From the lively streets of New Orleans to the serene bayous, CNAs are heroes of patient care. Delve into the unique Cajun culture that permeates every aspect of this thrilling profession. Uncover the spicy blend of compassion and dedication Louisiana CNAs bring to the forefront.

In Louisiana, the average Certified Nursing Assistants  (CNA) class costs $700. It depends on the length of your training and your schedule. Classes last between 4 to 12 weeks and combine theoretical and clinical parts. You can expect an average annual salary of $31,194 when you complete your certification.

Requirements to be a CNA in Louisiana

To become a CNA in this captivating state, aspirants must adhere to specific state requirements. The state's rigorous standards reflect its dedication to fostering a well-trained healthcare workforce. The key requirements include: 

• Having the educational prerequisites - Like most states, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Training providers require applicants to be at least 18 years old. 

• Completing a state-approved training program - Obtain a CNA program that is at least 80 hours. This consists of 40 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of clinical experience. A student will have at least 16 hours of education before beginning resident contact. An individual can also qualify based on status as a nursing student, nurse, or military healthcare worker.

• Passing the Background Check - Louisiana requires CNAs to undergo a background check for employee verification. Employers must check if their applicants have a criminal history that may disqualify them from working in a healthcare setting. If you submit a request for a background check to the Louisiana State Police, you must pay a fee of $26 per report.

• Passing the CNA Competency Exam - The exam consists of a 60-item multiple choice, 10 reading comprehension questions, and a skill-test performance. The Skills Evaluation will be 25 minutes given to complete 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills. Overall, the time allowed for this test handled by Prometric is 120 minutes. 

Content topics may include:

• Activities of Daily Living – Hygiene, Dressing, and Grooming, Nutrition and Hydration, Elimination, Rest/Comfort/Sleep

• Basic Nursing Skills - Infection Control, Safety/Emergency, Therapeutic/Technical Procedures, Data Collection and Reporting

• Restorative Skills – Prevention, Self-care/Independence

• Psychosocial Care Skills – Emotional and Mental Health Needs

• Spiritual and Cultural Needs

• Communication

• Client Rights

• Legal and Ethical Behavior

• Member of the Healthcare Team

Being ready is the first step in acing that CNA exam. By diligently preparing, individuals equip themselves with the necessary tools to demonstrate their proficiency. We want you to nail the last step in achieving that dream career, so we prepared a manual on how you can prepare for your CNA exam. If other CNAs can do it, so do you!

Where can I find state-approved CNA programs?

Dreambound is proud to offer state-approved CNA classes in the state of Louisiana! Aspirants can embark on a transformative journey of learning and growth with our comprehensive training programs. Our CNA classes from different cities are meticulously designed to meet Louisiana's requirements. By choosing Dreambound, individuals can confidently pursue their passion and be well-prepared for the career boost they deserve.

How do I register for the state exam?

You may call Prometric customer service for information on how to apply for the Louisiana State Nurse Aide exam. National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAP) Examination costs $125. You can take the NNAAP at various CNA program locations around the state.

How do I get my CNA certification?

In order to have your certification and your name on the nurse aide registry, you must have some documents. Prepare your social security card and driver’s license. In the state of Louisiana, you can apply online or download the application form. The mailing address is on the last page of the form. Then you can verify your certification status online on Louisiana’s nurse aide registry.

What is the Job Outlook of CNAs?

If you plan to get into this career, you’ve made the right choice. The job outlook for CNAs is optimistic and continues to soar to its peak. As the population ages and medical advancements extend life expectancy, the need for long-term care rises significantly. In 2021, the average salary of CNAs is $30,290 annually ($14.56/hr). If you’re from Alaska, DC, California, New York, and Oregon, you can earn up to $45,000 annually! With an anticipated rise in the demand for CNAs, aspirants can look forward to a rewarding and stable career.

What can I do after getting certified?

You have the choice to pursue a variety of healthcare careers as a CNA. You may also receive additional training in other areas to boost your career, like becoming a medication aide, medical assistant, phlebotomy technician, or patient care technician. If you want to attend nursing school or a program to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN), a reference letter from your CNA instructor is helpful.

Once qualified, you can work as a CNA in a variety of settings. Don't worry if you need clarification on where you want to work. You may look through our list of several CNA jobs to discover more about where you’d want to work. The demand for CNAs in Louisiana is rising, offering a bright future to aspirants. While getting there might seem challenging, staying positive and undergoing the right training will pave the way to success.

With Dreambound's comprehensive collection, understand the certification process in this field for different cities. Looking for info on other states? Our additional guides are here to help.

• CNA classes near me in Albuquerque
• CNA classes near me in Columbus
• CNA classes near me in Minneapolis
• CNA classes near me in Oklahoma City
• CNA classes near me in Virginia Beach

Thinking about a potential career transition? Dreambound has detailed guides to help you with making informed decisions.

• LVN Training in Louisiana
• Patient Care Technician Training in Louisiana
• Phlebotomy Training in Louisiana
• EKG Training in Louisiana
• Medical Assistant Training in Louisiana