CNA Classes in Connecticut

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Connecticut, you must satisfy several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• While a high school diploma or GED is recommended by many programs, it’s not universally required by state regulations
• Must pass a criminal background check (certain offenses may disqualify you from working in healthcare settings)
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • Negative tuberculosis (TB) test
  • Physical examination confirming ability to perform essential job functions
  • Up-to-date immunizations
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses if eligible

Foreign-trained applicants may need to provide translated documents and demonstrate English proficiency, as both the written and oral exams are only offered in English.

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

• Total of 100 training hours required, consisting of:
  • 16 hours of pre-clinical training (before any direct resident contact)
  • 75 hours of core training
  • Additional specialized training hours
• The pre-clinical training (16 hours) must cover:
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Residents’ rights and independence
  • Safety and emergency procedures (including the Heimlich Maneuver)
  • Infection control practices
• Core curriculum topics include:
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Personal care techniques
  • Care of cognitively impaired residents
  • Mental health and social service needs
  • Basic restorative services
  • Residents’ rights
• Specialized training requirements:
  • 25 hours focused on behavioral training for physical, psychiatric, and cognitive disorders
  • 2 hours dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention

All programs must be coordinated by a Registered Nurse with at least two years of experience, including a minimum of one year in a licensed chronic convalescent and nursing home setting.

Finding an approved CNA training program is an essential step in your certification journey:

• Training is offered through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Vocational schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Adult education centers

To verify a program’s approval status, check the Connecticut Department of Health website for their directory of approved training programs.

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition (ranging from $800-$1,500)
• Textbooks and study materials
• Background check fees
• Uniform costs ($50-$100)
• Medical requirements like TB tests ($25-$50)

Financial assistance options include:

• Federal aid (for programs that are part of larger institutions)
• State-specific financial assistance through workforce development initiatives
• Private scholarships through organizations like the Connecticut Nurses Foundation
• Employer-sponsored training in exchange for employment commitments
• Payment plans offered by many training providers

After completing your training, you must pass the Connecticut Nurse Aide Competency Examination administered by Prometric:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Knowledge test: Multiple-choice assessment administered by computer
  • Skills test: Demonstration of five randomly selected nursing assistant tasks with “resident actors”
• Both written and oral versions of the knowledge test are available, though only in English
• The examination fee is $118
• Examination eligibility remains valid for 24 months after completing your training program
• There is no limit on the number of attempts within the 24-month period

On exam day, bring government-issued photo identification and dress appropriately. Arrive early to complete registration procedures and prepare mentally for both portions of the exam.

Common skills tested include handwashing, taking vital signs, transferring patients, and other fundamental CNA duties. Practice these skills thoroughly before your exam date.

The final step is being listed on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry:

• After passing your exam, you are automatically registered with the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry maintained by Prometric under contract with the Department of Health
• Your certification becomes active once you’re listed in the registry
• You can verify your listing by contacting the registry or checking their online portal

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) manages the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in Connecticut.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing–Investigations/Nurseaide/Nurse-Aide-Registration
• Phone: (860) 509-7603
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

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

To check your certification status, visit the Connecticut DPH License Lookup portal: https://www.elicense.ct.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx

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

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Submit renewal application online through the DPH portal
  • Provide verification of employment
  • Pay the renewal fee ($35)
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if it has expired more than 24 months

For renewal forms and detailed instructions, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing–investigations/nurseaide/nurse-aide-registration-recertification-requirements

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

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the Connecticut Application for Reciprocity
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
  • Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Pay the application fee ($50)
• Submit fingerprints for a background check

Allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Connecticut may require additional training if your original program doesn’t meet state standards.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing–investigations/nurseaide/certified-in-another-state-route-7

• Connecticut Community College System
  • Website: https://www.ct.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Connecticut Association of Healthcare Facilities (CAHCF)
  • Website: https://www.cahcf.org/news-events/events-education-calendar/
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• Connecticut Nurses Association
  • Website: https://ctnurses.org/
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals