CNA Certification in Texas

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You will find that a career as a certified nursing assistant can be a very rewarding one.  It is not always the most glamorous but work as a CNA provides you with the opportunity to provide basic care services for individuals in healthcare settings.  Depending on where you live, you can make $11-$15 an hour (sometimes more) as a certified nursing assistant.

Required Training and Hours

The state of Texas approves a variety of training programs for certified nursing assistants.  These programs will prepare you to sit for the nursing assistant certification exam.  Training programs will prepare you well for a career as a CNA.  Nursing assistant programs in the state of Texas must be at least 75 hours.

You will find that some training programs encompass even more hours.  You must spend at least 51 hours of nursing assistant training in the classroom when training to become a certified nursing aide in Texas.  Programs are approved by the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities.

Transfer Your CNA Certification to Texas Through Reciprocity

It is sometimes possible to transfer a nursing assistant certification from one state to another through a process called reciprocity.  If your application for reciprocity is approved by your new state, some or all of the training requirements for CNAs specific to that state will be waived.  Texas offers you the opportunity to apply for reciprocity if you are/were a certified nursing assistant in another state.

You will need to complete an application for reciprocity.  Complete the form in its entirety and submit any other documents and forms requested.  The state of Texas will verify that you were a nursing assistant listed in good standing in your former state.  If you are interested in applying for nursing assistant certification reciprocity, you will need to contact the Department of Aging and Disabilities.

The exact steps are as follows:

1.  Obtain an application for reciprocity from:  http://www.dads.state.tx.us/forms/5505-NAR
2. Make certain your CNA certification in the other state is still active and listed in good standing.
3. Obtain a criminal background check to submit to the Nurse Aide Registry.  You will obtain your background check from the Department of Public Safety in Texas.
4. Answer all questions completely and honestly on the first section of the reciprocity application. Do not forget to sign section one of the form.  You will then send section 1 and section 2 to thee nursing assistant registry where you have an active nursing assistant certification.  That registry will complete section 2 and return your paperwork to you.
5. Make a photocopy of your picture identification.  It must clearly show the spelling of your name as well as your birth date.
6. Send your application forms and criminal background check results along with your Identification to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.  Use the mailing address of PO Box149039, Mail Code E-414 in Austin Texas, 78714.
7. Wait about two to three weeks to hear if your certification has been successfully transferred toTexas.

 Nursing Assistant License Renewal in Texas

It is necessary to renew your nursing assistant certification every twenty-four months in order to continue working as a CNA.  You will receive the forms for recertification awhile before your current certification is due to be expired.  It is important to carefully complete the forms and to send in any other documents and required verification forms.

The address to where you submit your certification nursing assistant renewal papers will be provided on the renewal forms.  It is necessary to have worked for pay as a certified nursing assistant or providing nursing related duties within that two-year period if you want to be able to renew.

Helpful Resource: Free CNA training in Texas and Accredited CNA classes in Texas