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Becoming a CNA in New Mexico

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New Mexico is a rewarding path for those interested in joining the healthcare industry. CNAs play a crucial role in supporting nurses and providing direct care to patients, helping with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and assisting with meals. If you’re looking to become a CNA in New Mexico, there are several key steps to follow, from meeting basic eligibility requirements to passing the state exam and keeping your certification up to date.

Below is a comprehensive guide on how to become a CNA in New Mexico, including the training, examination process, and certification requirements.

Steps to Become a CNA in New Mexico

1. Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for admission into CNA programs and certification in New Mexico.

1. Attend a School: Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program that includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.

1. Pass the CNA Exam: Prepare for and pass the state certification exam, which consists of both a written test and a clinical skills evaluation.

1. Certification Registration and Upkeep: Register as a CNA with the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry and learn how to maintain your certification through renewal and continuing education.

1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before you can enroll in a CNA training program in New Mexico, there are a few basic requirements that you need to meet. These ensure that you are eligible for training and certification.

Eligibility Requirements

Age: You must be at least 18 years old to begin CNA training.

Health: CNAs must be in good physical health, as the role involves assisting patients with mobility and personal care.

Immunizations: You must have up-to-date immunization records, including vaccinations for diseases such as TB and Hepatitis B.

Criminal Background Check: New Mexico requires CNA candidates to pass a criminal background check. Certain felony convictions, particularly those involving abuse or neglect, will disqualify an applicant.

Education: While there are no formal education prerequisites such as a high school diploma, many programs prefer candidates with at least a GED or high school diploma.

Once you’ve ensured that you meet these eligibility requirements, you can begin searching for an approved CNA training program in New Mexico.

2. Attend a School

The next step is to enroll in a state-approved CNA training program. The New Mexico Department of Health oversees the approval of CNA training programs, ensuring that they meet federal and state regulations.

Program Structure

CNA training programs in New Mexico are designed to give you both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed as a nursing assistant. These programs include:

75 hours of total training, which is broken down into:

60 hours of classroom instruction covering topics such as basic nursing skills, personal care, infection control, and communication.

16 hours of supervised practical training, where you will apply your skills in a real-world clinical setting, such as a nursing home or hospital, under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Key Training Topics

Basic Nursing Skills: You will learn how to take and record vital signs, assist with patient hygiene, and provide mobility assistance.

Personal Care Skills: Training includes bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding patients.

Infection Control: Best practices for preventing the spread of infections, including proper hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Residents’ Rights: Understanding and respecting the legal rights of patients, including privacy and dignity.

Communication Skills: You will be trained in effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Finding a Program

CNA programs are offered by various institutions throughout New Mexico, including:

Community colleges

Vocational schools

Private healthcare institutions

Adult education centers

Many of these programs offer flexible scheduling options, such as part-time or evening classes, to accommodate different needs. Some facilities, like nursing homes, may offer free training to candidates who agree to work for them after certification.

Program Cost

The cost of a CNA training program in New Mexico can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the provider. This typically includes tuition but may not cover additional costs like uniforms, textbooks, and testing fees. In some cases, financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans may be available to help cover these costs.

Featured CNA Programs in New Mexico

3. Pass the CNA Exam

After completing your CNA training, the next step is to pass the New Mexico state certification exam. This exam is administered by Headmaster LLP and consists of two parts: a written (or oral) exam and a clinical skills test.

Exam Structure

Written Exam: The written portion of the exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. You will have 90 minutes to complete this part of the exam. The questions cover material from your CNA training, including basic nursing skills, infection control, patient safety, and residents’ rights.

You can also opt to take an oral version of the exam if you prefer, which includes 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions.

Clinical Skills Test: For the clinical portion, you will be asked to demonstrate five randomly selected nursing skills in a simulated healthcare setting. These skills are selected from a list of 25 common CNA tasks and may include tasks like:

Proper handwashing technique

Taking a patient’s vital signs (e.g., pulse, blood pressure)

Transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair

Assisting with feeding

Changing a patient’s bed linens

You will be given 30 minutes to complete all five tasks, and your performance will be evaluated by a certified test observer. To pass, you must successfully perform all key steps of each skill.

Exam Fees

Exam Type	Cost
Clinical Skills Test	$100
Written Exam	$40
Oral Exam	$45
Skills Evaluation Re-test	$100
Written Exam Re-test	$40
Oral Exam Re-test	$45

What to Bring on Exam Day

Two forms of ID (one must be a government-issued photo ID, and the other must be your Social Security card)

Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the clinical skills test

No. 2 pencils and an eraser for the written exam

A watch with a second hand (useful for time-based tasks like taking a pulse)

Once you pass both parts of the exam, you will be officially listed on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry.

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

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

After passing the certification exam, you are ready to be registered as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New Mexico. Your name will be added to the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry, which is managed by the New Mexico Health Care Authority.

Certification Renewal

CNA certification in New Mexico must be renewed every two years. To maintain active certification, you must meet the following requirements:

Work at least 8 hours in a paid nursing-related role during the two-year certification period.

Complete a recertification application and submit a $26.25 renewal fee.

Your employer must verify your employment as part of the renewal process.

If your certification has lapsed for more than 24 months, you will need to retake the certification exam or complete a retraining program.

Reciprocity

If you are certified as a CNA in another state and wish to work in New Mexico, you can apply for reciprocity. This process allows you to transfer your certification without retaking the training or exam. To apply for reciprocity, you will need to:

Complete the New Mexico CNA Reciprocity Form.

Provide proof of your out-of-state certification.

Submit copies of your Social Security card and government-issued photo ID.

There is no fee for reciprocity in New Mexico.

Summary of CNA Certification Process in New Mexico

Requirement	Details
Training Hours	75 hours (60 classroom, 16 clinical)
Exam Components	Written or oral exam, clinical skills test
Passing Scores	Pass all 5 clinical skills and written/oral test
Renewal Requirements	8 hours of work every 24 months
Reciprocity	Available for out-of-state CNAs

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a CNA in New Mexico. With the right training, preparation, and commitment, you’ll soon be ready to make a difference in the healthcare industry, providing essential care and support to patients in need.

Other Local CNA Programs

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
1,307	La Vida Buena Healthcare	https://lavidabuenahc.com/	2301 Collins Dr	Las Vegas	NM	87701	JQ8G+MV Las Vegas, New Mexico	(505) 425-9362	35.62	-105.22	35.6166541-105.2228633	Nursing home	13	4.3	9	1	2	0	1	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
1,308	Albuquerque Job Corps	https://albuquerque.jobcorps.gov/	1500 Indian School Rd NW	Albuquerque	NM	87104	485Q+F6 Albuquerque, New Mexico	(505) 346-2562	35.11	-106.66	35.1087069-106.6619061	Trade school	78	3.4	37	10	1	5	25	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
1,309	New Mexico State Veterans' Home	https://www.nmhealth.org/about/ofm/ltcf/nmsvh/	992 S Broadway St	Truth or Consequences	NM	87901	4PCP+HR Truth or Consequences, New Mexico	(575) 894-4200	33.12	-107.26	33.1214446-107.2629041	Veterans center	21	4.1						8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
1,310	Northern New Mexico College	https://nnmc.edu/	921 N Paseo De Onate	Española	NM	87532	2W38+J6 EspaÃ±ola, New Mexico	(505) 747-2100	36.00	-106.08	36.004057-106.08444	College	43	4.3						8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 8PM	Closed	Closed	More details
1,311	El Rito Northern New Mexico College	https://nnmc.edu/	P.O. Box 160	El Rito	NM	87530	8RP5+CF El Rito, New Mexico	(575) 581-4100	36.34	-106.19	36.3361026-106.1913545	School															More details
1,312	Carlsbad Medical Center	https://www.carlsbadmedicalcenter.com/	2430 W Pierce St	Carlsbad	NM	88220	CPVR+2V Carlsbad, New Mexico	(575) 887-4100	32.44	-104.26	32.4425471-104.2577938	Hospital	1	3.9	654	119	36	33	225	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
1,313	Clovis Community College	https://www.clovis.edu/	417 Schepps Blvd	Clovis	NM	88101	CR2M+V4 Clovis, New Mexico	(575) 769-2811	34.40	-103.17	34.4022244-103.1671293	Community college	68	4.4	46	14	2	2	4	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 4:30PM	Closed	Closed	More details
1,314	CNM Main Campus Student Services Center (SSC)	https://www.cnm.edu/depts/advisement/locations-and-hours	900 University Blvd SE	Albuquerque	NM	87106	39CC+GC Albuquerque, New Mexico	(505) 224-3000	35.07	-106.63	35.0713551-106.6289378	Community college	256	4.2	174	34	10	9	29	8AM to 7PM	8AM to 7PM	8AM to 7PM	8AM to 7PM	8AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
1,315	Eastern New Mexico University	https://www.enmu.edu/	1500 S Avenue K	Portales	NM	88130	5MH2+2V Portales, New Mexico	(800) 367-3668	34.18	-103.35	34.1775401-103.3477839	Public university	45	3.7	25	4	2	4	10	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	8AM to 5PM	Closed	Closed	More details
1,316	Landsun Unit of Lakeview Christian Home	https://www.lakeviewchristian.com/	2002 Westridge Rd	Carlsbad	NM	88220	CPRX+RH Carlsbad, New Mexico	(575) 887-2894	32.44	-104.25	32.4420416-104.2511203		20	4.2	9	8	1	1	1								More details