Maintaining an active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license is essential for your healthcare career. While many focus on initial certification, understanding the renewal process is equally important to ensure uninterrupted service in the healthcare field.

Key Points

• CNA certification renewal is typically required every two years in most states.\
• Renewal requirements often include completing continuing education hours to keep your skills current.
• The renewal process involves submitting specific documentation to your state's nursing board, including proof of work experience and completed continuing education credits.
• Many states offer online renewal options, streamlining the process and allowing you to focus on patient care.
• Healthcare facilities often provide resources and guidance for license renewal, making them a valuable support system throughout your CNA career.

Steps to Renew a CNA License

If you’re a previous license holder and want to renew your license, the process differs from the first time you applied for your CNA license. CNA license renewal generally requires a shorter time and requirements. Let's discuss some easy steps to help make the renewal process smoother and update your credentials quickly!

Step 1. Get to Know Your State’s Official Nurse Aide Website

Most states require license renewal every two years to keep you active on the Nurse Aide Registry. The procedure of renewing a CNA license might also differ from state to state, so it's advisable to check your state's Official Nurse Aide Website for specific instructions, although they generally follow a similar pattern.

Step 2. Be Updated on Your License’s Expiration

Once you receive your CNA license, it will have an expiration date typically set every two years. If you need clarification on your license's expiration date, you can look it up through your state's nursing board or certification verification website.

Step 3. Render the Required Hours of Service

You must have consistently worked as a CNA for the appropriate number of hours per week as needed by the state to renew your license before it expires. Most states also mandate a minimum number of hours for continuing education. Additionally, there must be no reports of abuse or neglect on your record.

If you haven’t been active in service before the expiry of your license, you will likely need to retake the exam.

Step 4. Stay Up-To-Date on Your CEUs

Most states require completion of several Continuing Education Units (CEU) or hours before renewing your license. If your license has recently expired and you wish to continue it, you might need to take refresher courses to update your license. Each state may have different CEU topics required for renewal. Some facilities will provide these courses as part of their education requirements for employment. If not, you may need to find an approved CEU vendor to ensure you are up-to-date. You can find your state information in the nursing aide registry.‍

Is Your License Expired?

If your license is expired, you will need to retake the CNA certification exam to show that your knowledge is still up to date if you still need to fulfill the criteria for continuing education. You might need to enroll in another CNA program if you don't pass the exam. To avoid this, monitor your state’s continued education requirements and complete the required hours.

Online Renewal of Your License

If your state provides online license renewal, you can utilize that if you don't need to modify your license's status or any of its information (such as your name). Credit or debit card payment is also necessary for online license renewal. Contact your state’s nursing board or licensing authority for additional requirements and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to renew a CNA license in California?

To renew your CNA license in California, you must provide proof of at least 48 hours of continuing education credits and a minimum of 8 hours as a working CNA in the last two years. Find the forms you need online through the California Department of Public Health's website.

How do I renew my GA CNA license online?

In Georgia, you can renew your CNA license through the Georgia Department of Community Health. You must submit proof of working at least 8 hours as a CNA in the past 24 months while your certification is active. There is also no CNA license renewal fee being charged in Georgia!

How do I renew my expired CNA license in NV?

In Nevada, if your CNA license has expired, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass the state competency exam again. You can apply for this through the Nevada State Board of Nursing website.

How do I renew my expired CNA license in Ohio?

In Ohio, if your CNA license has expired, you can renew it by submitting proofs of 48 hours of in-service training and at least one day of paid service (8 hours) as a CNA in the last 24 months. You can renew your license online through the Ohio Department of Health's website.

How do I renew my SC CNA license?

To renew your CNA license in South Carolina, you must have worked a minimum of 8 hours in the past 24 months. You can renew your license online through your CNA365 account found in the Credentia - South Carolina Nurse Aide Certification website.

What do I need to renew my CNA license in Texas?

To renew your CNA license in Texas, you need to have worked for pay as a nurse aide for at least 8 hours in the last 24 months and complete 24 hours of in-service education every two years. The renewal process can be completed online through the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) website.

Where do I renew my CNA license in PA?

In Pennsylvania, you can renew your CNA license through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's online Nurse Aide Registry. To qualify for renewal, you must have worked as a paid nurse aide for a minimum of 8 hours in the past 24 months and complete 12 hours of in-service training each year.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your CNA license current is vital for your career in healthcare. By staying informed about your state's specific requirements and completing necessary continuing education, you can ensure uninterrupted service to your patients. For more information on CNA educational needs, consider exploring resources like Dreambound.

We have more CNA blogs for you! Check the list below and be informed!

1. Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in 3 Easy Steps
2. Difference Between a PCT and CNA
3. How Long Does It Take To Become a CNA?
4. Become a CNA in High School
5. STNA in Ohio
6. CNA in Texas
7. CNA in California
8. CNA in Pennsylvania

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