CNA Certification in Alabama

You can become a certified nursing assistant in the state of Alabama by completing a training program for CNAs.  This program must be one that has been approved by the Department of Health in Alabama.  All programs need to consist of at least 75 hours of training.  The training must include classroom instruction.  A clinical segment of training must also be provided.

The completion of the CNA program will not result in certification.  You will need to schedule to sit for the nursing assistant certification course after passing the training class.  This test will have a written and a skills portion.  Before you can receive your certification as a nursing assistant, both parts of the rest must be passed.

Transferring CNA Certification From Another State to Alabama

It is sometimes possible to transfer your CNA certification from another state to Alabama.  Your certification will need to be active and valid in the other state.  This means you must be listed with an active certification in good standing on the Nursing Aide Registry in the former state.  You cannot have any record of abuse or neglect of patients recorded against you.

If you are able to gain employment in a nursing care facility (nursing homes), you can then apply to have your nursing assistant certification transferred to the state of Alabama.  You will then be listed on the Nursing Aide Registry in Alabama.

You will often not be able to transfer your certification if you are not hired for employment at a nursing care facility.  Even if you have a certification as a nursing assistant in another state, you might need to receive certification directly from Alabama.  This means you will need to take a training program and pass the certification exam.

CNA Certification Renewal in Alabama

Every two years you will need to renew your nursing assistant certification in Alabama. You will receive paperwork from the Nursing Aide Registry several weeks before your current license is set to expire. During a 24 month time period, you must work as a paid nursing assistant for at least 8 hours in a nursing home, hospice agency, mental health facility, or a hospital. Volunteer work in a private setting, assisting living facility, or a doctor’s office does not count.

Complete all paperwork as instructed to renew your license every year. Submit any necessary fees for renewal. Sometimes your employer will pay for or reimburse you for any renewal fees. If you allow your license to lapse completely, you might be required to retake nursing assistant training and to take and pass the exam once again. For more information, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health Certified Nurse Aide Registry at https://ph.state.al.us/NurseAideRegistry/(S(gdktdc55e1lwnc55ze5wozbq))/FAQ.aspx

You’ll find these useful as well: Free CNA classes in Alabama and CNA classes in Alabama.

FAQ

Q: My CNA license expires in Janurary/Feburary 2013 and I am starting Medical Sonography school this fall. From what I have read on the internet I have to work for 8 hours to keep my certification, which is where my question comes in to you. I am currently working two jobs to save money for school and I don’t want to get hired somewhere and quit after I work one 8 hour shift. Can I volunteer my time somewhere where I could get some sort of patient contact? I volunteered 40 hours at a place in my hometown where elderly people live, yet it is not considered a nursing home. I helped them clean their apartments by doing small things like washing windows and vacuuming and such. Also, I spent time with them doin small things they enjoyed and talking. Some of the residents have multiple sclerosis and other debilitating conditions. Would this be allowed as my work experience, even though I was not on their payroll? If not can I volunteer anywhere else or do you have any other ideas? I hate getting hired and leaving after one day…I am just so busy working right now.

A: I have the same issuse. I quit doing my CNA job so I could pursue my dream of being a full time writer. (Thankfully it has gone very well!) Even so, I still want to keep my license current just in case I need something else to fall back on. The last place I worked was a home health agency. To make sure I keep my license current I have been put on that agencies fill in list. It is understood by the employer that I have only done this to stay current and they will only call me to do fill in work when I need to get my hours in next year. So, my advice is to contact a home health agency and tell them your situation and that you wish to be put on their fill in list so you can stay current. Volunteer work is great and very admirable but not all states will accept this for your hours. In NC for instance, that would be unacceptable. If you are still not comfortable with the fill in list, try contacting your states CNA board and they will be able to tell you if volunteering is acceptable or not. Good luck!