Congratulations if you have decided to start on the path to become a certified nursing assistant in the state of Louisiana. You will need to attend a nursing assistant training program and to pass the subsequent competency exam if you want to become a nursing assistant.
Training Requirements and Hours
All certified nursing assistant training programs in Louisiana must meet the standards set forth by the Department of Health and Hospitals. The Department approves various nursing assistant training courses throughout the state. You will not be eligible for certification if you attend a class that has not been approved by the state.
Nursing assistant training programs must be at least 75 hours in Louisiana. This is actually the minimum amount of hours required by the federal government. You will find that some training courses in the state offer even more hours of instruction. Search for a program with a good reputation and the flexibility to meet your needs.
A training course must include classroom instruction as well as hands on practical experience. You will have the opportunity to work directly with patients before graduating from your nursing assistant training course.
Nursing Assistant Renewal in Louisiana
You will need to renew your nursing assistant certification every two years. You will learn when your nursing assistant certification expires once you become certified (and each time you renew your certification). Papers should be sent to you well in advance of the date your certification is due to expire. You will need to carefully review the instructions on the renewal form.
Part of the form will be completed by your employer. If you have not been employed in the nursing assistant or related field within the past two years you will not be able to automatically renew your certification. This is why it is important to continue working a few hours each year. The work you do must be verifiable by the nurse aide registry. It must be done under the supervision of a nursing professional in a setting such as a hospital, nursing care facility or a well supervised home health agency. This new rule has been brought forth from 2005. Before this, even private care work would classify as valid work experience to get your license renewed.
Certification by Reciprocity in Louisiana
It is often possible to transfer a nursing assistant certification from another state to Louisiana as long as it is still valid. You will need to be listed as a nursing assistant in good standing on the Nursing Aide Registry in your former state. You can receive an application for reciprocity by contacting the Department of Health and Hospitals in Louisiana. Your application will be evaluated to ensure that you have met all standards necessary to work as a certified nursing assistant in Louisiana. If you are approved, you will not need to complete training in the state.
Transferring steps:
1) Download the form available at http://labenfa.trisine.com/ReciprocityandStateListings.pdf and fill out the first section. Make sure you fill it out accurately to ensure you get your transfer done quickly.
2) Send the form to your CURRENT CNA registry. I.E the state where your certification is currently valid in. They will fill out the second part of the form and send it to the state you want to transfer to.
3) Make sure that you attach your social security card to the above document.
FAQ
Q: I became a CNA for the first time in 2001 when I completed the state certification exam in Louisiana. After working for 4 years and keeping my license active, I gave up my job and joined another company as an admin assistant. The current economy has resulted in my job being redundant. I want to become a CNA but I can not afford to take the CNA classes again. Is there a way to get my CNA license renewed without retaking the training?
A: Based on your question, it seems your license has been expired for over 5 years. If that is the case, the only way to renew it is to take the training again. If you can’t afford it, check out our article on how to get free CNA classes in Louisiana as well as Accredited CNA classes in Louisiana
I was certified in PA and worked in Louisiana as a CNA until year 2005. I have been working but not as a CNA so how do I get my re certification or is this possible..
if 5 years have elapsed since your certificate was last renewed, you will need to retake the training and do the certification exam.
I am inquiring about getting a Louisiana CNA with reciprocity from Washington. Do I send my original social security card or can I send a copy with app to Washington.
I took a test for CNA licensing and pass the with a score of 98, I miss one question. What website can I type in my name to see if they receive my score
I am currently a cna and I want to transfer my license to La. In Il I have to carry a waiver to work along with my cerifaction. Do I have to have a waiver for La. Also before I move I would like my license to be valid in La so I can start working as soon as I move. How long does the transfer take?
I am a certified CNA in wisconsin been certified and working since 2011 and is planning to move to Louisiana. I see the steps you have listed but where would I need to go and the steps I would have to take in order to work in the state of lousiana?
I am trying to apply for a job and I need my CNA number how can I get it