CNA Certification in Kentucky

Nursing assistants provide a variety of services for patients in healthcare settings.  They assist patients with activities of daily living.  Certified nursing assistants often monitor vital signs and add details to patient’s charts.  Nursing assistants provides basic nursing care services that are primarily non-medical.  Whether you are a student fresh out of high school or someone looking for a career change, you can start on the path to become a certified nursing assistant.

Training Requirements and Hours

You must attend a state approved nursing assistant training course if you wish to be able to receive certification.  Training courses will cover at least 75 hours of study.  Programs at some training locations in the state of Kentucky cover even more hours.   You will need to spend at least 59 hours of training in a classroom setting.  Another 16 hours or more must be spent in a clinical setting.

Training courses for nursing assistants in Kentucky are approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.  There are various programs available throughout the state.  You can search for training programs being offered at nursing care facilities, community colleges and other higher education institutions.  After you have finished a particular training course, you will be able to sit for the nursing assistant certification exam, however, you will not be certified until you pass both parts of the exam.

Transfer CNA License to Kentucky Via Nursing Assistant Certification Reciprocity

If you have a nursing assistant certification in another state, you can attempt to transfer that certification to Kentucky. Kentucky does offer certification through reciprocity. You can apply to have your certification from another state recognized in Kentucky as long as you are listed as active and good standing on your former state’s Nursing Aide Registry.

The Nursing Aide Registry in Kentucky will review your application for reciprocity. They will evaluate your training and work history from the former state. If your application is accepted, you will not need to receive nursing assistant training in Kentucky.

Steps to transfer your license to Kentucky

1) Submit the following information:

• Your full name (first, middle and last name)
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Social security number
• State you are transferring from
• Certification/registration number
• Copy of your Social security card and driver’s license

2) Attach your state certificate to the above paper

3) Send it via mail to:
Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry
312 Whittington Pkwy, Ste 300-A
Louisville, KY 40222-5172

Or fax it to: 1-502-564-3938 or 1-502-429-3336

The nurse aide registry will contact you if they require further information. If your application is approved, you will receive your new license within 30 days.

CNA Certification Renewal in Kentucky

You will need to renew your nursing assistant certification in Kentucky every 2 years. In order to be eligible for renewal, you will have to have worked for pay providing nursing related services for a minimum of 8 hours during the 24 month certification period.

Renewal notifications are mailed 2 months prior to the expiration date of your CNA license. Be certain to complete all sections of your nursing assistant certification renewal form and submit the requested documents to verify your employment.

FAQ

Q: I have worked in private care for the last year and a half. My license is expiring soon. Does my employment working in someone’s home count toward the Kentucky minimum work requirements? Will I need to re take the certification test or will my current license be renewed?
A: Kentucky is one of few states that count private care duty as legitimate work experience. You will need to get your employer to fill out a form specifying which duties you performed. You will also need to show that the work you did was paid for by your employer. The minimum amount of work hours is 8 every two years to maintain your license status.

Helpful Links: Free CNA classes in Kentucky and Accredited Nursing assistant training in Kentucky