CNA Certification in New Mexico

How to Become a CNA in New Mexico

The CNA career is one of the most popular choices among the allied health care careers. In fact, due to the overwhelming number of elderly people who choose to live independently rather than in retirement communities, CNAs are one of the most in-demand careers in the nation.

One reason this career choice is so popular is that earning CNA certification in New Mexico can be achieved within a few short weeks. Another reason is because many people enjoy helping others to live a more satisfying life.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find a CNA Training Program

To become a CNA in New Mexico, you need to enroll in an accredited institution that offers CNA training. Your program must meet the right criteria such as the number of class hours you need to take the state issued licensing exam.

Your CNA classes should offer you at least 75 hours of classroom training and at least 16 hours of hands-on experience in a medical setting.

Step 2

To enroll in CNA training programs in New Mexico, you have to meet certain requirements.

You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. There are some exceptions if you are currently in high school and are enrolled in a CNA program in your school.

You have to submit to a full background check, a mental evaluation, and a physical checkup before enrollment.

Step 3

Complete the CNA training program.

Your CNA training courses will cover the paperwork aspects of nursing like taking, recording, and documenting patient status reports; knowing what rights the patient has; and learning the language of the medical field. When you train actively, you will learn CPR and how to assist a patient with his or her daily grooming like changing patients’ clothes, changing patients’ bedding, and learning how to handle emergencies.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

After completing the CNA course, you will then register to take the New Jersey exam which is administered by Prometric.

You should start by contacting Prometric online or by phone. Apply online or by phone with your course credentials and proper identification along with the necessary fees, around $95. Within a few days, Prometric will send you an authorization along with your test location, date, and time.

Step 2

Prepare to take the certification exam by reviewing what you learned in your CNA training classes and taking our practice tests.

Step 3

Take the certification exam. You should arrive at the test site early and bring two forms of ID with you.

You will take the clinical skills portion of the test first. Here, you will be asked to perform five nurse aide skills that you learned during hands-on training. You must have a minimum score of 80 percent before you can take the written test.

The written test is a two-hour-long multiple-choice-question test. Prometric will send you your certification document in the mail if you pass the test. Your certification will also be automatically listed on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 4

You should create a resume after passing the exam and then begin looking for a job. A good resume with your qualifications is an essential part of finding work as a CNA.

The Department of Workforce in New Mexico lists the NM average annual CNA Salary at $22,580. CNA jobs are predicted to increase majorly over the next decade.

You can also expand your career horizons by taking RN or LPN courses. This will qualify you for more job opportunities and higher salaries.

For additional information about becoming a CNA or the verification process in New Mexico, please contact:

New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry

New Mexico Department of Health

1421 Luisa Street

Suite R

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone: (505) 827-1453

Fax: (505) 827-1419