Becoming a CNA in Oklahoma is your gateway to a fulfilling healthcare career. This guide covers everything you need to know, from CNA certification and classes near you to finding CNA jobs near your location and understanding CNA salary expectations in Oklahoma. Let's get started!

Key Points

• A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides essential care and support to patients in various healthcare settings.
• To become a CNA in Oklahoma, you must complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the state exams to get certified.
• CNA training in Oklahoma typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
• In Oklahoma, the average CNA salary is $33,090 per year, or about $15.91 per hour.

What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and assistance to patients in various healthcare settings. Their primary responsibilities include assisting patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and monitoring their vital signs.

What are the requirements to be a CNA in Oklahoma?

Becoming a CNA in Oklahoma involves several key steps. Here are the general guidelines:

• Meet educational requirements: Having a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate is favorable when enrolling in a CNA class. This is required by some schools before you can start your CNA training program.

• Complete an approved training program: CNA programs in Oklahoma must be 75 hours long, with at least 16 hours of practical training and a minimum of 10 hours of training in the care of Alzheimer’s patients. Make sure to attend an approved training facility, you may find a list of accredited schools on the Oklahoma State Department of Health website.

• Complete background check and health requirements: These requirements are often asked earlier in your CNA journey, before being admitted to CNA school. It's important to have a negative Tuberculosis (TB) test within the past six months and be physically healthy. Drug screening and other updated vaccinations are also important. Oklahoma also requires CNAs to have a clean criminal record, verified through a background check.

• Succeed in taking your state exams: Passing the state exam signifies you are now a certified or licensed nurse assistant! As per the Oklahoma State Dept. of Health, to get hired as a nurse aide, you must be officially certified and have a clean record. Your name should also be registered in the nurse aide registry. You may find this information under the "Nurse Aide Temporary Emergency Waiver" section.

Exploring a Career in CNA Outside Oklahoma

If you've been inspired to follow the path of a CNA but geography isn't on your side, worry not. Your aspiration to become a CNA is within reach in California, Maine, Texas, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia. For those who don't find these options feasible, Dreambound enables you to effortlessly find and evaluate CNA classes by simply searching with a zip code. Armed with determination and Dreambound, anyone, anywhere, can achieve a career in healthcare.

The CNA State Exam in Oklahoma

‍To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Oklahoma, you must pass the state exams which are composed of written and clinical skills portions. There are three approved competency evaluation programs:

• Headmaster

• Health Certification Project

• Prometric

The written test checks your understanding of key healthcare topics. You can take your written exam online, on paper, or orally if needed. In general, you can expect to encounter questions about the following:

• Healthcare Industry Basics

• Legal and Ethical Rules

• Resident Rights

• Effective Communication

• Daily Living Assistance

• Infection Control Measures

• Resident Safety

• Basic Nursing Skills

• Resident Independence

• Psychosocial Care Skills

• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

The Clinical Skills Exam mimics a real nursing situation to test your practical skills. As a CNA candidate, you'll have a time limit to perform the randomly assigned skills to you. Some of the skills you may be asked to do are:

• Ambulate with a transfer belt

• Transfer between bed and wheelchair

• Perform a range of motion

• Measure vital signs

Note that the terms mentioned here may change depending on your chosen organization that will administer your exams.

Remember, the time limit only covers performing the skills. Studying hard for your CNA exams is key to becoming a certified CNA in Oklahoma! Once you pass the competency exam, the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry will add your name to the list of all individuals who have met the state requirements to work as a CNA.

How to register and schedule for CNA exams in Oklahoma?

After completing your CNA training program in Oklahoma, follow these steps to register and schedule your exam:

1. Complete exam application: Begin by filling out the Nurse Aide Exam application form. You can get this form from your training program or directly from the testing agency's website.

2. Submit necessary documentation: Along with your application, you’ll need to provide documents such as proof of completing a state-approved training program, your Social Security number, and any other required paperwork.

3. Pay the exam fee: Check the latest fee amount on the testing agency’s website or your application form, and submit the fee along with your application. This payment is necessary to complete your registration.

4. Wait for confirmation: After submitting your application and fee, the testing agency will process your information. You’ll receive a confirmation once your application is approved, including details on scheduling your exam.

5. Schedule your exam: Choose a convenient date, time, and location for your exam. This is typically done online through the testing agency’s scheduling system.

6. Prepare and attend your exam: Review your study materials for both the written and skills portions of the test. On exam day, make sure to arrive early with proper identification and attire.

How do I get my CNA certification in Oklahoma?

There are three main ways to get your CNA certification in Oklahoma.

If you've taken your test through Prometric, you'll receive an instant report on your test results. This report won't be mailed to you, but you can access it online within a day of your test. If you took the test in person, you'll get a printed report before you leave the test center.

For those who took the test with HCP, you'll receive a Coaching Report. This report gives you a detailed breakdown of your performance in each area of the test. If you took the test online, you'll get this report immediately. If you opted for the paper version, you'll receive the report within three weeks. HCP doesn't mention providing a physical CNA certification.

Finally, if you took your test with D&S, you can expect your results within one to two days after the test, not including weekends or holidays. You can access these results online after 7:00 p.m. Oklahoma time. In addition, D&S will mail you an official test results letter on the same day your tests are scored.

How do I get a job as a CNA in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, plenty of training opportunities and clear career pathways make starting a CNA career appealing. Many CNAs in the state use their practical experience to pursue RN qualifications, leading to a dynamic profession with high turnover. If you are more adventurous than the average person, being a travel CNA might be a good fit!

Pursuing a CNA career in Oklahoma is personally fulfilling, provides job stability, and offers impressive potential for career growth.

What can I do after becoming a CNA?

Starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Oklahoma opens doors to a thriving healthcare career and, potentially, a path to embrace other roles. Some options include being a licensed vocational nurse or registered nurse! Enjoy this journey, gain invaluable patient care experience, and prepare yourself for more significant roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to be a CNA in Oklahoma?

Becoming a CNA in Oklahoma typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks to complete the required training program, depending on the type of course you enroll in and any additional factors that may affect the schedule.

How much does it cost to become a CNA in Oklahoma?

The cost to become a CNA in Oklahoma varies, but on average, it ranges from $500 to $1,300. This cost generally includes tuition, fees for course materials, and other associated expenses.

How much is a CNA license in Oklahoma?

The fee for obtaining a CNA license in Oklahoma involves the costs associated with the CNA exam, with the Prometric written and clinical exams costing $30 and $35 respectively.

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

CNA classes in Oklahoma generally cost between $500 to $1,300, with some variation depending on the specific program and institution. This cost typically includes tuition, but other fees may apply.

How much do CNAs make in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, CNAs earn an average annual salary of $33,090, which equates to approximately $15.91 per hour, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2023.

Can you take the CNA test without classes in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, you must complete a state-approved CNA training program to be eligible for the CNA test, unless you meet specific exceptions such as being a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

How many questions are on the CNA test in Oklahoma?

The CNA written exam in Oklahoma typically contains between 55 to 72 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed in 90 minutes with a minimum passing score of 70%. The skills evaluation generally requires the demonstration of 5 to 7 skills with 80% accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a CNA in Oklahoma is a fulfilling journey that opens the door to a rewarding healthcare career. From understanding the role of a CNA to navigating the certification process, this guide covers everything you need to get started. Whether you're looking for CNA jobs near you, interested in CNA classes near your location, or curious about CNA salary expectations in Oklahoma, this career path offers stability, growth, and the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives. Your healthcare journey begins here.

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

• Become a CNA in 3 easy steps
• CNA classes near me
• Become a CNA in High School
• STNA in Ohio

Weighing the possibilities of a career shift? Dreambound has written many extensive guides to guide you in making informed decisions. Check out some of these resources below:

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