CNA Certification in Idaho
How to Become a CNA in Idaho
CNA training in Idaho opens many opportunities for people who are interested in a healthcare career. Projected growth for the next decade shows a continual increase of CNA jobs in Idaho. This is exciting news if you want to start a new and fascinating career in the allied heath trades. More CNAs are also required as the elderly population grows. If you want to be a part of this exciting career, you will need to become a certified CNA which involves taking courses approved by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes
Step 1
Finding a CNA Training Program
Course studies will go over the necessary aspects of being a nurse aide such as understanding and fulfilling patients needs, being prepared to handle and deal with any possible emergency situations. The program will also teach you patient rights and how to properly care for patients. Furthermore, you will need hands-on skills training which will teach you common nurse functions like how to check the pulse rate and how to handle respiratory failure.
Step 2
You must complete a 120 hour CNA training program before becoming licensed. The class must be approved, accredited, and checked by the Department of Health to make sure it meets all state and federal requirements. These qualifications need to be met before you sit for the Idaho state nurse aide certification exam.
The hours involved in the CNA program will be split between class learning and clinical teachings. 80 hours of training will be in a classroom setting, and 40 hours of training will be clinical, hands-on training. You will learn the necessary skills you will need as a certified nurse aide. These instructional sessions will teach you how to take and record medical related measurements, proper feeding methods, how to groom and care for disabled and elderly patients, and how to perform all daily needs of patients while assisting your supervising nurse.
Step 3
Upon completion of your program you will be allowed to sit for the CNA Exam.
CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification
Step 1
After completing your classes, you must take a mandatory test to evaluate what you have learned. Test fees are $30, and most facilities will require pre-registration. You will have a two-part practical skills exam and a written exam on what you learned in your training program. Score results are typically given at the completion of the test. If you pass, you are then placed on the Idaho State Nurse Aide Registry and considered certified.
Step 2
After your classes, the nurse aide will need to register you and schedule your evaluation test before you take it. You can register online, over the phone, or in person. You will be required to show a legal form of identification before your test, and you might also be asked to bring a state-issued fingerprint ID card. Dress comfortably and arrive at the testing site 30 minutes before the test.
The testing locations in a particular area can be found online. Test results are typically available right away. If you pass the exam, you then receive your CNA certification and placement on the state registry.
Step 3
Upon passing the exam, the state of Idaho will add you to the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry. Your license will be good for 2 years. You must remember to renew your license every two years.
Once you are in the nurse aide registry, you should start applying for jobs as a CNA. Make sure to check our jobs database. Also fill out a Career profile to make your application more visible to local employers.
Step 4
Also, we encourage you to continue your education and not stop after receiving your CNA license. Being a CNA is a wonderful career and is very rewarding. It is also important to make yourself as marketable in the job market as you can. You can look into becoming a Registered Nurse, or even perhaps an LPN.
Idaho State Nurse Aide Registry
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Division of Medicaid Bureau of Facility Standards
PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720
Phone: (800)748-2480
Fax: (208) 334-6629