Dive into a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Lone Star State! In Texas, CNAs play a pivotal role in the healthcare sector, providing essential care to patients and assisting registered nurses in their daily tasks. Here's what you need to know:

Key Points

• CNAs, or Certified Nursing Assistants, are the backbone of patient care. They offer support to patients in healthcare settings, performing tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and providing emotional support.

• To become a CNA in Texas, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency evaluation, and get listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.

• Typically, CNA classes in Texas run for 4-12 weeks, with a minimum of 100 hours of combined classroom and clinical training, and cost ranges from $500 to $1,500.

• On average, CNAs in Texas earn approximately $35,370 per year, equating to an hourly rate of about $17.01.

What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides direct care to patients in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. CNAs assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, and they also monitor vital signs and provide emotional support. They play a crucial role in ensuring patients' comfort and well-being, working under the supervision of registered nurses or other healthcare professionals.

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 typically can't administer medicine but can assist.

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.

Where does a CNA work?

CNAs work in a wide variety of workplaces. Nursing homes are the most popular workplaces for CNAs in Texas. Hospitals are also common (and typically pay more), although they typically require at least six 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, a type of staffing agency, specialize in placing CNAs to work at facilities outside of their cities, specifically as travel CNAs. 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.

How do I become a CNA in Texas?

To be a CNA in Texas, you'll need to pass a background check, complete a state-approved CNA class, and pass the CNA state exam.

We'll break down the steps in detail below:

1. Have required documents

Almost all CNA schools in Texas require a Social Security Card and State ID (usually your driver's license). The Social Security Card is to verify your work authorization. Some schools may require other documents as well, including a TB test, state ID, immunization records, CPR certification, or birth certificate.‍

Do you need a high school diploma to become a CNA in Texas?

You do not need a high school diploma to become a CNA in Texas. According to the Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC), the federal regulation and the state do not impose a minimum education requirement for nurse aides. However, some schools will require it, especially colleges. If you do not have a high school diploma, you should look for a private accelerated program. With these, you will need to take an 8th-grade math/reading test. This may be done through Wonderlic, or the school may have its own test.

2. Pass a background check

You must pass a background check before starting your CNA program. Certain convictions can disqualify you from employment in facilities and agencies regulated by HHSC. A list of these offenses can be found on the HHSC website. You can't have felonies of any kind or misdemeanors involving assault or theft in the last 5 years.

Employers generally follow the same requirements, but some may be more strict. 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. ‍

3. Complete state-recognized training

Texas CNA programs are at least 100 hours long: 60 hours of class lectures 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. CNA schools aren't 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.

Find a list of state-recognized CNA programs on Dreambound and search for "cna classes near me"!

4. Pass the exam

In Texas, CNA trainees can work for four months before needing to pass the state exam. Prometric administers the state exam 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.

Once you are a CNA and your name is on the registry, you can start searching for CNA jobs near you and start your career!

Where can I find CNA classes in Texas?

Here are some state-approved CNA classes within Texas in Houston, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, McAllen, and San Antonio. You can also view upcoming CNA class dates via those links.

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

Exploring a Career in CNA Outside Texas

If you're dreaming of being a CNA but find yourself in a different state, fear not — your dreams are still achievable. You might find your path to becoming a CNA in locations such as California, Indiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin. And if these don't match your current location, Dreambound simplifies the journey by helping you easily search and compare CNA classes using just your zip code. With commitment and the right resources like Dreambound, entering healthcare is possible from anywhere.

What do I need to buy for class?

The things you need to buy for a CNA class may 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 include everything, 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.

Some schools and employers in Texas require COVID-19 vaccinations before admission to a CNA class and employment. Clinical sites may also require swab tests when clinicals start.

In case you are not vaccinated, a letter of exemption (for medical or religious reasons) is a must. Most of the time these are accepted when signed by your religious leader or doctor.

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 $120-125. If you want to take the multiple-choice portion of the exam orally or in Spanish, the exam costs $130-135.

After your school endorses you, you will then log in and fill out the application on the Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP) website. After creating an account, scheduling for completed applications or rescheduling of exams will continue at www.iqttesting.com.

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

1. Phone: 800.488.5787
2. E-mail: [email protected]

You can take the exam up to 3 times. If you are not able to pass within three tries, you will need to retake your CNA class.

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. Everything you need to know about the Texas CNA exam can be read through our helpful blog! Prometric also prepared a guide for both written and clinical readiness exams over here. 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.

How do I get my CNA certification?

After you pass your exam, it will take about a week for your exam information to be updated in TULIP. To print your certificate, please log into your TULIP account.

Your license is valid for two years and you should contact the Nurse Aide Registry and verify your employment to remain in active status. As of June 2024, there are 4 options to renew your nurse aide certification in Texas.

As of June 2024, if you’re licensed through another state and want to transfer your license to Texas, the Reciprocity process map is the way.

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. To check for your current CNA licensure status, we encourage you to go to the nurse aide registry.

You can start applying to different CNA job listings while you’re in class, although some employers may only want to hire CNAs who have already passed their exams. Job boards are also a good choice! They are constantly posting listings for CNAs. You can also work at the facility where your clinicals were, and your CNA school will have employers it recommends to students.

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 six months. Others choose to further their education by enrolling in additional training programs such as Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, and EKG classes available near them. In fact, you can also browse all healthcare classes to explore more options.

CNAs may also enroll in classes to become study how to be be 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!

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in Texas?

CNA classes in Texas can vary greatly in terms of length. Some classes last only for two and a half weeks. The average length is 4 to 6 weeks. Some may take months. This all depends on your chosen type of class and the pacing of your studies.

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

In Texas, CNA classes range from $500 to $1,500. Ask your school if the tuition fee includes the cost of the exam and other materials for your class.

How much do CNAS make in Texas?

According to the BLS, the income of CNAs in Texas as of May 2023 can range from $28,500 to $44,320.

Can I get my CNA online in Texas?

Yes, you can obtain your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification online in Texas. Many CNA training schools offer online CNA programs that meet the state's requirements but remember that some practical training components must be completed in person.

Does Texas require a CNA license?

Yes, Texas does require a CNA license. To work as a CNA in Texas, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass the CNA competency exam.

Does Texas CNA expire?

Yes, the Texas CNA license does expire. In Texas, CNA licenses must be renewed every two years. To maintain an active status, CNAs are required to work at least one day in a paid nursing position during the 24-month certification period.

What do you need to be a CNA in Texas?

To become a CNA in Texas, you need to meet several requirements: complete a state-approved training program, pass a background check, and successfully pass the CNA state exam. Required documents typically include a Social Security card, a state ID, and possibly other documents like a TB test or CPR certification. Importantly, a high school diploma is not mandatory, although some training programs may require it or an equivalent test. Once these steps are completed, you can apply for certification and start your career as a CNA.

What are other programs similar to CNA?

• Phlebotomy Training in Texas - Phlebotomy is the most popular alternative program on Dreambound among those considering becoming a CNA. Phlebotomists draw blood and can work in a lab, hospital, or clinic.
• Medication Aide Training in Texas - Medication Aide is an additional certification you can get after being a CNA that allows you to dispense medication. You must be a CNA first
• Medical Assistant Training in Texas - Medical Assistants are more clinically skilled CNAs, so the program takes longer. Medical Assistants are paid higher.
• Medical Biller and Coder Training in Texas - If you want to be in the medical field but want to work from home, this could be a good option for you
• Home Health Training in Texas - shorter training than CNA, but home health aides generally make less

Final Thoughts

Becoming a CNA is a fantastic way to launch a career in healthcare with plenty of local opportunities. Whether you’re exploring CNA classes near you or evaluating CNA salary and job prospects, this role offers a solid foundation for a fulfilling career.

‍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