Thinking about starting a career as a CNA in Arkansas? We’ll guide you through the steps, including CNA certification, finding CNA classes near you, and exploring CNA jobs. Learn about CNA salary and more. Here's what you need to know:

Key Points

• A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides essential patient care, including assistance with daily activities and monitoring vital signs, in various healthcare settings.
• To become a CNA in Alabama, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass the competency exam administered by Prometric or Credentia.
• CNA training in Alabama requires 75 hours of coursework, including 16 hours of clinical and 16 hours of laboratory practice.
• In Alabama, the average CNA salary is $31,280 per year or $15.04 per hour.

What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and assistance to patients, primarily in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare settings. Their responsibilities include tasks such as helping patients with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and reporting any changes in a patient's condition to a licensed nurse.

Where does a CNA work?

CNAs typically work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare agencies. Other CNA workplaces are rehabilitation centers, hospice care, and other healthcare settings where basic patient care is needed.

What are the requirements to become a CNA in Alabama?

To become a CNA in Alabama, you must meet the following requirements:

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The required hours are 75 Hours of training including 16 hours of clinical and 16 hours of laboratory training.

• Pass the Alabama Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which consists of a written and skills-based assessment. The CNA state exam in Alabama is administered by 2 organizations, the Prometric and Credentia.

  The Prometric exam fees in Alabama are $40 for the written or oral exam and $45 for the skills exam. For Credentia it is $55 for the written, English oral, and Spanish clinical exams while $80 for the skills evaluation. The amounts indicated here are from their respective handbooks.

• Undergo a criminal background check and meet any other legal requirements as needed. The age requirement to be a CNA in Alabama is 18 years old.

Where can I find CNA classes in Alabama?

Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs, including CNA classes near you in Alabama. Dreambound can help you locate CNA training programs in your local area and provide information about the curriculum, costs, and program schedules!

Exploring a Career in CNA Outside Alabama

If you've been reading this article and aspire to become a CNA, but you reside in a different state, rest assured that achieving your goal is still within reach. You might consider exploring opportunities to become a CNA in Arkansas, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin. Don't worry if you haven't found your location among these, because Dreambound makes it easier than ever to pursue your dreams regardless of your location by simplifying the process of finding and comparing CNA classes through a convenient search by zip code. With dedication and access to the right resources, you can confidently pursue a successful career in healthcare, no matter where you live.

How do I get my CNA certification in Alabama?

After completing your CNA training program, you’re almost ready to start working as a certified nursing assistant. The next crucial step is to register for and pass your exams. Here’s what you have to do:

Step 1: Register for your exams

Both Prometric and Credentia advocate online applications to register for the exams. You may register and find a testing site on their respective websites.

Step 2: Prepare for the exam

The exam has two portions to test your knowledge and skills in providing basic patient care.

Step 3: Take the exams

You need to pass your CNA state exams within two years after you've finished your training. You are allowed up to three attempts for each part of the exam. Both the Written (or Oral) test and the Clinical Skills test need to be passed within the same period for the results to be sent to the state agency that handles the Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 4: Check your results

Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to work as a CNA in the state. However, take note that according to the Credentia January 2024 CNA handbook, the state of Alabama does not issue certificates or licenses to nurse aides. However, your score reports are available online and can be printed or downloaded.

Step 5: Retake the training if needed

If you do not pass one or both parts of the exam after three attempts, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program again to be eligible for further attempts.

How do I get a job as a CNA?

Once you’ve earned your CNA certification, it’s time to start looking for a job in the healthcare field. Finding a position as a CNA involves several key steps. Here’s what you have to do:

1. Update your resume

Make sure your resume reflects your CNA certification and any relevant training or experience you have. Highlight your skills in patient care and any specific certifications that may be relevant.

2. Search for job openings

Look for CNA job listings on job boards, healthcare facility websites, and local classifieds. You can also visit nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies directly to inquire about open positions.

3. Prepare for interviews

Be ready to discuss your skills, training, and experience during interviews. Practice common interview questions and be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.

4. Apply to multiple positions

Apply to several job openings to increase your chances of finding a position. Tailor your application to each job, emphasizing how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.

5. Follow up on applications

After submitting your applications, follow up with the employers to express your continued interest in the position. A polite follow-up can help keep your application at the top of their mind.

6. Consider additional training

Some employers offer on-the-job training or additional certification programs. Take advantage of these opportunities to further develop your skills and enhance your employability.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a CNA

As a CNA, you can explore various career paths, and opportunities available to you. With your experience and certification, you can explore further education and specialize in various areas of healthcare. Here’s a look at some of the options:

• Advance to LPN or RN: Pursue further education to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). This advancement opens up more responsibilities and higher earning potential.

• Specialize in specific care areas: Focus on specialized fields such as geriatric care, pediatric care, or rehabilitation services. Specializing can enhance your expertise and job satisfaction.

• Explore managerial roles: With experience, you may move into supervisory or managerial positions within healthcare settings, overseeing other CNAs and assisting with facility operations.

• Consider additional certifications: Obtain additional certifications in areas like wound care or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to broaden your skill set and career opportunities.

• Pursue further education in healthcare: Enroll in programs related to healthcare administration or other advanced fields to expand your career prospects and take on new roles in the healthcare industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in Alabama?

Becoming a CNA in Alabama typically takes between 4 to 12 weeks. This timeframe depends on the specific program and whether you choose a full-time or part-time schedule.

How to obtain a CNA license in Alabama?

To obtain a CNA license in Alabama, you must first complete a state-approved training program. These programs provide the necessary medical knowledge and hands-on skills. After completing the training, you must pass the Alabama Nurse Aide Competency Exam. Once you pass this exam, your name will be added to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry as a fully pledged CNA!

Does Alabama CNA license expire?

Yes, an Alabama CNA license does expire. To maintain active status, CNAs must renew their certification every 24 months. To renew your CNA license, you must submit proof of employment as a paid CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months.

How to become a CNA in high school in Alabama?

To become a CNA in high school, enroll in a state-approved CNA training program offered by some high schools or vocational schools. Complete the required classroom and clinical training, then pass the CNA competency exam, which includes both written and skills-based tests. Successfully passing the exam will qualify you for CNA certification and allow you to start working in the healthcare field.

How much do CNAS make in Alabama?

In Alabama, CNAs earn a mean annual income of $31,280 and a mean hourly income of $15.04. The BLS also released on May 2023 the salary range for CNAs in this state. It is estimated to be around $23,910 to $37,470. Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can be higher depending on various factors.

How much does it cost to take CNA classes in Alabama?

The CNA training cost in Alabama may range from $600 to $1,500, depending on the inclusions of your tuition. Be prepared for additional fees that may arise since materials and books are sometimes not included in the initial fees.

Can you take the CNA test without classes in Alabama?

The answer is no. To qualify for a CNA state exam, you need to have finished a nurse aide training course that's recognized by the Alabama Department of Health. Alternatively, you could have completed similar training through advanced education programs like an LPN or RN course, as long as they're approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Alabama also does not approve any online CNA programs according to Credentia as of January 2024.

How many questions are on the Alabama CNA test?

There are varying results regarding the number of test items for the CNA state exam. If we will base on the January 2024 CNA handbook of Credentia, the written exam has 70 multiple-choice questions. You will have 2 hours to complete this part. On the other hand, the Prometric written exam has 55 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute timeframe to complete the test.

From the Credentia handbook, the evaluator will provide you with a card outlining the five (5) skills you need to demonstrate during the skills evaluation. Handwashing will always be one of these skills. The other four (4) skills will be selected randomly. The Prometric also has similar rules. Three random skills are assigned to each candidate while the Handwashing and Indirect Care skills are constant among the skills you need to perform.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a CNA in Alabama can be a rewarding career path, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. By meeting the necessary requirements and utilizing resources like Dreambound, you can take the first step toward a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.

‍Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you:

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