CNA Classes in Vermont

Before enrolling in an LNA program in Vermont, you must meet several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 18 years old by course completion
• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• No background check is required for training enrollment, but will be needed for licensure and employment
• Background check includes:
  • Vermont and national criminal record checks ($35 fee)
  • Adult and child abuse registry checks
  • Individuals with substantiated charges of abuse, neglect, or exploitation are ineligible for certification

While background checks aren’t required to begin training, they are mandatory before you can receive your license and begin working. Planning ahead for this requirement will help streamline your path to employment.

Vermont has established training standards that all nursing assistant programs must follow:

• Total of 75 clock hours required:
  • 59 hours of curriculum instruction
  • 16 hours of supervised practical training with a live person in a laboratory or other setting
• Programs must be approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing
• Program administrators must be Vermont-licensed RNs with:
  • Minimum of two years licensed nursing experience
  • At least one year experience in long-term care facility services

Most training programs in Vermont exceed the minimum requirements, offering around 80 hours of total instruction. This additional training helps prepare students more thoroughly for the certification exam and real-world patient care scenarios.

Selecting a quality training program approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing will prepare you for success:

• Programs are available through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Technical centers (like Center for Technology Essex)
  • Healthcare facilities (like Southwestern Vermont Health Care)
  • Adult education centers

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition: $1,400-$1,650
• Books and materials (sometimes included in tuition)
• Testing fee: $175 (sometimes included in tuition)
• Nursing Board fee: $32
• Background check fee: $35

Financial assistance options include:

• Free training opportunities through healthcare employers like Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) in exchange for a 1-year employment commitment
• Participants in employer-sponsored programs often earn an hourly wage during the 3-week training period
• Workforce development programs may offer additional funding options

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

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Knowledge test: 70 multiple-choice questions with a two-hour time limit
  • Skills test: Demonstration of five randomly selected nursing skills within 20 minutes
• Exam specifics:
  • Knowledge test requires a minimum 75% passing score
  • Skills test requires a 100% passing score
  • Skills test is administered individually by an RN
  • Both written and oral versions of the knowledge test are available
  • Total exam fee is $175

You have three chances to pass each portion of the exam. If you’re unsuccessful after three attempts, you must retake an approved training program before testing again.

The final step in becoming a licensed nursing assistant in Vermont:

• After passing your exam, apply for your LNA license online through the Vermont Secretary of State website
• The exam provider notifies the Board to list you in the registry
• The registry is typically updated within two weeks of passing your exam
• Employers use the registry to verify your qualifications before hiring

The Vermont State Board of Nursing manages the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in Vermont.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://sos.vermont.gov/nursing/ 
• Phone: (802) 828-1503
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 89 Main Street, 3rd floor, Montpelier, VT 05620-3402

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of licensed nursing assistants

To check your certification status, visit the Vermont Board of Nursing License Verification portal on their website.

Maintaining your LNA certification in Vermont requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 400 hours (50 days) as a paid nursing assistant within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Submit renewal application online through the Vermont Board of Nursing portal
  • Provide verification of employment
  • Pay the renewal fee ($45)
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the LNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal forms and detailed instructions, visit the Vermont State Board of Nursing website.

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

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the online Vermont LNA Endorsement 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
  • Criminal background check results
  • Pay the application fee ($38.25, which includes $25 application fee and $13.25 FBI background check fee)
• Complete fingerprinting requirements (you’ll receive instructions after submitting your application)

Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. Vermont may require additional training if your original program doesn’t meet state standards.

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

Education Providers:

• Lyndon Institute
  • Website: https://www.lyndoninstitute.org/adult-continuing-education
  • Offers Licensed Nursing Assistant programs with 108 total hours (64 classroom, 36 clinical, 4 CPR, and 4 makeup/review)
• Vermont Technical College
  • Provides healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• NetCE
  • Website: https://www.netce.com/continuing-education/nursing-assistant/vermont/
  • Offers online continuing education courses for nursing assistants