CNA Certification Oregon
How to Become a CNA in Oregon
The requirements to become a certified nurse aide in the state of Oregon differs from other US states, mostly because each state has its own set of state regulations. They all share one thing in common though – a set of federal regulations that they must follow.
The first requirement toward becoming a CNA in Oregon is to finish CNA training in Oregon that has been approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Later you must pass an evaluation exam governed by the state. After you complete your training and pass your test, you will be listed on the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry. You will then qualify to work in any extended period care or nursing center.
Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes
Step 1
Find and enroll in an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program
The CNA classes in Oregon that you will be taking require you to attend at least 150 hours of training. Programs that will qualify you to sit for the exam requiring at least 51 hours of classroom training.
To enroll in a state-approved CNA training program in Oregon, you must be prepared to meet a few prerequisites including being at least 18 years old and having earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. Because you will be working directly with people during the course of performing your job duties, you will be required to submit to an extensive background check as well as an in-depth physical examination.
Step 2
Complete your CNA training program.
During your classroom training, you will learn how to communicate with patients like how to handle assisting them with grief as well as a variety of additional subjects like medical terminology.
The second part of the training will involve at least 75 hours of hands-on training where you learn how to perform the physical aspects of the job. Another 24 hours will be spent in a lab setting where students can learn basic phlebotomy techniques and receive CPR certification. During the course of the program, students will learn how to handle a number of emergency situations such as heart attacks, choking, falls, and stroke incidents.
CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification
Step 1
Find a testing site, and apply to take the Oregon CNA certification exam.
The test is administered by Headmaster Testing Services through the D&S Diversified Technologies Company. You must fill out an application and send it to Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). Exam fees are approximately $106. After you register, you will be mailed your testing date.
Step 2
Prepare for the CNA certification exam by reviewing what you’ve learned in your training program. You should also try out our CNA practice exams .
Step 3
Take the Oregon CNA certification exam.
Be sure to arrive early at the testing site so that you can be processed by the testing administrators and have time to settle in.
The exam is split into two separate sections. One is a multiple-choice written or oral test. Primarily, this portion is designed to test your knowledge on the entirety of what you learned in your training. You will have 90 minutes to complete the written portion which will contain 77 questions. You must pass the written test with at least 60%.
You will have 45 minutes to complete the second section which will be a clinical skills test. In this section, you must properly demonstrate five nurse aide skills with 80% accuracy for each one.
You will receive test results by mail after verification. Once you pass both portions, you will officially be CNA certified and will have your name listed on the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry. The CNA certification is valid for 2 years. You will need to renew your certificate every two years.
Step 4
After you pass the Oregon CNA certification exam, you should then create your resume. A resume will be instrumental in finding a CNA job, and it should highlight your training, certification, skills, and experience.
The Oregon average annual salary for a CNA is $27,131. The Oregon Labor Market expects a 24.2% rate CNA job growth until 2016. This means that you can expect that there will be plenty of job openings for you as a CNA.
For additional information, feel free to contact the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry at:
Oregon Nurse Aide Registry
Oregon State Board of Nursing
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 465, Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (503) 731-3459
License Verification: (503) 731-3459
Fax: (503) 731-4755