*Updated: November 22, 2023*

Although Certified Nurse Aides can be found all over the country, the process to become one is different for every state. Below is a guide on how to become a CNA in Texas.

In Texas, the average CNA class costs $1020 and is 4 weeks long. The exam costs $125 ($135 if taking orally or in Spanish). The average starting salary varies depending on your location in the state but is approximately $13 to $15 per hour.

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## What does a CNA do?

Certified Nurse Aides, also known as Certified Nursing Assistants or CNAs, provide direct care to residents in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and even at home. CNAs perform various patient care tasks such as assisting in daily routines, feeding, medication monitoring, and even emotional support. They do not assist in administering medicine.

CNA is a great gateway if you want to venture into the medical field and you don’t know where to start. The high demand for CNAs in Texas nearly guarantees job security and can also give you time and opportunity to advance your skills further.

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## Where does a CNA work?

CNAs work in a wide variety of workplaces. Nursing homes are the [most popular workplaces for CNAs](https://dreambound.com/blog/where-does-a-cna-work) in Texas. Hospitals are also common (and typically pay more), although they typically require at least 6 months of work experience.

Assisted living facilities and home health are the next most common. CNA licenses are not required for either of these positions—so you can start working there before or during training—but they may not pay as highly.

Staffing agencies are popular and place CNAs to work at any of the above facility types. Pay is typically highest at a staffing agency, but comes with less predictability. Your work location, manager, coworkers, and hours may change frequently. [Travel nursing agencies](https://dreambound.com/blog/how-to-become-a-travel-cna) are a type of staffing agency that places you to work at a facility outside of your city. Travel nursing agencies often pay even more and typically provide a housing or relocation stipend. However, as of November 2023, there are fewer staffing agency openings for CNAs compared to during the height of the pandemic.

Less common are clinics and adult daycare centers, although they can still be great places to work at, offering unique opportunities for CNAs seeking a diverse work environment. Know that each workplace setting clearly presents its own set of challenges and rewards, contributing to the dynamic and fulfilling nature of a CNA's career.

‍

## What are the requirements to become a CNA in Texas?

- **Pass a background check** - All CNA schools run a background check before a student starts class. This is because clinicals are done at nursing homes, and nursing homes require all of their workers to pass a background check. To start a CNA class, candidates can’t have any felonies in the past 5 years. Misdemeanors involving theft or assault are also disqualifying. Employers generally follow the same requirements, but some may have different requirements. For example, some employers may not want candidates with any felonies at all, and others require drug tests before hiring. Employers also can’t hire anyone on the Texas Employee Misconduct Registry. This registry checks for different things than the background checks run by different schools and employers. ‍
- **Complete state-recognized training** - Texas CNA programs are at least 100 hours long: 60 hours of class lecture and 40 hours of clinical skills training. The first portion of the class, often called the “theory” portion, can be done online, but not every school offers online training. The second portion, often called “clinicals,” must be done in person at a nursing home. For more information, click this page and check under “NATCEP Requirements.” 
Note that CNA schools are not legally allowed to be fully online, so if a school is claiming to be "Online" they really mean that the theory portion is online, and clinicals are done in-person. If you're looking for a fully online class, check out [online healthcare classes on Dreambound](https://dreambound.com/search/health?environment=online).

- **Have required documents** - Candidate must either have Social Security Card (if a resident of the United States) or an ITIN Number (if not a resident of the United States). High School Diplomas/GED are not usually required, but some CNA schools in Texas look for them. Instead, most schools require candidates to take an 8th grade math/reading test. This may be done through Wonderlic, or the school may have its own test. Some schools may require other documents as well, including: a TB test, state ID, immunization records, or birth certificate.‍

- **Pass the exam** - In Texas, CNA trainees can work for four months before needing to pass the state exam. The state exam is administered by Prometric and includes two parts, one for written knowledge and one for practical skills. The written portion is a multiple choice test. In the skills portion, a proctor gives you a few different procedures that you will need to demonstrate how to do.

For more information on various kinds of requirements and concerns, visit the [Texas State and Federal requirements page](https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac%24ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=4&ti=26&pt=1&ch=556&rl=Y).

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## Where can I find CNA classes in Texas?

Here are some state-approved CNA classes within Texas suggested by Dreambound in [Houston](https://dreambound.com/cna-schools/cna-training-houston-tx), [Austin](https://dreambound.com/cna-schools/cna-training-austin-tx), [Dallas/Forth Worth](https://dreambound.com/cna-schools/cna-training-dallas-fort-worth-tx), [El Paso](https://dreambound.com/cna-schools/cna-training-el-paso-tx), [McAllen](https://dreambound.com/cna-schools/cna-training-mcallen-tx), and [San Antonio](https://dreambound.com/cna-schools/cna-training-san-antonio-tx). You can also view upcoming CNA class dates via those links.

You can also search by zipcode on Dreambound, which will allow you to see different payment options available, upcoming class dates, and more.

‍

## What do I need to buy for class?

Requirements vary for each school in Texas. Schools generally don’t provide uniforms, books, shoes, textbooks, stethoscopes, or BP cuffs, so you may need to pay for those out of pocket. However, some schools package everything in, so you might make a one-time payment together with the tuition fee. Be sure to ask your school as well if the tuition fee includes the cost of the exam.

CNA classes in Texas generally don’t require COVID vaccinations. However, clinical sites may require swab tests when clinicals start. The student doesn’t have to be vaccinated but must pass the COVID test to complete clinicals.

However, once you get your certificate and look for employment, you must have proof of COVID vaccination or a letter of exemption (for medical or religious reasons). This is required by federal law. Most employers accept a signed letter from your religious leader or doctor, but some have more strict requirements.

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## How do I register for a CNA exam? 

After you complete your 100-hour CNA training, your school will register you for the state exam. Students can’t apply without the endorsement from their school that they completed the class. The Texas CNA state exam costs $125. If you want to take the multiple-choice portion of the exam orally or in Spanish, the exam costs $135.

After your school endorses you, you will then log in and fill out the application on the Prometric website. For more information check the “Registration and Scheduling” on the Texas Nurse Aide [Prometric](https://www.prometric.com/nurseaide/tx) page.

If you have any issues or need to reschedule your exam, you can contact Prometric at:

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Phone: 800.488.5787

E-mail: TXCNA@prometric.com

‍

You can take the exam up to 3 times. If you are not able to pass within 3 tries, you will need to retake your CNA class. Each retake costs $35 for the written portion ($45 if oral/Spanish) and $90 for the clinical portion. More details on our guide: [Everything you need to know about the Texas CNA exam.](https://dreambound.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-texas-cna-exam)

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## How do I prepare for my CNA exam?

Taking the CNA exam might be a little intimidating, but all of our Texas CNAs have been through the exam as well. Your teacher will provide you with a lot of different resources to prepare for the exam. The CNA Training Institute, a school in Houston, shared [tips on how to ace your CNA exams](https://cnatraininginstitute.org/is-the-cna-exam-hard-2.html). Prometric also prepared [a guide for both written and clinical readiness exams](https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/nurse-aide/nurse-aide-practice-exams). We also recommend checking out Youtube videos to study for the skills portion of the exam, although be sure to look for Texas-specific videos posted after 2020. Each state has a different curriculum and Prometric only started administering the Texas state exam on 9/1/2020.

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## How do I get my CNA certification?

After you pass your exam, you will receive your certificate 4-6 weeks later. Your license is valid for 2 years. [To renew your license](https://dreambound.com/blog/how-do-i-renew-my-cna-license), your employer will need to submit a form saying that you performed paid work as a CNA. You will also need to complete 24 hours of in-service education, which can be done online and for free through [Texas Health & Human Services](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/business/licensing-credentialing-regulation/long-term-care-credentialing/nurse-aide-service-education). Your CNA school or employer may offer training to satisfy this requirement as well.

If your license expires, you will need to request a retest for nurse aides with expired status through this [form](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/laws-regulations/forms/5528-NAR/5528-NAR.pdf). For [instructions on how to retake the test](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/regulations/forms/5000-5999/form-5528-nar-request-retest-nurse-aides-expired-status), go to the Texas Health and Human Services Request for a Retest for Nurse Aides with Expired Status.

If you’re licensed through another state and want to[ transfer your license](https://dreambound.com/blog/how-to-transfer-your-cna-license) to Texas, send this [application form](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/laws-regulations/forms/5505-NAR/5505-NAR.pdf) to the Texas Nurse Aide registry via email at nurseaideregistry@hhsc.state.tx.us. If you want to send hard copies for your registration, you can also fax them to (512) 438-2052 or mail them to:

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Nurse Aide Registry

P.O. Box 149030 MC E-414

Austin, TX 78714-9030

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## How do I get a job as a CNA? 

In Texas, you are legally allowed to work for up to four months before you need to pass the state exam. Go to the nurse aide registry, to [check your current CNA licensure status](https://www.isoqualitytesting.com/registry.aspx).

Although some employers may only want to hire CNAs who have already passed their exams, you can start applying to different CNA job listings while you’re in class. Various job boards constantly post listings for CNAs. If you want, you can also work at the facility where your clinicals were, and your CNA school will have employers it recommends to students.

Another way to get employed is by filling out the [application in the Dreambound Candidate Portal](https://dreambound.com/join-candidate-portal) offered by Dreambound. Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies are actively hiring through this platform.

‍

## What can I do after becoming a CNA?

One of the great things about being a CNA is that the career path options are endless. Some CNAs switch over to a hospital or staffing agency after working at a nursing home for 6 months. Others enroll in additional training as a Medication Aide, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, or Patient Care Technician. CNAs may also enroll in classes to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse or Registered Nurse—your CNA teacher can help write a recommendation letter for you to get into nursing school. These careers can grow up to 12% within the next 5-7 years since Texas has an estimated [shortage of 60,000 nurses](https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/in-depth/2022/03/25/421835/grueling-conditions-are-fueling-a-nationwide-nursing-shortage-houston-nurses-werent-spared/). You can read more about your [different options after CNA here](https://dreambound.com/blog/what-comes-after-cna).

CNA is not required for any of the above licenses other than Patient Care Technician and Medication Aide, but working as a CNA can help you get your feet wet and get your foot in the door into a facility you like. And, if you work at a facility for some time, your employer may help pay for your other classes. CNAs can also go on to work in administrative positions such as staffing coordinators, Administrators (additional training required), or HR. Some Dreambound graduates are even working on [starting their own CNA school](https://dreambound.com/blog/how-to-start-a-cna-program)!

Dreambound provides this program in various locations. Visit these blogs to gain insights into the program, its requirements, and the steps to become part of it:
-[CNA Classes near me in Boston](https://dreambound.com/view/cna-training-boston-ma)
-[CNA Classes near me in Toledo](https://dreambound.com/view/cna-training-toledo-oh)

Thinking about various career paths in your area? Dreambound covers different classes with informative guides. Dive into these resources to get a full understanding:
-[Truck Driver in Texas](https://dreambound.com/blog/how-to-become-a-truck-driver-in-texas)
-[HVAC Technician in Texas](https://dreambound.com/blog/how-to-become-a-hvac-technician-in-texas)

How to become a CNA in Texas (2023)

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Certified Nursing Assistant certification

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Healthwrite Training's Certified Nursing Assistant training program is focused on preparing students to get certified so they can begin work as soon as possible. Healthwrite Training is conveniently located for those who live or work in Washington. The school focuses on offering flexibility for students; Healthwrite Training offers classes that are part-online and part in-person. You can complete Healthwrite Training's Certified Nursing Assistant class in just 7 to 9 short weeks.


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Nursing assistants, sometimes called nursing aides, help clients with self-care and activities of daily living. They provide skilled nursing care for patients in the Hospitals, Long-Term Care Facilities (Nursing Homes), Assisted Living, Group Homes and Health Agencies.


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The Certified Nursing Aide course is 2-4 weeks. After successful completion of the course and state test the student will be able to transfer their Alabama CNA license to any state.
The tuition fee is $600. This fee includes tuition and book rental. State certification test is an additional $120. To sign up please click the enroll now button. Once payment is received, we will contact you to get you started today.  The CNA program is approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health.


How to become a CNA in Texas (2023)

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