With 4% annual job growth, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Oregon is a great way to start a rewarding career in healthcare, offering job stability and hands-on patient care experience. The demand for CNAs continues to rise, making it a promising career choice. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from CNA classes and certification to job opportunities and salary expectations in Oregon.

Key Points:

• In Oregon, there are two levels of CNA certification: CNA 1 and CNA 2. CNA 1 serves as an entry point, while CNA 2 is designed for experienced CNAs looking to expand their skills and care levels.
• Oregon CNA programs are thorough and robust, requiring at least 105 hours of training for CNA 1 and 88 hours of instruction for CNA 2, divided into 60 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 28 hours of supervised clinical experience in a hospital.
• The cost of CNA classes in Oregon varies, typically ranging from $400 to $1000. This may not cover additional expenses such as books, exams, uniforms, or other associated fees.
• After completing your training, you'll need to pass a competency evaluation. The Oregon State Board of Nursing provides CNA licenses and credentials.
• As a CNA in Oregon, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a mean annual wage of $46,970 or $22.58 per hour as of May 2023. Remember, to maintain your rewarding career in patient care, you must renew your certification every two years!

What is CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a trained healthcare worker who assists patients with daily living activities under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). CNAs are essential in maintaining patient comfort and well-being.

What Does a CNA Do

• Assisting patients with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, dressing)
• Helping with mobility and transfers
• Monitoring and recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure)
• Serving meals and feeding patients
• Providing companionship and emotional support
• Reporting patient conditions to nurses

Where Do CNAs Work?

Certified Nursing Assistants work in various healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals: Assisting nurses in patient care units.
• Nursing Homes: Providing long-term care for elderly patients.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Helping residents with daily tasks.
• Home Health Agencies: Offering in-home patient care.
• Rehabilitation Centers: Supporting patients recovering from surgeries or illnesses.

Requirements to Become a CNA in Oregon

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

• Minimum Age: 16 years old
• Education: High school diploma or GED (recommended but not required)
• Training: Completion of a state-approved CNA program
• Clinical Hours: At least 75-105 hours of training, including classroom and clinical practice
• Background Check: Required before certification
• Certification Exam: Must pass the Oregon Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation
• State Registration: Apply for certification through the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN)

How to Become a CNA in Oregon?

1. Research the Role

Learn about the daily responsibilities of a CNA, job opportunities, and career growth potential. Speak with healthcare professionals and explore resources like BLS.gov to understand job demand and salary expectations.

2. Enroll in a State-Approved CNA Program

Complete a state-approved CNA training program, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice. Programs typically last 4-12 weeks and are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities.

3. Complete Clinical Training

Hands-on training is essential for gaining real-world experience. You will practice patient care skills under supervision in a hospital or nursing facility to prepare for the competency exam.

4. Pass the CNA Certification Exam

After completing training, you must pass the Oregon Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which consists of:

• Written Exam: 80 multiple-choice questions
• Skills Evaluation: Demonstrating 3-4 essential CNA tasks in a clinical setting

5. Apply for State Certification

Once you pass the exam, submit an application to the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). This step includes:

• Exam Results Submission
• Background Check Completion
• Application Fee Payment

Upon approval, you will be officially registered as a CNA in Oregon.

6. Apply for CNA Jobs

Use resources like My Next Move and job boards to find CNA positions in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies. Networking with professionals and joining healthcare job fairs can also improve job prospects.

Where to Find CNA Classes in Oregon?

Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find and compare CNA training programs in Oregon. With Dreambound, you can search for programs near you and compare tuition costs, program lengths, and schedules.

Career Paths and Opportunities After Becoming a CNA

A CNA certification can lead to various career advancements, including:

• CNA 2 Certification: Expanding your skill set for higher-paying jobs
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Pursuing an LPN program to increase job opportunities
• Registered Nurse (RN): Completing an RN degree program for higher-level nursing roles
• Specialized CNA Roles: Focusing on pediatrics, geriatrics, or hospice care

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CNA 1 and CNA 2 in Oregon?

In Oregon, both CNA 1 and CNA 2 provide essential patient care, but they differ in responsibilities and skill sets. A CNA 1 focuses on basic care like nutrition, hygiene, and daily activities. A CNA 2, while performing CNA 1 duties, also handles more complex tasks such as oxygen adjustment, saline lock discontinuation, and newborn screenings. They have additional responsibilities in mental health, technical skills, and end-of-life care. Essentially, a CNA 2 has a wider scope of practice than a CNA 1, making them more versatile in addressing patient needs.

Can you take the CNA test without classes in Oregon?

In Oregon, it's mandatory to complete a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program before you can take the CNA test. This requirement ensures that all CNAs in Oregon have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care. So, unfortunately, you can't take the CNA test without attending classes first.

How do you schedule a CNA exam in Oregon?

To schedule a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam in Oregon, you first need to complete a Board-approved training program and apply with the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN), paying the required fee. After submitting your fingerprints for a background check, the OSBN will verify your training completion and authorize you to test. Once authorized, you can schedule your CNA exam with Headmaster, a testing agency. After successfully passing the exam and meeting all application requirements, your certification will be issued by the OSBN. It's a straightforward process that paves the way toward a rewarding career!

How many questions are on the CNA test in Oregon?

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) test in Oregon is comprised of two parts - a Knowledge Test featuring 80 multiple-choice questions, and a Manual Skills Test where candidates perform 3 or 4 assigned tasks within a 35-minute time frame.

How many times can you take the CNA exam in Oregon?

In Oregon, CNA applicants can take the CNA competency exam without limit within a one-year period from their initial application. This allows more room and opportunity to pass the CNA exam, which is offered consistently throughout the year at various locations statewide. However, if you're unable to clear the exam within that year, you'll need to reapply and complete a new training program.

Final Thoughts

A CNA certification in Oregon provides strong job security, competitive wages, and career growth opportunities. If you're passionate about healthcare and want to make a meaningful impact, becoming a CNA is a great first step.

Find a CNA training program in Oregon with Dreambound and start your journey toward a fulfilling healthcare career today!

‍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

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