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Becoming a CNA in Mississippi

Steps to Become a CNA in Mississippi

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Mississippi is a rewarding step toward a career in healthcare. CNAs play an essential role in patient care, helping with daily activities under the supervision of nurses. This guide outlines the process of becoming a CNA in Mississippi, from meeting basic requirements to maintaining your certification. Whether you’re just starting out or switching careers, this comprehensive guide will help you understand what’s involved.

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Learn about the minimum qualifications for CNA program admission and state certification.
  2. Attend a School: Understand the importance of enrolling in a state-approved CNA program and key factors to consider.
  3. Pass the CNA Exam: Detailed information about the CNA test in Mississippi, including the structure and skills involved.
  4. Certification Registration and Upkeep: Learn how to register as a CNA and maintain your certification over time.

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1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before enrolling in a CNA training program in Mississippi, you need to meet specific eligibility requirements. These are in place to ensure that candidates are fit to perform the duties of a CNA.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

  • Age: There is no minimum age requirement for CNA training in Mississippi, though many programs prefer candidates to be at least 18 years old. Some high school programs allow students to begin training at 16.
  • Criminal Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check. Certain felony convictions or specific misdemeanors may disqualify you from becoming a CNA in Mississippi.
  • Health Requirements: You should be in good physical health and have up-to-date immunizations, including a TB test.
  • Identification: Candidates must have a valid photo ID and a Social Security number.

Once these basic requirements are met, you are ready to start looking for a CNA training program.

 

2. Attend a School

The next step in becoming a CNA in Mississippi is enrolling in a state-approved CNA training program. The Mississippi State Department of Health oversees all CNA programs to ensure they meet state and federal standards.

CNA Training Program Requirements in Mississippi:

  • Classroom Hours: CNA programs in Mississippi must include 75 hours of instruction. This covers a wide range of topics, including basic nursing skills, patient care, safety, and infection control.
  • Clinical Training: As part of your training, you’ll also need to complete hands-on clinical training in a healthcare setting. Clinical training is supervised by a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) and allows you to practice skills like bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting patients with mobility.

Choosing a CNA Program:

When selecting a CNA program in Mississippi, here are some key factors to consider:

  • Accreditation: Ensure that the program is approved by the Mississippi State Department of Health. Only graduates from approved programs are eligible to take the state certification exam.
  • Cost: Tuition for CNA programs in Mississippi ranges from $400 to $1,200. Some healthcare facilities may offer to cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment after graduation.
  • Program Length: CNA training programs typically last 4 to 12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a full-time or part-time schedule. There are also accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks.
  • Flexible Options: Some programs offer online classes for the classroom portion, followed by in-person clinical training. This can be an excellent option for working professionals or those with busy schedules.

Once you complete your training, the next step is to take the CNA certification exam.

Featured CNA Programs in Mississippi

Jackson Medical Mall


3. Pass the CNA Exam

After completing a state-approved CNA training program, you will need to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam to become certified in Mississippi. This exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of two parts: a written (or oral) exam and a skills test.

Structure of the CNA Exam in Mississippi:

  1. Written (or Oral) Exam:

  • The written exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, and you will have 2 hours to complete it. If English is not your first language or you have a disability, you can opt to take the oral version of the test. The oral exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions.

  1. Skills Test:

  • For the skills test, you will be required to demonstrate 5 randomly selected CNA skills. The skills are chosen from a list of 23 possible skills, including vital sign measurement, handwashing, and patient transfers. The test is supervised by a Registered Nurse (RN), and you will be evaluated on how well you perform each skill.

Exam Preparation:

To prepare for the CNA exam, it’s a good idea to take a practice test to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you will face. Click here to access our CNA exam practice test and get ready to ace the exam.

CNA Exam Costs:

Exam Component Cost
Written & Skills Evaluation $101
Oral & Skills Evaluation $101
Written or Oral Exam Only $32 (re-test)
Skills Exam Only $69 (re-test)

What to Bring on Exam Day:

On the day of your CNA exam, you will need to bring the following:

  • Two forms of identification, with at least one being a photo ID.
  • Your Social Security number.
  • Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the clinical evaluation.
  • A scrub-like uniform (recommended but not required).
  • Three No. 2 pencils and an eraser.
  • A watch with a second hand.

Be sure to arrive at the test site 30 minutes early, as late arrivals may not be allowed to take the exam and will not be refunded.

Retaking the Exam:

If you fail either portion of the CNA exam, you can retake the section up to two more times. If you fail three times, you will need to re-enroll in a CNA training program before attempting the exam again.

 

Once you pass both parts of the exam, you are officially a Certified Nursing Assistant in Mississippi.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

After passing the CNA exam, your next step is to be added to the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry. This registry is managed by Headmaster/TMU, and once you are listed, you are eligible to work as a CNA in Mississippi.

How to Register as a CNA in Mississippi:

  • After passing the CNA exam, your school or testing center will submit your information to the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry.
  • You can create an account through the TMU online system to track your certification status and print your certificate. To set up your TMU account, call 1-800-393-8664 for assistance.

CNA Certification Renewal:

CNA certifications in Mississippi must be renewed every two years. To qualify for renewal, you must have worked as a CNA for at least 8 hours in a Medicare- or Medicaid-approved healthcare facility during the previous 24 months. These hours must be verified by your employer.

 

  • No Renewal Fee: If you are currently employed in a nursing home that participates in Medicare or Medicaid, there is no fee for renewing your CNA certification.

Inactive Certification:

If you do not meet the renewal requirements, your certification will become inactive. To reactivate your certification, you may need to retest or complete additional training.

CNA Reciprocity in Mississippi

If you are a certified CNA in another state and wish to transfer your certification to Mississippi, you may apply for reciprocity. To qualify, you must:

  • Be listed as active on your home state’s nurse aide registry.
  • Have completed a training program that complies with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA ’87).

You can submit a reciprocity form to the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry to have your certification transferred.

Summary of CNA Certification Process in Mississippi

Step Details
Training Program 75 hours of classroom and clinical instruction
Exam Structure Written (or oral) exam and Skills Test
Certification Validity 2 years
Renewal Requirements 8 hours of nursing-related work every 24 months
Exam Costs Written & Skills: $101, Re-tests: $32-$69
Application Managed through the TMU system (online portal)

 

By following these steps, you can successfully become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Mississippi. The rol

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