CNA Classes in Oklahoma

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Oklahoma, you must meet several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must provide an affidavit of lawful presence in the United States
• Must pass a criminal arrest record check ($35)
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • TB Skin Screen Test ($35)
  • Additional medical requirements may vary by program

The background check is particularly important as it helps ensure patient safety. While specific disqualifying offenses aren’t detailed in state regulations, healthcare facilities typically screen for violent crimes, abuse, and drug-related convictions.

Oklahoma follows federal guidelines for CNA education with some state-specific elements:

• Total of 75 hours minimum training required
• Program breakdown typically includes:
  • Classroom instruction (approximately 37 hours)
  • Skills laboratory practice (approximately 24 hours)
  • Clinical internship (minimum 16 hours)
• Special training requirements include:
  • Minimum 10 hours in Alzheimer’s patient care
  • 16 hours of specific training prior to any direct resident contact
• Core curriculum topics include:
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Infection control practices
  • Safety procedures
  • Resident rights
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Personal care skills

Programs are available in various formats to accommodate different schedules:

• Weekday: 2 weeks, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm
• Evening: 4 weeks, Monday-Friday, 5:30pm-9:00pm
• Weekend: 4 weekends, Saturday-Sunday, 8:00am-4:00pm
• Online Hybrid: 4 weeks, flexible online hours with in-person components

Selecting a quality training program approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Health will prepare you for success:

• Programs are available through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Technical schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Private training institutes like MedNoc Training College

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition (approximately $500)
• State exam fee (first attempt): $160
• TB Skin Screen Test: $35
• Criminal background check: $35
• Total average cost: $730

Financial assistance options include:

• Oklahoma Nurses Foundation Small Grants Program
• Oklahoma Nursing Student Assistance Program
• Scholarships from nursing schools (e.g., University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center)
• Some facilities offer free training in exchange for employment commitment

Upon completion of your training program, you’ll receive:

• Certificate of Completion
• Training Completion Affirmation Form
• Training Verification Form

After completing your training, you must pass the competency examination:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Knowledge (written/oral) exam: Must achieve at least 70%
  • Clinical skills test: Must achieve at least 80%
• You have three attempts to pass both sections
• If you fail all three attempts, you must complete additional training before retesting
• Upon passing, you’ll be listed on the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry

When preparing for your exam, focus on mastering both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills taught in your program. Many students find the hands-on skills portion more challenging, so practice these techniques thoroughly before your test date.

Bring proper identification to the testing center and wear appropriate clothing. Plan to arrive with plenty of time to spare, as tardiness may result in rescheduling and additional fees.

The final step in becoming a certified nursing assistant in Oklahoma:

• The registry ensures qualification and competence of all CNAs in Oklahoma
• After passing your exam, you are automatically listed on the registry
• The registry maintains records for several CNA categories:
  • Long-Term Care Aide (LTC)
  • Home Health Aide (HHA)
  • Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Care Aide (ICF/IIDCA)
  • Residential Care Aide (RCA)
  • Adult Day Care Aide (ADCA)
  • Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

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

Contact Information:

• Website: https://oklahoma.gov/health/services/licensing-inspections/health-resources-development-service/nurse-aide-registry.html 
• Phone: (800) 695-2157 or (405) 271-4085
• 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 Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://www.phin.state.ok.us/NARSWBSearch/Views/LandingView.aspx?id=5006 

Maintaining your CNA certification in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/health/health2/aem-documents/protective-health/long-term-care-services/forms/current/renewal/ODH%20717.301%20Renewal%20App%2006.24.pdf 

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

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

Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. Oklahoma does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/health/health2/aem-documents/protective-health/long-term-care-services/forms/current/reciprocity/ODH%20735%20Reciprocity%20App%2012.23.pdf 

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

Education Providers:

• Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
  • Website: https://www.okcareertech.org/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at technology centers throughout the state
• Oklahoma Nurses Association
  • Website: https://www.oklahomanurses.org/
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of Oklahoma
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/oklahoma.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses