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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

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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.

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