Skip to content
Home » Rhode Island

Becoming a CNA in Rhode Island

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rhode Island is a great way to start your career in healthcare. The process involves meeting specific requirements, attending a state-approved training program, passing an exam, and maintaining your certification. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the steps needed to become a CNA in Rhode Island, ensuring that you’re fully informed about each part of the process.

 

 

Steps to Become a CNA in Rhode Island

  • Meet Basic Requirements: Review the basic eligibility requirements, including education, age, and background checks.

  • Attend a School: Find a state-approved CNA program and complete the required classroom and clinical hours.

  • Pass the CNA Exam: Prepare for and pass the Rhode Island CNA certification exam, which includes both a written and a practical skills test.

  • Certification Registration and Upkeep: Register with the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry and keep your certification current by fulfilling work and in-service training requirements.



1. Meet Basic Requirements

 

Before you can begin a CNA training program in Rhode Island, you need to ensure that you meet the state’s basic requirements. These qualifications help ensure that you’re ready to take on the responsibilities of a CNA.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

 

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

  • Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a state-approved nursing assistant training program, or, if you are in a nursing program, you must have completed at least two clinical courses.

  • Background Check: A full Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check must be submitted to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. This check is required to ensure that you have no criminal background that would disqualify you from providing patient care.

  • Health Requirements: Although not specifically listed in the regulations, some programs may require a physical exam, proof of immunizations, or a TB test before you can participate in clinical training.

 

Once you meet these requirements, you are eligible to apply for a CNA training program and move forward with the certification process.

 

 

2. Attend a School

 

The next step in becoming a CNA in Rhode Island is to enroll in a state-approved CNA training program. Rhode Island requires a minimum of 120 hours of training, which includes both classroom instruction and practical clinical experience.

 

Training Requirements:

 

  • Total Training Hours: You must complete 120 hours of instruction. This includes:

  • 80 hours of classroom instruction that covers basic nursing skills, patient care, and infection control.

  • 40 hours of clinical training, which gives you hands-on experience working with patients in a healthcare facility, under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

 

Curriculum:

 

The CNA training program will cover the following topics:

 

  • Basic Nursing Skills: Learn how to take vital signs, assist with patient mobility, and perform personal care tasks like bathing and grooming.

  • Infection Control: Training on proper hygiene practices, handwashing, and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of infections.

  • Patient Rights and Ethics: Understand patient confidentiality, dignity, and the ethical responsibilities of a CNA.

  • Emergency Procedures: Learn how to handle emergencies such as falls, choking, and cardiac arrest.

 

Choosing the Right Program:

 

  • Program Accreditation: Make sure that the program you choose is approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Only students from approved programs are eligible to take the state certification exam.

  • Flexible Options: Some CNA programs offer flexible schedules, including evening or weekend classes, to accommodate students who may be working or have other commitments. Additionally, hybrid programs are available, allowing you to complete the classroom portion online while finishing the clinical training in person.

  • Program Costs: The cost of a CNA program in Rhode Island typically ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the institution. For example, Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) charges around $860 for its CNA program. Financial aid or payment plans may be available depending on the school.

 

Sample CNA Programs in Rhode Island:

School Name Location Program Length Cost Contact Information
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Warwick, RI 6-8 weeks $860 (401) 825-1000
Lincoln Technical Institute Lincoln, RI 8 weeks $1,500 (401) 334-2430
Exeter Job Corps Academy Exeter, RI Varies Free (for eligible students) (800) 733-JOBS

Featured CNA Programs in Rhode Island

HITEP, Inc.

HITEP, Inc. stands out for its flexible class schedules, offering both morning and evening options, and its commitment to personalized support for students, including bilingual services. The programís 120-day temporary licensure upon completion allows graduates to begin working immediately under Read more…
[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 CNA Exam

 

After successfully completing your CNA training program, the next step is to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), which is administered by Pearson VUE in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health.

 

Exam Structure:

 

The CNA certification exam is divided into two parts:

 

  1. Written (or Oral) Exam:

 

  • This exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions that cover basic nursing knowledge, infection control, and patient care.

  • If you prefer, you can take an oral version of the exam, which includes 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions. The oral exam is available in English and Spanish.

 

  1. Skills Exam:

 

  • You will be tested on five clinical skills selected at random from a list of possible CNA duties, such as bathing a patient, taking vital signs, or helping a patient with mobility.

  • You must correctly demonstrate all five skills within 30 minutes to pass this portion of the test.

 

How to Register for the Exam:

 

  • Your CNA training program will submit your application for certification to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Once your application is approved, you can register for the exam through Pearson VUE.

  • Exam fees are as follows:

  • $114 for the full exam (written and skills portions).

  • $35 for a retest of the written or oral portion.

  • $79 for a retest of the skills portion.

 

Preparing for the Exam:

 

  • It’s a good idea to take CNA practice tests to help prepare for the written portion of the exam. Take our CNA practice test here to get started.

  • Practice your clinical skills, as you will need to demonstrate them correctly during the skills evaluation.

 

On the Day of the Exam:

 

  • Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early.

  • Bring two forms of ID, including one with a photo (such as a driver’s license or passport).

  • Wear non-skid, closed-toe shoes and scrubs for the clinical portion of the exam.

 

 

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

 

Once you pass the exam, you will be added to the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to work legally as a CNA in the state. Maintaining your certification is essential to continuing your career as a CNA.

 

Registering as a CNA:

 

  • After passing the certification exam, you will be listed on the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry. This process is handled by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

 

Renewing Your Certification:

 

  • Certification Renewal: Your CNA certification must be renewed every two years. To qualify for renewal, you must have worked as a CNA for at least eight hours in the previous 24 months.

  • In-Service Training: Rhode Island requires CNAs to complete 12 hours of in-service training each year to maintain their certification.

 

Lapsed Certification:

 

  • If your certification lapses, you will need to complete additional training and retake the certification exam. If your certification has been lapsed for more than two years, you will need to re-enroll in a CNA training program.

 

Updating Your Information:

 

  • If you move or change your name, you must notify the Rhode Island Department of Health to keep your registration current. You can submit changes using the License Profile Change Form.

 

 

Rhode Island CNA Certification Summary

 

Requirement Details
Training Hours 120 hours (80 classroom, 40 clinical)
Exam Components Written/Oral and Skills Evaluation
Exam Cost $114 total
Renewal Period Every 2 years
Work Requirement for Renewal 8 hours in the last 24 months
In-Service Training 12 hours per year

By following these steps, you can become a CNA in Rhode Island and begin working in a healthcare setting. Once certified, remember to keep up with your work and training requirements to ensure your certification remains active.

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
1,649 Cranston Adult Education Programs thumbnail?panoid=lhmfxGk6qnXDsx0XBtZuVg&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=280.6339&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://cranstonadulteducation.weebly.com/ 83 Rolfe Square Cranston RI 02920 QHG7+95 Cranston, Rhode Island (401) 270-8166 41.78 -71.44 41.775946-71.4370686 School 5 3.0 2 0 1 0 2 More details
1,650 Alpine Nursing Home thumbnail?panoid=7FSgW8sWYZ0DgUjjRQ1CGA&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=270.9587&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://alpinenursinghome.com/ 557 Weaver Hill Rd Coventry RI 02816 M88J+CV Coventry, Rhode Island (401) 397-5001 41.67 -71.67 41.666125-71.6677524 Nursing home 13 4.0 9 1 0 0 3 More details
1,651 Crestwood Nursing & Rehabilitation thumbnail?panoid=nSfp7ccP4GlRQuT4oAkwWg&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=199.48048&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://www.crestwoodnursinghome.com/ 568 Child St Warren RI 02885 PPJV+VV Warren, Rhode Island (401) 245-1574 41.73 -71.26 41.7321969-71.2552748 Retirement home 12 4.3 9 1 0 1 1 More details
1,652 Exeter Job Corps Admissions AF1QipM3LIpBr6TjKzWCte3dHnIBvjeJCFlwqxZau7G5=w408-h306-k-no https://exeter.jobcorps.gov/ 162 Main St Exeter RI 02822 HF34+23 Exeter, Rhode Island (401) 268-6000 41.55 -71.54 41.5525825-71.5448016 Education center 32 2.9 10 5 3 1 13 More details
1,653 Forest Farm Assisted Living https://www.phoenix-ri.com/property-by-location/ri-middletown/forest-farm-assisted-living 191 Forest Ave Middletown RI 02842 GPG6+P7 Middletown, Rhode Island (401) 849-1090 41.53 -71.29 41.526862-71.289258 Assisted living facility 2 5.0 2 0 0 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
1,654 Golden Crest Nursing Centre thumbnail?panoid=a-7GqrqFvWyFGz68X4Lkhg&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=216.3718&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://goldencrestnursingcentre.com/ 100 Smithfield Rd North Providence RI 02904 VH42+5C North Providence, Rhode Island (401) 353-1710 41.86 -71.45 41.8554026-71.4489515 Nursing home 28 2.8 8 2 4 3 11 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
1,655 Heatherwood Rehabilitation & Health Care Center AF1QipNEP5U83Y6D8bdCQmWQbpZ6LCP0CzqWC_XGeI0q=w408-h544-k-no https://heatherwoodrehab.com/ 398 Bellevue Ave Newport RI 02840 FMGV+R4 Newport, Rhode Island (401) 849-6600 41.48 -71.31 41.477083-71.307232 Nursing home 25 3.6 13 2 3 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
1,656 Homefront Health Care thumbnail?panoid=0hp73jQ1OEC_hsAX4zSyZw&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=308.49905&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 10 James St East Providence RI 02914 RJ9F+XV East Providence, Rhode Island (401) 228-8414 41.82 -71.38 41.8199561-71.3753613 Home health care service 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 More details
1,657 Hope Nursing Home Care LLC thumbnail?panoid=rxCukFYYZmmhqv5nKZ4PzA&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=23.049881&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://hcsri.cbhomecare.com/welcome/ 1049 Park Ave 2nd Floor Cranston RI 02910 QHJ4+W8 Cranston, Rhode Island (401) 467-8588 41.78 -71.44 41.7823493-71.4442208 Home health care service 8 3.8 5 0 0 2 1 More details
1,658 Oak Hill thumbnail?panoid=j_TJV-b2wOVypeVFd1xQSQ&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=54.053883&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://oakhill-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/ 544 Pleasant St Pawtucket RI 02860 VJ78+JV Pawtucket, Rhode Island (401) 725-8888 41.86 -71.38 41.8640856-71.3827953 2 2.0 0 0 0 2 0 More details