CNA Classes in Alabama

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Alabama, you need to meet several important requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • Negative tuberculosis (TB) test
  • Up-to-date immunizations
  • Completed Hepatitis B vaccination series

• Must be CPR-certified before beginning clinical training

These requirements ensure you’re prepared for the responsibilities of patient care and meet standard healthcare facility employment prerequisites.

Alabama has specific requirements for CNA training programs to ensure all nursing assistants receive standardized education:

• A total of 75 clock hours of training is required through an Alabama Department of Health-approved program
• Training must include at least 16 hours of clinical training and 16 hours of labs/practical experience
• Online CNA programs are not approved in Alabama

Core curriculum topics include:

• Patient care fundamentals and safety protocols
• Body mechanics and proper transferring techniques
• Vital signs monitoring and documentation
• Communication skills for healthcare settings
• Hygiene assistance and personal care
• Infection control and disease prevention

Most programs take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.

Finding the right CNA training program is an important step in your certification journey. Training is offered through various approved providers:

• Community colleges
• Vocational schools
• Some healthcare facilities

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition (ranging from $500 to $2,000)
• Textbooks and study materials
• Uniforms and equipment
• Physical examinations
• Required immunizations
• Background checks
• Certification exam fees

Financial assistance options include:

• Some nursing homes offer free CNA training programs
• Some schools provide financial aid or scholarships
• Employer sponsorships may be available

After completing your CNA training, you must pass the state’s competency examination to become certified. Alabama uses two testing providers:

• National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) administered by Credentia
• Prometric Nurse Aide Competency Exam

The examination consists of two parts:

• Written/Oral Examination:
  • Written format: 70 multiple-choice questions in English
  • Oral format option: 60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions (available for those with difficulty reading English)
• Skills Evaluation:
  • Demonstration of 5 randomly selected nursing assistant skills

Exam fees:

• Prometric: $40 for Written/Oral Exam and $45 for Clinical Skills Exam
• NNAAP/Credentia: $55 for Written/Oral Exam and $80 for Skills Evaluation

You must achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass the exam and have three attempts to pass both portions. If unsuccessful after three attempts within 24 months, you must retake a state-approved nurse aide training program before retesting.

The final step is registering with the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry:

After passing your exam, your results and background check information are submitted to the registry maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Division of Healthcare Facilities.

To maintain an active status on the registry:

• Work at least 8 hours every 24 months in a paid role at a qualifying healthcare facility
• No continuing education is required by the state to maintain certification
• However, skilled nursing facilities must provide 12 mandatory hours of continuing education for CNAs each year as per federal regulations

If your certification lapses due to inactivity (24 consecutive months without working as a CNA), you’ll need to complete a state-approved nurse aide training program and retest both portions of the examination.

The Alabama Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), is your primary resource for CNA certification matters in the state.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.abn.alabama.gov/
• Phone: (334) 206-5169
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides

To check your certification status, visit the ADPH Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://dph1.adph.state.al.us/NurseAideRegistry/

Maintaining your CNA certification in Alabama requires adherence to specific guidelines:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours in a 24-month period under RN/LPN supervision
• Renewal process:
  • Employer submits verification of employment
  • CNAs are responsible for ensuring their employer submits the verification
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to retake the CNA exam
• Fees: No renewal fee for active CNAs
• Continuing education: Not required for basic renewal, but recommended for skill enhancement

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Alabama, follow these steps for reciprocity:

1. Verify current certification in your original state
2. Complete the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application
3. Submit required documentation:
   • Copy of your current CNA certification
   • Proof of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
   • State-issued ID or driver’s license
4. Mail your application and documents to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry
5. Allow 2-4 weeks for processing

Note: Alabama does not require additional skills testing or a jurisprudence exam for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.

While Alabama doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects1:

• Alabama Hospital Association: Provides educational resources and events
• Website: https://www.alaha.org/presentations/

• Alabama Community College System: Offers various healthcare-related courses
• Website: https://www.accs.edu/

Consider these options to advance your healthcare career in Alabama:

• CNA II Program: Some facilities offer advanced CNA training
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): 12-18 month programs available at community colleges
• Registered Nurse (RN): Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree programs are offered at various institutions

For more information on nursing education programs, visit the Alabama Board of Nursing: https://www.abn.alabama.gov/