Skip to content
Home » New Hampshire

Becoming a CNA in New Hampshire

Steps to Become a LNA in New Hampshire

Becoming a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) in New Hampshire is a rewarding way to enter the healthcare field. LNAs provide essential care to patients in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. If you’re considering this career path, it’s important to understand the requirements and steps to becoming an LNA in New Hampshire. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria for LNA program admission and state certification.

  2. Attend a School: Enroll in an approved LNA training program and understand the key factors when selecting the right one.

  3. Pass the LNA Exam: Successfully pass the LNA exam, which includes both written and clinical skills testing.

  4. Certification Registration and Upkeep: Get registered as an LNA in New Hampshire and stay informed on how to maintain your certification.



1. Meet Basic Requirements

The first step to becoming a Licensed Nursing Assistant in New Hampshire is to meet the basic eligibility criteria. These are set by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing to ensure that candidates are prepared for both the training program and certification process.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for LNA certification in New Hampshire.

  • Education: While there is no high school diploma or GED requirement, you must demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, write, and communicate in English.

  • Criminal Background Check: All candidates must pass a criminal background check. You cannot be certified if you have been convicted of certain serious offenses, including but not limited to murder, robbery, felonious assault, sexual crimes involving a child, or endangering the welfare of a child.

  • Health Requirements: You may need to provide proof of immunizations and pass a health screening to ensure you are physically capable of performing LNA duties.

Meeting these basic requirements ensures you are eligible to move forward with the LNA certification process in New Hampshire.

2. Attend a School

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is to enroll in an approved LNA training program in New Hampshire. The state has specific guidelines for LNA training, which prepares you to take the LNA exam and provide quality care as a nursing assistant.

Program Requirements

New Hampshire requires that all LNA candidates complete a state-approved training program that consists of a minimum of 100 hours of instruction. This is broken down into:

 

  • 40 hours of classroom instruction: This includes theoretical knowledge related to patient care, nursing skills, and legal responsibilities.

  • 60 hours of clinical experience: These hands-on hours take place in a healthcare setting where you will practice essential LNA skills under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).

During your training, you will learn how to:

  • Assist patients with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, dressing).

  • Support patients with ambulation and movement, including transferring and range of motion exercises.

  • Provide nutrition and elimination care, such as feeding, hydration, toileting, and bowel and bladder training.

  • Address emotional support needs, particularly for patients with cognitive impairments such as dementia.

  • Handle emergency situations, including safety procedures and appropriate responses.

Selecting the Right Program

When choosing a LNA training program in New Hampshire, consider the following factors:

  • Accreditation: Ensure the program is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.

  • Cost: Tuition can vary, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the school. This may cover tuition, textbooks, clinical fees, and supplies.

  • Program Flexibility: Some programs offer evening or weekend classes, which can be beneficial if you are working or have other commitments.

  • Location: Choose a school that is conveniently located, whether it is a community college, vocational school, or a healthcare facility offering LNA training.

By enrolling in an accredited program, you will gain the skills needed to pass the state exam and succeed as an LNA.

Featured CNA Programs in New Hampshire

Online

LNA Health Careers

The LNA Health Careers program stands out for its flexible learning options, including blended and in-person formats, and 100% tuition reimbursement for private-pay graduates employed in qualifying facilities. Additionally, students gain access to free state test preparation and robust job Read more…
$2,600
[gd_compare_button badge=” icon_class=” badge_after=” open_in=” icon_class_after=” bg_color=’#0073aa’ txt_color=’#ffffff’ size=” alignment=” tooltip_text=” tooltip_text_show=” type=” shadow=” color=” mt=” mr=” mb=” ml=” ]

3. Pass the LNA Exam

After completing your training, the next step is to pass the LNA exam. This exam ensures that you are competent in both theoretical knowledge and practical nursing skills. The New Hampshire Board of Nursing partners with a testing agency to administer the exam.

LNA Exam Structure

The exam consists of two parts:

  1. Written (or oral) Exam: This portion of the exam tests your knowledge of essential nursing assistant skills and procedures. It includes multiple-choice questions covering topics such as infection control, patient safety, basic nursing skills, and communication.

  2. Clinical Skills Test: The skills portion of the exam requires you to demonstrate proficiency in specific nursing assistant tasks. These tasks are selected at random and may include procedures like handwashing, measuring vital signs, and assisting with ambulation.

 

You will need to pass both the written and clinical exams to earn your LNA certification.

Exam Fees

Exam Component Fee
Written Exam Varies by testing center
Skills Exam Varies by testing center

Preparing for the Exam

To prepare for the exam, it’s important to:

  • Review your coursework and clinical skills thoroughly.

  • Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format of the written exam.

  • Practice key skills like hand hygiene, transferring patients, and taking vital signs with a friend or in a simulated setting.

Need more practice? Click here to access our LNA exam practice test.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you have passed both the written and clinical portions of the LNA exam, you will need to complete the certification process and get listed on the New Hampshire Nurse Aide Registry. This step officially allows you to work as a Licensed Nursing Assistant in the state.

Certification Process

  • Criminal Background Check: If you haven’t already completed a criminal background check during your training, this will be required before certification.

  • Application: You will need to submit an application for certification along with proof of your training completion and exam results. There is a non-refundable application fee.

  • License Validity: Your LNA certification will be valid for two years. During this period, you will be required to maintain your skills and knowledge through in-service training and work experience.

Renewal Requirements

To renew your LNA certification in New Hampshire, you must meet the following requirements:

  • In-Service Education: You are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes lectures, conferences, or other educational activities designed to enhance your nursing assistant skills and judgment.

  • Work Experience: You must complete at least 200 hours of nursing assistant-related activities under the supervision of a licensed nurse during the two years before your license expiration.

  • Renewal Application: Submit a renewal application and pay the renewal fee before your certification expires.

If you fail to meet these requirements, your certification will lapse, and you will need to retake the competency exams to reinstate it.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State LNAs

If you are currently licensed as a nursing assistant in another state, you may apply for LNA licensure in New Hampshire through reciprocity. This process allows you to transfer your certification, provided you meet the following conditions:

 

  • You hold an active license in another state.

  • You provide verification of your out-of-state license.

  • You pass the criminal background check required by New Hampshire.

There is a fee associated with applying for reciprocity, and you will need to submit documentation verifying your current certification status.

 

 

Summary of LNA Certification Process in New Hampshire

 

Requirement Details
Training Hours 100 hours (40 classroom, 60 clinical)
Exam Components Written exam and clinical skills test
Certification Validity 2 years
Renewal Requirements 24 hours of continuing education, 200 hours of work experience under supervision
Reciprocity Available for out-of-state LNAs

By following these steps and meeting all requirements, you will be on your way

Other Local CNA Programs

id Name Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description Monday Hours Tuesday Hours Wednesday Hours Thursday Hours Friday Hours Saturday Hours Sunday Hours Details
1,252 Dover Center for Health & Rehabilitation thumbnail?panoid=VhWCqKokmaKVPs75dN2Rrw&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=272.13843&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://dovercenterrehab.com/ 307 Plaza Dr Dover NH 03820 6475+FM Dover, New Hampshire (603) 742-2676 43.21 -70.89 43.2137062-70.8907878 Rehabilitation center 44 3.7 29 1 0 1 13 12 to 8:59AM, 9AM to 12AM 12 to 8:59AM, 9AM to 12AM 12 to 8:59AM, 9AM to 12AM 12 to 8:59AM, 9AM to 12AM 12 to 8:59AM, 9AM to 12AM 12 to 8:59AM, 9AM to 12AM 12 to 8:59AM, 9AM to 12AM More details
1,253 Morrison Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living thumbnail?panoid=-jOmkVWTZ-01J-QDwH_fUA&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=356.02466&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://themorrisoncommunities.org/ 6 Terrace St Whitefield NH 03598 99GM+4W Whitefield, New Hampshire (603) 837-2541 44.38 -71.62 44.3753627-71.6151744 Nursing home 11 3.5 7 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
1,254 Belknap County Nursing Home https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nursing-Home/Belknap-County-Nursing-Home-281348111895070/ 30 County Dr Laconia NH 03246 GGV8+33 Laconia, New Hampshire (603) 527-5410 43.54 -71.48 43.5427124-71.4847991 Nursing home 5 3.8 3 0 1 0 1 8AM to 8PM 8AM to 8PM 8AM to 8PM 8AM to 8PM 8AM to 8PM 8AM to 8PM 8AM to 8PM More details
1,255 Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities AF1QipPrIWp1_WqeuFWdjIVtdbcqBqfHFap29RA18CW-=w408-h306-k-no https://cedarcrestcenter.org/ 91 Maple Ave Keene NH 03431 XM2J+QX Keene, New Hampshire (603) 358-3384 42.95 -72.32 42.9519207-72.3175155 Nursing home 6 4.3 5 0 0 0 1 7AM to 11PM 7AM to 11PM 7AM to 11PM 7AM to 11PM 7AM to 11PM 7AM to 11PM 7AM to 11PM More details
1,256 Crotched Mountain http://cmf.org/ 1 Verney Dr Greenfield NH 03047 X4FG+9G Greenfield, New Hampshire (603) 547-3311 42.97 -71.87 42.9733795-71.8736569 Disability services and support organization 3 4.3 1 2 0 0 0 More details
1,257 Colonial Poplin Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility AF1QipNpTyAcMrXU9m8JB0NR265zoRQU_0-zgbN9SdG7=w408-h272-k-no https://colonialpoplin.com/ 442 Main St Fremont NH 03044 XVMC+WP Fremont, New Hampshire (603) 895-3126 42.98 -71.13 42.9847986-71.1281685 Rehabilitation center 15 3.0 6 1 1 1 6 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
1,258 Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center AF1QipNw9GXcazEPfq165GjfEhGyYv0CwqNAMOAxkcwh=w427-h240-k-no https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/ 1 Medical Center Dr Lebanon NH 03766 MPGG+5R Lebanon, New Hampshire (603) 650-5000 43.68 -72.27 43.6754932-72.2729588 Medical Center 561 3.4 280 54 31 26 170 More details
1,259 Edgewood Center AF1QipMc92wE0Inf9s-Wi-4t2Y705KFXj0asy2uvZ7VJ=w408-h242-k-no https://edgewoodcrh.com/ 928 South St Portsmouth NH 03801 367Q+5G Portsmouth, New Hampshire (603) 436-0099 43.06 -70.76 43.06291-70.76123 Nursing home 53 4.9 50 2 1 0 0 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
1,260 Golden View Health Care Center AF1QipOHi8c4j4Grms1Ofj2dnV13L3dWF8jRJA9fEOLz=w426-h240-k-no https://goldenview.org/ 19 NH-104 Meredith NH 03253 JFVW+P5 Meredith, New Hampshire (603) 279-8111 43.64 -71.50 43.6443577-71.5046054 Assisted living facility 21 3.9 14 1 0 1 5 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
1,261 Hearts & Minds LLC thumbnail?panoid=N7HrJVoVqo9j1avYxb7AIQ&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=327.8687&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 1 Olesen Rd Derry NH 03038 VPWR+PM Derry, New Hampshire (603) 437-0058 42.90 -71.26 42.8967901-71.2582826 More details