CNA Classes in Texas

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Texas, you should understand the basic requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be in good physical health
• Must have up-to-date immunization records
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must be free from specific criminal convictions listed in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 250.006

Unlike many healthcare roles, Texas doesn’t require a high school diploma or GED for CNA training, making this career path accessible to many individuals. Some programs may require additional screening such as drug tests and CPR certification before admission.

Texas follows specific guidelines for nursing assistant education:

• Total of 100 hours required:
  • 60 hours of classroom instruction
  • 40 hours of supervised clinical training
• First 16 hours must cover introductory material before any direct patient contact
• Introductory topics include:
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Infection control
  • Safety procedures (including the Heimlich maneuver)
  • Patients’ rights

Programs typically cover essential skills like ethics, anatomy, medical terminology, personal care, cognitive impairment, and healthcare laws. While some theoretical portions may be available in hybrid or online formats, all clinical hours must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities.

Texas offers numerous pathways to complete your CNA training:

• Local community colleges
• Vocational schools
• Some hospitals and medical centers
• Long-term care facilities
• Private training institutes

Program instructors must be licensed for nursing in Texas, have a minimum of 1 year of nursing experience, and must have either completed a course on teaching adults or have verifiable experience teaching adults or supervising nurse aides.

Program costs vary widely across Texas:

• Tuition ranges from $500 to $2,000
• The American Red Cross program costs approximately $1,300
• Additional expenses include textbooks, uniforms, and classroom materials

A unique benefit in Texas: some nursing homes offer free training programs in exchange for employment commitments after certification. These employer-sponsored programs can significantly reduce your upfront costs while guaranteeing job placement.

After completing your training, you must pass the Texas CNA exam administered by Prometric:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Written (Knowledge) Test: 60 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit
  • Clinical Skills Test: Demonstration of five nursing assistant skills, including mandatory handwashing and indirect care
• The Written Test covers five key areas:
  • Role of the Nurse Aide (~12 questions)
  • Promotion of Safety (~13 questions)
  • Promotion of Function and Health of Residents (~12 questions)
  • Basic Nursing Care (~14 questions)
  • Specialized Care (~8 questions)
• Exam costs:
  • $125 for both written and clinical skills tests
  • $135 for oral exam option (includes 15 additional reading comprehension questions and 30 extra minutes)

You have three attempts to pass both components of the exam. If you fail all three attempts, you must complete additional training before retesting. After passing, your information is automatically submitted to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry, and your certification becomes valid for two years from the issuance date.

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

• After passing your exam, you are automatically added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry
• Your certification becomes active once you’re listed in the registry
• Employers can verify your status through the registry before hiring

With your Texas CNA certification, you’ll be qualified to work in various healthcare settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities across the state. Your role will involve helping patients with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication management, making a meaningful difference in their lives every day.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) manages the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in Texas.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/business/licensing-credentialing-regulation/long-term-care-credentialing/nurse-aide-registry 
• Phone: (800) 452-3934
• 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 Texas Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://txhhs.force.com/TULIP/s/login/

Maintaining your CNA certification in Texas 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: Must complete 24 hours of in-service education within the 2-year certification period
• Renewal process:
  • Submit renewal application through the Texas TULIP online portal
  • Provide verification of employment
  • Submit proof of completed continuing education hours
  • 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 forms and detailed instructions, visit: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/business/licensing-credentialing-regulation/long-term-care-credentialing/nurse-aide-registry/renew-or-make-changes-a-nurse-aide-certificate-texas

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

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

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

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/mapping-cna-initial-reciprocity.pdf 

Texas requires 24 hours of continuing education for CNA renewal. Here are resources to help you meet these requirements:

Education Providers:

• Texas Health and Human Services Commission
  • Website: https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/training/cbt/CNA/TULIP/TULIP_NA4.html
  • Offers free online continuing education courses for CNAs
• Central Texas Nurse Network
  • Website: https://nurseaid-training.com/index.php/online-prog
  • Provides 24-hour in-service education packages for $80
• Stone Academy
  • Website: https://stoneacademyplus.com/course/texas-nurse-aide-24-hr-inservice-renewal
  • Offers online 24-hour in-service renewal courses
• ACE Nursing Education Services
  • Website: https://www.acenursingeducation.com/nurse-aide-continuing-education-texas.html
  • Provides TNA-approved continuing education for CNAs