CNA Classes in Louisiana

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

• Must be at least 16 years old
• No high school diploma or GED specifically required by state regulations
• Must undergo a “Right to Review” background check through Louisiana State Police:
  • Costs $26 for processing and $10 for fingerprinting (if done in person)
  • Can be completed in person or by mail (mail process takes 4-6 weeks)
• Must pass pre-admission screening checks on:
  • CNA Registry
  • Direct Service Worker (DSW) Registry
  • National Sex Offender Registry

Certain findings will disqualify you from training, including any existing registry findings, sex offender listing, or convictions related to abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property from the elderly or infirm.

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

• Total of 80 training hours required (minimum), consisting of:
  • 40 hours of classroom instruction
  • 40 hours of clinical instruction
  • Plus 4 hours of orientation at the clinical site
• Many programs exceed the minimum requirements, offering 100-150 total hours
• Clinical training must be performed in a nursing home or Skilled Nursing Unit (SNF)
• Core curriculum topics include:
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Restorative Services
  • Safety and Emergency Procedures
  • Resident’s Rights and Independence
  • Mental Health and Social Service needs
  • Personal Care
  • Basic Nursing Services
  • Heimlich Maneuver

All programs must be approved by the Louisiana Department of Health, with new program applications requiring at least 90 days for approval.

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

• Training costs vary significantly by provider type:
  • No charge if the training program belongs to a nursing home
  • Costs vary for proprietary schools, colleges, and technical schools
• Funding options include:
  • Career Development Fund (CDF)
  • Perkins funding
  • Some employers offer free training in exchange for employment commitments

Before clinical instruction begins, schools must document skill proficiency check-offs to ensure students are prepared for hands-on patient care. The clinical portion provides valuable real-world experience under supervision, helping you build confidence in your skills.

After completing your training, you must pass the competency examination administered by Prometric (as of July 1, 2018):

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Written/oral content exam
  • Demonstrated skills component
• You must submit a Training Verification Form (TVF) with your testing application
• Testing timeline requirements:
  • You have up to 1 year and 3 attempts after training to pass both exam sections
  • If you fail one part, you only need to retest that portion
• Special accommodations:
  • Oral exam option available at no additional cost
  • ADA accommodations available with request packet (submit 30 days prior)
• Testing locations:
  • Schools can become in-facility testing (IFT) sites
  • If not at an IFT, testing is available at regional sites on a first-come, first-serve basis

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 Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry:

• After successfully completing the competency evaluation, you are automatically listed as certified on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry
• Paper certification cards are no longer issued
• Employers are required to verify your status online through:
  • Louisiana Registry System
  • CNA/DSW Lookup

The Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), is your primary resource for certification matters in the state.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://ldh.la.gov/page/2257 
• Phone: (225) 342-0138
• 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 Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://tlc.dhh.la.gov/ 

Maintaining your CNA certification in Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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://ldh.la.gov/page/2257 

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

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the Louisiana 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 Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry

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

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://ldh.la.gov/page/2257 

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

Education Providers:

• Louisiana Community and Technical College System
  • Website: https://www.lctcs.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Louisiana Nursing Home Association
  • Website: https://www.lnha.org/eventscalendar/#cid=534&wid=201 
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• Louisiana State Nurses Association
  • Website: https://lsna.nursingnetwork.com/ 
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of Louisiana
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/louisiana.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses