiple-choice questions covering the theoretical knowledge you learned during your training. Topics include patient safety, infection control, and basic nursing skills.

  • The exam typically consists of 60 to 70 questions, and you will have approximately 90 minutes to complete it.

  • An oral version of the exam is available for those who have difficulty reading English.

  1. Skills Test: The practical skills portion of the exam requires you to demonstrate five randomly selected CNA tasks. These tasks may include hand hygiene, transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, measuring vital signs, and other essential duties.

  • You will need to perform each skill correctly under the observation of a certified examiner.

  • You must pass both the written and skills portions to earn your certification.

Exam Preparation Tips

To increase your chances of passing the exam:

  • Review your coursework: Go over your classroom notes and textbooks to refresh your memory on key concepts.

  • Practice skills: Rehearse the essential CNA skills with a friend or classmate. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the skills test.

  • Take practice exams: Use online resources or CNA exam study guides to take practice tests and familiarize yourself with the exam format.

Need practice? Click here to access our CNA exam practice test.

Exam Fees

Exam Component Cost
Written Exam $55-$70
Skills Exam $80-$100

These fees may vary depending on the testing center, so it’s a good idea to confirm the exact amount when you schedule your exam.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you have passed both the written and skills exams, you will need to register as a CNA with the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Certification allows you to officially work as a CNA in Nevada.

Certification Process

  • Apply for Certification: After passing the exam, submit your application for certification to the Nevada State Board of Nursing. This includes providing proof of your exam results, completing a criminal background check, and paying a certification fee.

  • Certificate Issuance: Upon successful application, you will receive your CNA certification and be added to the Nevada Nurse Registry. This registry is a public database that verifies your certification for employers.

Maintaining Your Certification

In Nevada, CNA certification is valid for two years, after which it must be renewed. To maintain your certification, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Work Requirement: You need to have worked at least 40 hours as a CNA under the supervision of a licensed nurse during the two-year certification period.

  • Continuing Education: You must complete 24 hours of continuing education in the two years prior to renewal. These hours should be related to nursing care and help you maintain or enhance your CNA skills.

  • Renewal Application: Submit your renewal application along with proof of employment and continuing education before your certification expires.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in your certification becoming inactive, requiring you to retake the certification exam.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State CNAs

If you are already a certified CNA in another state, you may apply for certification in Nevada through reciprocity. This process involves:

  • Submitting an application for reciprocity along with proof of your out-of-state certification.

  • Providing verification that you passed a CNA training program and certification exam equivalent to Nevada’s standards.

  • Passing a criminal background check.

Reciprocity allows you to transfer your CNA certification to Nevada without having to retake the state’s exam.

Summary of CNA Certification Process in Nevada

Requirement Details
Training Hours 75 hours (60 classroom, 15 clinical)
Exam Structure Written exam and practical skills test
Certification Validity 2 years
Renewal Requirements 24 hours of continuing education, 40 hours of work under a licensed nurse
Reciprocity Available for certified CNAs from other states

By following these steps and fulfilling the necessary requirements, you can become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Nevada and begin a rewarding career in healthcare.

Other Local CNA Programs

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1,324 Grover C. Dils Medical Center AF1QipOlN3AJG29coOAK3yc73LS_gVC2-hehk0PWpDv9=w408-h306-k-no https://gcdmc.org/ 700 N Spring St Caliente NV 89008 JFFP+3F Caliente, Nevada (775) 726-3171 37.62 -114.51 37.6227415-114.5137636 General hospital 6 3.8 3 1 1 0 1 More details
1,325 Highland Manor of Mesquite AF1QipPMoQrmB9NdiEOA6qGV2igN1vn_xbKuZXZECCiz=w408-h272-k-no https://highlandmanorofmesquite.com/ 272 W Pioneer Blvd Mesquite NV 89027 RW8G+PP Mesquite, Nevada (702) 346-7666 36.82 -114.07 36.8168125-114.073223 Nursing home 12 2.8 4 2 0 0 6 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM More details
1,326 Highland Village of Elko AF1QipOcNvZTvmjBLdKqCYVW8sbMHF-UJ_5HAD6ylGJf=w408-h271-k-no 2850 Ruby Vista Dr Elko NV 89801 V754+94 Elko, Nevada (775) 753-5500 40.86 -115.74 40.8584518-115.7446517 Nursing home 13 3.0 5 1 0 3 4 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM More details
1,327 Highland Village of Fallon AF1QipPkwYOUM3g-5giXCJSWguXk2XfkEHf0Q5UxqJtg=w440-h240-k-no https://highlandvillageoffallon.com/ 550 Sherman St Fallon NV 89406 F6JM+99 Fallon, Nevada (775) 423-7800 39.48 -118.77 39.4809293-118.7665197 Retirement community 20 3.2 9 2 1 0 8 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM 8AM to 5:30PM More details
1,328 Pahrump Health and Rehabilitation Center AF1QipPVlmAEPlG9xx1OIegB3TgSQOhkIIW3N6ypvuua=w408-h306-k-no https://www.empres.com/location/pahrump-health-rehab-center/ 4501 N Blagg Rd Pahrump NV 89060 7XPP+JH Pahrump, Nevada (775) 751-6600 36.29 -116.01 36.2865961-116.0135937 Nursing home 22 3.1 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
1,329 College of Southern Nevada North Las Vegas Campus AF1QipPOJWPflQbKJeUM3SXxPcOnCmp9YOkpsw9GtgMP=w408-h306-k-no https://www.csn.edu/ 3200 E Cheyenne Ave North Las Vegas NV 89030 6VCW+24 North Las Vegas, Nevada (702) 651-4000 36.22 -115.10 36.2200944-115.1046979 Community college 301 4.2 202 51 6 3 39 More details
1,330 Great Basin College - Pahrump Valley Center thumbnail?panoid=YRWseygFyiTseGUBPP3krw&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=178.20657&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://gbcnv.edu/ 551 E Calvada Blvd Pahrump NV 89048 5XRV+9Q Pahrump, Nevada (775) 327-5210 36.19 -116.01 36.1909174-116.0055378 College 17 4.5 9 7 1 0 0 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
1,331 ER at Northern Nevada Medical Center AF1QipP_SPCQnFBiLNxZ-7a_6Da99Kg23WCU2D-gQ9RI=w426-h240-k-no https://www.nnmc.com/services/emergency-medicine/er-at-northern-nevada-medical-center 2375 E Prater Way Sparks NV 89434 G8R3+C3 Sparks, Nevada (775) 331-7000 39.54 -119.70 39.541117-119.697349 Emergency room 6 2.3 2 0 0 0 4 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
1,332 Pershing County School District thumbnail?panoid=s4XB3qcyiRf4RBO7lGACUw&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=90.68429&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://www.pcsdnv.com/ 1150 Elmhurst Ave Lovelock NV 89419 5GMF+65 Lovelock, Nevada (775) 273-7819 40.18 -118.48 40.1830129-118.4771178 School district office 7:30AM to 5PM 7:30AM to 5PM 7:30AM to 5PM 7:30AM to 5PM 7:30AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
1,333 TLC Care Center AF1QipPB0SpIR3Zm3xSfw0R2BQ5dP3ooGLL00-KoHOhg=w408-h306-k-no https://tlccarecenter.com/ 1500 W Warm Springs Rd Henderson NV 89014 3W4X+RX Henderson, Nevada (702) 547-6700 36.06 -115.05 36.0570018-115.0500381 Nursing home 112 2.6 32 9 5 11 55 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details