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Becoming a CNA in Oregon

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Oregon is a rewarding path that allows you to begin working in the healthcare field with the opportunity for further advancement. This guide will provide all the information you need to understand the steps involved in becoming a CNA, including the necessary requirements, attending a CNA program, passing the CNA exam, and maintaining your certification.

 

Steps to Become a CNA in Oregon

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Make sure you meet all the prerequisites for CNA school admission and state certification.
  2. Attend a School: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA program that meets the Oregon Board of Nursing standards.
  3. Pass the CNA Exam: Prepare for and pass both the written and skills portions of the Oregon CNA certification exam.
  4. Certification Registration and Upkeep: Get registered as a CNA with the Oregon State Board of Nursing and understand how to maintain your certification.

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1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before you can enroll in a CNA training program in Oregon, there are a few basic requirements that must be met. These ensure that you are ready to begin your training and pursue your CNA certification.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Age Requirement: While Oregon does not have a specific age requirement for becoming a CNA, most training programs require students to be at least 16 years old.
  • Education Requirement: A high school diploma or GED is generally required to enroll in CNA programs.
  • Physical and Health Requirements: Students must be in good physical health and provide up-to-date immunization records.
  • Background Check: A criminal background check is required to ensure that CNA applicants have no disqualifying criminal history. This includes submitting fingerprints for processing through the Oregon State Police and the FBI.

By meeting these prerequisites, you are prepared to enroll in a CNA program. Keep in mind that each training program may have additional requirements, such as a TB test or drug screening.

2. Attend a School

Once you meet the basic requirements, the next step is to attend a state-approved CNA training program in Oregon. The Oregon State Board of Nursing regulates CNA education programs, which include two levels of certification: CNA 1 and CNA 2.

CNA 1 Program Requirements:

A CNA 1 program is the entry-level certification for nurse aides in Oregon. It provides the basic skills needed to assist nurses in providing patient care. The program must consist of 80 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of supervised clinical experience.

CNA 2 Program Requirements:

Once you complete the CNA 1 program and gain some experience, you may choose to advance to CNA 2 certification. The CNA 2 program consists of 60 additional hours of classroom and lab instruction and 28 hours of clinical practice. CNA 2s can take on more advanced responsibilities under the supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).

Where to Find CNA Programs:

CNA programs can be found at various institutions throughout Oregon, including:

  • Community Colleges
  • Vocational and Technical Schools
  • Nursing Homes and Hospitals (Some may offer free training programs if you commit to working for them post-certification).

You can also find online CNA classes combined with in-person clinical instruction. This hybrid option is great for those who need flexibility due to work or other commitments. You can use tools like the Free School Finder to search for programs near you.

Cost of CNA Training:

The cost of CNA training programs in Oregon varies, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000. Financial aid options and payment plans are available at some schools. Some nursing homes an

Featured CNA Programs in Oregon

Online

Caregiver Training Institute, Division of Bryan University


3. Pass the CNA Exam

 

After completing your CNA training program, the next step is to pass the Oregon CNA state exam, which is administered by Headmaster Testing Services. The CNA exam includes both a written knowledge test and a manual skills test.

Written Knowledge Test:

  • The written test consists of 80 multiple-choice questions covering various topics like patient care, infection control, and emergency procedures.
  • You have 90 minutes to complete the test, and you must score at least 73% to pass.
  • If English is not your first language, you can request an oral version of the exam, which includes the same questions in spoken form. The oral test costs an additional $30.

Manual Skills Test:

  • During the manual skills test, you will be asked to demonstrate 3 to 4 randomly selected skills from a list of 30 possible skills, such as assisting with patient hygiene, measuring vital signs, or transferring a patient safely.
  • You will have 45 minutes to complete the skills test under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Make sure to wear non-skid, closed-toe shoes and scrub-like clothing on the day of the exam.

Exam Fees:

Here is a breakdown of the CNA exam costs in Oregon:

  • Knowledge & Manual Skills Exam: $106
  • Oral Evaluation (Optional): $30
  • Retest of Knowledge & Manual Skills: $70
  • Retest of Knowledge Only: $25
  • Retest of Manual Skills Only: $45

On the Day of the Exam:

  • Bring two forms of government-issued ID with signatures (one must include a photo).
  • Wear appropriate attire for the manual skills exam.
  • Bring three No. 2 pencils with an eraser and a watch with a second hand.

Exam Results:

Results are usually available within 3 to 5 days on the Headmaster website. If you do not pass, you will have the option to retake the failed portion of the exam.

Take our CNA practice test here to help prepare for the written portion of the exam.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you pass the CNA exam, you will be listed on the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry. You are now certified to work as a CNA in Oregon. However, maintaining your certification requires you to stay up-to-date with the state’s renewal requirements.

CNA License Renewal:

  • CNAs in Oregon must renew their certification every two years.
  • To be eligible for renewal, you must have worked at least 400 hours as a CNA (performing authorized duties under the supervision of an RN or LPN) in the past two years.
  • There are no specific continuing education requirements for CNA renewal in Oregon, but you must submit proof of your work hours.

Lapsed Certification:

  • If your certification has been expired for more than 61 days, you must reapply with the Oregon State Board of Nursing, pay the necessary fees, and submit a new background check. In some cases, you may need to retake the CNA exam.

CNA II Renewal:

If you have advanced to CNA II, you will also need to renew your certification every two years. CNA II renewal follows the same process as CNA I, but you must continue to work under the supervision of an LPN or RN and demonstrate competence in the expanded duties of a CNA II.

Keeping Information Updated:

It is essential to keep your name and address up-to-date with the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry. You can change your personal information by contacting the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

CNA Certification Summary

Requirement Details
Training Hours (CNA 1) 80 classroom hours, 75 clinical hours
Training Hours (CNA 2) 60 classroom/lab hours, 28 clinical hours
Exam Components Written/Oral and Manual Skills Evaluation
Exam Cost $106 (additional fees for oral test and retests)
Renewal Period Every 2 years
Work Requirement for Renewal 400 hours of CNA work in the past 2 years

By following these steps, you can successfully become a CNA in Oregon and start working in a fulfilling healthcare career. Remember to keep your certification active and stay on top of your renewal requirements to ensure you remain eligible to work as a CNA in the state.

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
1,508 Cascade Medical School thumbnail?panoid=koFoVKqsZiH9TxUFJ5mf-w&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=101.9843&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 4620 SE 67th Ave Portland OR 97206 FCQ4+P9 Portland, Oregon (503) 788-3101 45.49 -122.59 45.4892852-122.5940955 More details
1,509 Independence Health and Rehabilitation Center AF1QipP5gCu1-ZcsXwFNWitv1cvBce-2wq2Tcyla6H75=w408-h261-k-no https://www.empres.com/location/independence-health-rehab-center/ 1525 Monmouth St Independence OR 97351 VQ2R+83 Independence, Oregon (503) 838-0001 44.85 -123.21 44.850794-123.2098698 Nursing home 18 2.8 7 1 1 0 9 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
1,510 LaGrande Post Acute Rehab AF1QipM5q_qM43OE10o0CF_SxoDKXowqKHbRZrLJ_m3f=w408-h304-k-no https://www.empres.com/location/lagrande-post-acute-rehab/ 91 Aries Ln La Grande OR 97850 8W69+J4 La Grande, Oregon (541) 963-8678 45.31 -118.08 45.3115303-118.0821488 Nursing home 22 4.3 17 1 0 2 2 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
1,511 Marian Estates AF1QipO8Z9RWleZjr9WWTPCvtjhebkMlV7bP-Qg-mf67=w408-h272-k-no https://marianestates.com/ 590 SE Conifer Cir Sublimity OR 97385 R6H6+3G Sublimity, Oregon (503) 902-5970 44.83 -122.79 44.8276672-122.7886505 Retirement community 19 3.8 10 4 0 1 4 9AM to 6PM 9AM to 6PM 9AM to 6PM 9AM to 6PM 9AM to 6PM 9AM to 6PM 9AM to 6PM More details
1,512 Mary's Woods AF1QipNow0y8zTyk9wXcabsFxaqFJm3f5_1EVZqpqjyX=w408-h272-k-no https://maryswoods.org/ 17400 Holy Names Dr Lake Oswego OR 97034 C82X+HM Lake Oswego, Oregon (503) 675-2004 45.40 -122.65 45.4013758-122.650827 Retirement community 19 4.3 15 1 0 0 3 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
1,513 Milton Freewater Health and Rehabilitation Center AF1QipM3-Dk9kzAtO-WjAOwv51FeSV5FaY0ccwfWCiVf=w408-h271-k-no https://www.empres.com/location/milton-freewater-health-rehab/ 120 Elzora St Milton-Freewater OR 97862 WJQ8+F4 Milton-Freewater, Oregon (541) 938-3318 45.94 -118.38 45.9387054-118.3847046 Nursing home 3 4.7 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
1,514 Springdale Job Corps AF1QipMLpdYoArYk3Fz3vf-k7CZT24-AJMIJBgjsnGA=w408-h544-k-no https://springdale.jobcorps.gov/ 31224 Historic Columbia River Hwy Troutdale OR 97060 GM86+H3 Troutdale, Oregon (503) 695-2245 45.52 -122.34 45.5163993-122.3398095 Employment center 51 3.3 25 5 0 1 20 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
1,515 The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center AF1QipOQi5fHM3uvGnD8I4ZvqPOpKz6Op1S3_rfutuA1=w408-h306-k-no https://www.empres.com/location/the-dalles-health-rehab/ 1023 W 25th St The Dalles OR 97058 HQVQ+PV The Dalles, Oregon (541) 298-5158 45.59 -121.21 45.5943031-121.2102508 Nursing home 22 4.5 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
1,516 Tongue Point Job Corps Center AF1QipOqm_8AMi12rVhHshyqtaK7rMMN327WRTHxSIHo=w408-h306-k-no https://tonguepoint.jobcorps.gov/ 37573 US-30 Astoria OR 97103 663M+HJ Astoria, Oregon (503) 325-2131 46.20 -123.77 46.2039909-123.765915 Employment center 86 3.8 45 12 7 7 15 More details
1,517 Windsor Health and Rehabilitation Center AF1QipMupS_c--F7S0ZtbWgdwjG8KY-QQ3I4LdQsHpVK=w408-h306-k-no https://www.empres.com/location/windsor-health-rehab-center/ 820 Cottage St NE Salem OR 97301 WXWC+P7 Salem, Oregon (503) 399-1135 44.95 -123.03 44.9468133-123.0292965 Nursing home 31 3.0 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details