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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.

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

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

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

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

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:

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.

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.

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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
1,324	Grover C. Dils Medical Center	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	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		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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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