If you have decided to train to become a certified nursing assistant in West Virginia, there are a few steps that you must take. You will need to enroll in a CNA training program that has been approved by the state and meets all federal and state requirements. After the course, you will need to sit for and pass the certification exam. It will also be necessary to pass a criminal background check.
Training Requirements and Hours
You will need to enroll in a nursing assistant training program that meets all curriculum requirements set forth by the state of West Virginia. There are various nursing assistant training programs throughout the state. Some training courses are offered at nursing care facilities. Other programs will be offered at adult learning facilities, community colleges and other institutes of higher learning.
Training programs for certified nursing assistants must be a minimum of 120 hours. At least 65 hours of study will be spent in the classroom. Another 55 hours or more must be spent gaining clinical experience. It is important to attend all classes when completing a training program. Contact your instructor immediately if you will miss a class due to an illness or emergency situation.
Application for Reciprocity to Transfer CNA Certification to West Virginia
You can apply for certification through reciprocity in West Virginia if you were employed as a certified nursing assistant in another state and have recently moved to West Virginia. In order to transfer your certification to West Virginia you must be listed as active and in good standing on your former States Nurse Aide Registry. If you are approved for certification by reciprocity, you will not need to complete a training class in West Virginia.
The application to transfer your certification can be obtained at the West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification website at: http://www.wvdhhr.org/ohflac/NA/Registration_Forms.aspx. It will be necessary to complete the application for reciprocity in its entirety. You will need to attach a copy of your certification letter or card and submit all documents to the address at the bottom of the form. It will take approximately 2 weeks to review and process your application.
CNA Certification Renewal in West Virginia
You will need to renew your certification in the state of West Virginia every 2 years. You will receive your renewal notice in the mail a few months to your certification expiring. You can either renew online or by completing the hardcopy renewal packet. The renewal packet can be downloaded at: http://www.wvdhhr.org/ohflac/NA/Forms/Renewal_Application_Packet.pdf. it is necessary to have worked for at least an 8 hour day as a nursing assistant during the past 24 month certification period. You must submit your renewal paperwork or renew on line 30 days before your expiration date on the registry.
You will need to contact the Nursing Aide Registry in West Virginia at 304-558-0050 for information on how to renew your certification if it has expired.
FAQ’s
Q. Do I need to attend a nursing assistant training program again if I am already a certified CNA in another state and moving to West Virginia?
A. You can apply to have your nursing assistant certification transferred to the state of Virginia. You will need to have a certification that is still active and in good standing within your former state. It is necessary to obtain an application for transfer (endorsement) from the state of West Virginia.
Q. Is it difficult to apply for certification through endorsement?
A. It is not hard to apply. You will need to carefully fill out all sections of the application for endorsement. Attach any required documents to your application. Be prepared to provide proof of your valid nursing assistant certification in another state. You will also need to provide proof that you met all training and testing requirements in that state to become certified. Please keep in mind that an application DOES NOT guarantee certification in West Virginia.
Helpful Resources: Free CNA training in West Virginia and Accredited CNA classes in West Virginia
I just wanted to let you know that my husband has his can licence in maryland and in good standing and wv still wont approve it, they said he had to be certifed as a gna and retake the course and exam, ohio was no problem at all was done the next day.
I was wondering how long after taking the course do you have to test before you have to take the class all over again the class ended on may 31 when would we have to test by?