CNA Classes in Kentucky

Before enrolling in an SRNA program in Kentucky, you must meet several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• No specific educational requirements are mandated by the state
• Must pass a national criminal background check through the Kentucky Applicant Registry and Employee Screening (KARES) system
• Background check includes fingerprinting and checking out-of-state criminal records
• Certain offenses may disqualify you from certification, including:
  • Felony convictions related to abuse or violence
  • Misdemeanors related to abuse or sexual misconduct
• Must demonstrate English proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking to work effectively with patients and staff

While Kentucky doesn’t require a high school diploma or GED for SRNA training, some employers may have additional educational requirements for hiring.

Kentucky has specific requirements for SRNA training programs to ensure all nursing assistants receive standardized education:

• Total of 75 training hours required, consisting of:
  • Classroom instruction covering theoretical knowledge
  • At least 16 hours of supervised practical training
• Supervised training must be performed under direct supervision by a nurse
• Core curriculum topics include:
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Infection control procedures
  • Patient rights and dignity
  • Communication techniques
  • Personal care skills
  • Safety protocols
  • Vital signs monitoring

The Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services has issued cautions about unapproved home study programs, so it’s important to verify that your training program is state-approved. Training requirements are outlined in Kentucky Administrative Regulation 907 KAR 1:450.

Finding an approved SRNA training program is essential for your certification journey:

• Training is offered through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
  • Vocational schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities

To verify a program’s approval status, contact the Department of Medicaid Services at 502-564-6890 for a current listing of approved programs.

Program costs vary by provider, with Gateway Community & Technical College noting they offer “the lowest tuition in Kentucky.” While specific costs aren’t detailed in state regulations, community colleges offer financial aid options and assistance with the application process.

Additional expenses may include:

• Textbooks and study materials
• Background check fees
• Uniform costs
• Medical requirements like TB tests

After completing your training, you must pass the competency examination administered by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), the only approved testing vendor in the state:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Skills demonstration: Performance of five randomly chosen nurse aide duties
  • Written test: Multiple-choice format with a 70% passing threshold (oral test option available)
• For the skills test, you must:
  • Correctly perform all critical steps
  • Achieve at least 70% accuracy on each skill
• You can select your preferred testing location
• Three testing attempts are allowed if you fail
• Timeframe to complete requirements:
  • If employed at a nursing facility while in training: must complete within 4 months
  • If not employed or a nursing student: has one year from completion of training

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.

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

• The registry is maintained by Kentucky Medicaid through an agreement with the Kentucky Board of Nursing
• The registry was established in October 1990 after the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) became law
• All long-term care facilities must check the registry and abuse status of individuals before hiring them
• As of March 20, 2023, the Kentucky Board of Nursing implemented the Optimal Regulatory Board System (ORBS) for license management
• The registry no longer mails renewal reminders or certification letters
• Kentucky maintains a registry listing nurse aides with adverse findings who are barred from future employment

The Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, is your primary resource for certification matters in the state.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://kbn.ky.gov/state-registered-nurse-aide/Pages/default.aspx 
• Phone: (502) 564-7963
• 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 Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://kbn.ky.gov/state-registered-nurse-aide/Pages/srna-verification.aspx 

Maintaining your CNA certification in Kentucky 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 paid nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Your employer must submit verification of employment through the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry
  • CNAs are responsible for ensuring their employer submits the verification
  • No renewal fee required
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal information and verification forms, visit: https://kbn.ky.gov/state-registered-nurse-aide/Pages/srna-renewal.aspx 

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

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application
• 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
  • Social Security card
• Mail your application and documents to the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry

Allow 3-4 weeks for processing. Kentucky does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://kbn.ky.gov/state-registered-nurse-aide/Pages/srna-reciprocity.aspx 

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

Education Providers:

• Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
  • Website: https://kctcs.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Kentucky Nurses Association
  • Website: https://kentucky-nurses.nursingnetwork.com/ 
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of Kentucky
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/kentucky.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses