CNA Certification in Rhode Island

How to Become a CNA in Rhode Island

A training program approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health is the first step to getting a CNA certification in Rhode Island. Rhode Island mandates that this training to be completed in less than 90 days. It is typically completed in a month or two.

The competency exam for nursing aides is another required exam that you can only take it after you have completed the required CNA training.

Job security for a nurse aide is very high and makes a CNA career very desirable. Many CNAs also move on to become an RNs or LPNs.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find and enroll in an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

It is essential that the program you choose be accredited by the state, otherwise you might not qualify to take the state licensing exam. To prepare for the exam, you must have at least 100 hours in CNA classes. These hours are shared between classroom and clinical settings.

You must abide by federal law, submit to a criminal background check, and do a full physical before you can enroll in a CNA program. Most programs require you to be at least 18 years old, but certain programs make exceptions based on individual circumstances. Normally, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Step 2

Complete your CNA training.

Your classroom training will be focused on teaching your charges. This will include things like controlling infection, daily grooming forincapacitated patients, and maintaining patient charts and paperwork.

Medical terminology, phlebotomy training, and emergency situations will also be covered so that you will be prepared not only for the CNA certification exam but also to handle all tasks associated with the job.

You will have a combination of classroom and hands-on training. You will be expected to use your classroom learning in your hands-on training in a clinical setting. CPR certification classes are also usually required.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

Find a CNA certification exam testing center.

The Rhode Island State Nurse Assistant Exam is typically conducted at the center where you received your training. There is a $55 exam fee and a $40 registration fee.

Step 2

You must register for your CNA certification exam in Rhode Island within two years of completing your training.

Step 3

Prepare for your CNA certification exam. 

Do this by reviewing the skills and materials you covered in your training program. We also advise you to take practice tests which show your weak and strong areas before the actual test.

Step 4

Take and pass your CNA certification exam. 

This test will consist of two parts– a demonstrative skills portion and a written portion.

In the skill demonstration portion of the exam, you must successfully perform five nurse assistant skills that you learned in training. These skills will be randomly chosen by your nurse assistant evaluator and will usually require proper handwashing.

The written portion of the exam consists of at least 50 multiple-choice questions.

If you pass both portions of the exam, you can apply to get your Certification of Registration as a Nursing Aide and be listed on the Rhode Island Nurse Assistant Registry.

Step 5

Once you complete your training, pass your certification exam, and are listed in the registry, you can then start looking for employment. We strongly recommend that you create a strong resume before applying for work.

For additional Information regarding CNA Certification in Rhode Island visit:Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry
Rhode Island Department of Health Professionals
3 Capitol Hill, Room 105, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-5888
Fax: (401) 222-3352