ChooseCNA.org

Your Guide to Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide

  • Home
  • Become
  • Find a School
  • Salary
  • Articles
Home ยป Become a CNA in Connecticut

How to Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Connecticut

Leave a Comment

The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) provides patients in medical facilities, residents in long-term care facilities assistance and clients in their homes with services that meet basic care needs. They are the people who are most likely to have regular contact with those who are dealing with medical issues or the challenges of aging. CNAs are alert to changes in the client’s condition and serve as liaisons between the people under their care and other healthcare professionals.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • 6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Connecticut
  • How to Keep CNA Certification Active
  • Salary and job outlook for CNAs in Connecticut
  • Get CNA Certification in Bordering States

6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Connecticut

Step 1: Select the Right Route

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DOPH) regulates the training and certification of Certified Nurse Aides. In Connecticut, there are seven eligibility routes to becoming a CNA. It is important to understand the routes because not all of them require taking or re-taking the CNA state exam.

Route 1 – First Time Nurse Aide

If the person completed a state-approved CNA training program within the last 24 months, it is necessary to take the CNA exam to get listed in the State Nurse Aide Registry (NAR). The training program must be state-approved.

Route 2 – Nurse or Student Nurse

If nursing students have completed a minimum of 100 hours of clinical and theory instruction in an approved registered nursing or practical nursing program within the last 24 months, it is necessary to take the exam to get placed in the Nurse Aide Registry.

Route 3 – Out-of-State Nurse Aide

If a person, 1) completed a state-approved nurse aide program in a state other than Connecticut within the last 24 months, and 2) the program was at least 100 hours of training, and 3) the person has not completed the out-of-state nurse aide examination, it is necessary to take the exam.

Route 4 – Nurse Aide with Lapsed Certification

A person who has let their Connecticut CNA certification lapse, and is not eligible for certification renewal, must retake and pass the CNA certification exam to be placed on the Registry.

Route 5 – Successfully Completed Nurse Aide Training and Passed the State Exam Within the Last 24 Months

A person who completed a minimum 100-hour CNA program within the last 24 months, and taken and passed the state competency exam, can apply to be directly placed in the Nurse Aide Registry. The program must be approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and governed by the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.

Route 6 – Reciprocity for Out of State CNAs

If a person is in good standing on an out of state Nurse Aide Registry, it is not necessary to take the Connecticut CNA Exam. Send a completed Nurse Aide Registry Application to Prometric.

Step 2: If Necessary to Complete Training, Find and Select a State-Approved Training Program

There are well over a 100 state-approved CNA programs in Connecticut that are offered in a variety of educational and medical facilities around the state. Students can also train in nursing homes and long-term resident care facilities.

State Requirements

The State of Connecticut requires:

  • The approved certified nursing assistant training program require at least 100 hours of training
  • Training must include teaching basic theoretical components and clinical training in 25 competency skills
  • Clinical component must be offered in a licensed Rest Home with Nursing Supervision setting or in a licensed Chronic and Convalescent Nursing Home
  • Training program must be supervised by a Registered Nurse (RN) who meets state experience requirements; a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may serve as a trainer while remaining under the supervision of the RN and able to meet state experience requirements
  • A standardized training program has been developed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and every program will cover the material in the curriculum as a minimum

All state-approved CNA classes in Connecticut will teach the information and skills needed to pass the CNA Exam. Though there is a standardized curriculum, each school or program can require additional training hours as long as the program meets the minimum curriculum requirements.

Approved Certified Nurse Aide Classes in Connecticut by City

The school table includes 102 state-approved CNA classes in Connecticut. The table can be sorted by city, training program provider, contact phone and email. The list is updated in June 2017.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

CityProgram ProviderContact
AnsoniaEmmett O'Brien Technical High School
obrien.cttech.org
Corinne.A.Muckell@ct.gov
BethelBethel Health and Rehabilitation Center LLC
bethelhealthcare.com
dianej@bethelhealthcare.com
BridgeportAdvantage Career Training
advantagecareertraining.com
tarpaia@iceonline.org
BridgeportAmerican Red Cross
www.redcross.org
stacey.lucibello@redcross.org
BridgeportHousatonic Community College
www.housatonic.edu
jjenecaro@hcc.commnet.edu
BridgeportSt. Vincent's College
www.stvincentscollege.edu
trampino@stvincentscollege.edu
BridgeportTraining Direct LLC
www.trainingdirectusa.com
(203) 372-8842
BridgeportValley Medical Institutearcadiact@msn.com
BristolSheriden Woods Health Care Center Inc.
www.athenanh.com
(860) 583-1827
ChesterAaron Manor Inc.
www.aaron-manor.net
ssavoie@aaron-manor.net
ChesterChesterfields
www.apple-rehab.com/index.html
dostermayer@apple-rehab.com
ColchesterHealth Resources of Colchester Inc.(860) 537-2339
DanburyDanbury High School
website
DanburyHarris School of Business
www.harrisschool.edu
shpereira@harrisschool.com
DanburyNaugatuck Valley Community College
www.nv.edu
nc@nv.edu
DanielsonQuinebaug Valley Community College
qvcc.edu
johagan@qvcc.commnet.edu
DerbyGriffin Hospital
www.griffinhealth.org
(203) 735-7421
East HartfordAmerican Red Cross
www.redcross.org
stacey.lucibello@redcross.org
East HartfordEast Hartford High School
website
vigue.mr@eastharford.org
East HartfordStone Academy
www.stone.edu
East HavenEast Haven High School
website
ntipping@mail.east-haven.k12.ct.us
EnfieldEnfield Adult Education
enfieldadulted.sharpschool.com
(860) 763-7032
FairfieldJewish Home for the Elderly of Fairfield County Inc.(203) 365-6400
FarmingtonBridgeport Correctional CenterJennifer.Benjamin2@ct.gov
FarmingtonCorrigan Correctional InstitutionJennifer.Benjamin2@ct.gov
FarmingtonFarmington Valley CNA Trainingcynthia@cgnursingservices.com
FarmingtonMacDougall Correctional InstitutionJennifer.Benjamin2@ct.gov
FarmingtonTunxis Community College
www.tunxis.edu
kostman@txcc.commnet.edu
FarmingtonYork Correctional InstitutionJennifer.Benjamin2@ct.gov
GranbyMeadowbrook Center Inc.administrator@meadowbrookofgranby.com
GrotonFairview
www.fairviewct.org
morgand@oddfellowsct.com
GrotonOdd Fellows Home of Connecticut Inc.
GrotonRobert E. Fitch High Schoolakeefeforbotnick@groton.k12.ct.us
HamdenEli Whitney Regional Vocational Technical Schooljrottner@ct.gov
HartfordCapital Community College
www.capitalcc.edu
RKrems@ccc.commnet.edu
HartfordCNA Pathways to College
www.centralctahec.org
froldan@centralctayhec.org
HartfordSaint Martin's Episcopal Church
www.stmartinswmbg.org
winnifredb@msn.com
KensingtonLedgecrest Health Care Center Inc.
www.apple-rehab.com/index.html
(860) 828-0583
KentThe Kent Ltd.(860) 927-5368
LitchfieldFoothills Adult and Continuing Education
website
(860) 567-0863
ManchesterManchester Community College
www.manchestercc.edu
abonney@mancestercc.edu
MeridenH.C. Wilcox Technical School
wilcox.cttech.org
patricia.fennessy@ct.gov
MeridenMaloney High School
www.maloneyhs.com/Default.asp
ann.hushin@meriden.k12.ct.us
MeridenO.H. Platt High School
www.platths.com
(203) 235-7962
MiddletownAthena Middlesex LLC(860) 344-0353
MiddletownMiddlesex Community College
mxcc.edu
dbordonaro@mxcc.commnet.edu
MilfordCity of Milford Employment and Training
website
(203) 783-3243
MilfordJonathan Law High School
website
mmageebrown@milforded.org
MilfordJoseph Foran High School
website
jbarile@milforded.org
NaugatuckAdvantage Career Training
advantagecareertraining.com
tarpaia@icesonline.org
New BritainNew Britain High School
website
foran@csdn.org
New HavenAmerican Red Cross
www.redcross.org
stacey.lucibello@ctredcross.org
New HavenDanae's Training Center(203) 773-5097
New HavenExcel Academy, LLC
www.excelacademyct.com
momof14122@aol.com
New HavenGateway Community College
www.gatewayct.edu
elynch@gatewayct.edu
New HavenNew Haven Adult Education
www.nhaec.org
elizabethgambardella@yahoo.com
New HavenNew Haven Job Corps Center
newhaven.jobcorps.gov/Home.aspx
(203) 397-3775
New LondonNew Londen Adult & Continuing Education
www.newlondonadulted.org
crespol@newlondon.org
New LondonNew London High School
newlondonhighschool.org
jmanville@americanprotraining.com
New LondonOIC of New London
www.oicnlc.org
cna.instructor@oicnlc.org
New MilfordCandlewood New Milford LLCannr@transconbuilders.com
New MilfordNew Milford High School
nmhs.newmilfordps.org
kaczkak@newmilfordps.org
New MilfordNew Milford High School Adult Education
nmhs.newmilfordps.org
kaczkak@newmilfordps.org
NorwalkNorwalk Community College
norwalk.edu
mschuler@ncc.commnet.edu
NorwichAmerican Professional Training
americanprotraining.com
KFargo@americanprotraining.com
NorwichNorwich Free Academyjmanville@americanprotraining.com
NorwichNorwich Technical High School
NorwichThree Rivers Community College
www.threerivers.edu
mvalentin@trcc.commnet.edu
PlainvilleApple Rehab Farmington Valley
www.apple-rehab.com/index.html
(860) 747-1637
PlymouthCook-Willow Convalescent Hospital Inc.
www.cookwillow.com
smacdonald@cookwillow.com
SimsburyMcLean Affiliates Inc.
www.mcleancare.org
cathy.taft@mcleancare.org
SomersOsborn Correctional Institution
website
Jennifer.Benjamin2@ct.gov
Stafford SpringsJohnson Evergreen Corporationjames.fidanza@jmmc.com
StamfordExcel Academy, LLC
www.excelacademyct.com
momof14122@aol.com
StratfordLord Chamberlain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
www.lordchamberlain.net
dsavage@lordchamberlain.net
StratfordStratford High School
stratfordhigh.stratfordk12.org
lasekm@stamfordk12.org
TorringtonAcademy of Medical Training
www.beacnacat-ct.com
jm1525@aol.com
TorringtonOliver Wolcott Regional Vocational Technical School
wolcott.cttech.org
robert.axon@ct.gov
TorringtonWolcott Hall Nursing Center Inc.
www.apple-rehab.com/index.html
(860) 482-8554
UncasvilleApple Rehab - Orchard Grove Specialty Care Center
www.apple-rehab.com/index.html
(860) 848-8466
WallingfordWallingford Adult Education
www.wallingfordadulted.org
(203) 294-3900
WallingfordWallingford Public Schools
www.wallingford.k12.ct.us
dbryant@wallingford.k12.ct.us
WaterburyAcademy of Medical Training
beacnact.com
jm1525@aol.com
WaterburyCrosby High School
www.waterbury.k12.ct.us/1/Home
mfrigon@waterbury.k12.ct.us
WaterburyKennedy High School
www.waterbury.k12.ct.us/2/Home
myamin@waterbury.k12.ct.us
WaterburyNaugatuck Valley Community College
www.nv.edu
nc@nv.edu
WaterburySacred Heart High School
www.sacredhearthighschool.org
elaferriere@sacredhearthighschool.org
WaterburyStone Academy
www.stone.edu
jlabella@stoneacademy.com
WaterburyW.F. Kaynor Technical High School
kaynor.cttech.org
WaterburyWaterbury Adult Education
www.waterbury.k12.ct.us/34/Home
(203) 574-8038
WaterburyWaterbury Career Academy High School
www.waterbury.k12.ct.us/4/Home
lrichard@waterbury.k12.ct.us
WaterburyWilby High School
website
jwilliams@waterbury.k12.ct.us
West HartfordAmerican Institute
www.americaninstitute.com
cna@americaninstitute.edu
West HavenCNA Preparatory School
www.cnaprepschool.com
cnaprepschool1@gmail.com
West HavenStone Academy
www.stone.edu
jchadwick@stoneacademy.com
West HavenWest Haven Adult Education
www.whschools.org/adult_education
(203) 937-4375
West HavenWest Haven High School
whhs.whschools.org
valerie.cosenza@whschools.org
WethersfieldEducational Training of Wethersfield
etweducation.com
email-etw1@sbcglobal.net
WillimanticWindham Technical High School
windham.cttech.org
deborah.derjue@ct.gov
WindhamSt Joseph's Living Center Inc.
www.sjlivingcenter.org
Deborah.Laliberte@ct.gov
WinstedNorthwestern Connecticut Community College
www.nwcc.edu
hcappabianca@nwcc.commnet.edu
WolcottWolcott High School
www.whs.wolcottps.org
clofgren@wolcottps.org

Which Factors to Consider When Selecting a Program

When researching state-approved CNA programs, consider factors like program location, program length, time of day the classes are held and costs. All costs mentioned are subject to change by the programs at any time.

For example, the American Red Cross and Gateway Community College (GCC) jointly offer a nurse aide training program in New Haven, CT that is held on the GCC campus. It is 100 hours of training offered as 4-weeks of day classes or 6-weeks of evening classes. The cost is $1,250 which includes textbooks and skills manuals. The student will have other expenses to cover like immunizations, drug screening and uniforms.

The Academy of Medical Training in Waterbury, CT offers CNA training. The program is 60 hours of classroom time and 40 hours of clinical training, for a total of 100 hours. However, a student going full-time can complete the program in 2 1/2 weeks. The cost is $1,200 for tuition, registration fee, supplies, textbook and two sets of scrubs. Other expenses the student must pay include professional liability insurance and drug screening.

St. Vincent’s College‘s CNA program in Bridgeport is 10 weeks long or one semester. There are 64 hours of theory education and 60 hours of clinical training for a total of 124 hours. The cost of the program is $1,500 which includes the textbook, workbook and Prometric testing. Once again, there will be other fees and expenses, like a fee for the health and security background clearance check and uniforms.

Online CNA Program

Taking an online CNA program is possible. For example, the Middlesex Community College in Middletown offers a hybrid CNA program which allows students to complete courses online and fulfill hands-on clinical training. The student completes six training modules online that covers the same information taught in the classroom. The clinical training can be completed at a local nursing facility.

Financial Aid

It is important to discuss financial aid opportunities with the school’s financial aid office. Some schools have workforce training scholarships available. If qualified, a student can apply for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) job training funds which will make the cost of training free.

Step 3: Meet Prerequisites

After selecting a CNA training program, the nurse aide student needs to review the prerequisites. Prerequisites will vary by CNA program. They usually include the following:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Meet minimum age requirement
  • Proof of English and Math minimum competency level
  • Proof of current immunizations, PPD test for tuberculosis
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Pass a health screening

It may be necessary to apply for entrance into the school first and then enroll in the CNA training program. It depends on the facility offering the Certified Nurse Aide training.

Step 4: Complete the CNA Training

Connecticut’s standard curriculum has a seven-module training program divided into 54 classroom instructional hours and 71 clinical hours which exceeds the total hourly minimum required by law. The clinic portion trains students in 25 competency skills.

What to Learn

Following are some of the topics covered in the training programs.

  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Infection control
  • Safety
  • Resident rights and independence
  • Taking and recording vital signs
  • Measuring height and weight
  • Recognizing abnormal physical changes
  • Patient bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, feeding and skin care
  • Patient transferring, turning and positioning
  • Responding to patient behaviors
  • Addressing needs and behaviors of residents with Alzheimer’s or with cognitive impairments
  • Using assistive devices for patient care
  • Care and use of orthotic devices
  • Promoting resident rights to be free from mistreatment, neglect and abuse

The daily work of a CNA is not routine because the needs of patients and residents regularly change.

Step 5: Take the Connecticut Nurse Aide Competency Exam

The Connecticut Department of Health has contracted with Prometric to administer the CNA state exam and maintain the CNA Registry. Applicants can test at Prometric Regional Testing Sites and in facilities like nursing homes or training program facilities where they do their training.

Two Parts of State Examination

There are two parts to the testing procedure. All the questions and skills testing concern information and skills learned in the training course.

  • Written Test: This portion of the test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The test is computerized, and results are pass or fail. An oral version of the test is also available.
  • Clinical Skills Test: Five skills are tested. Handwashing and Indirect Care are scored concurrently with the three other skills that are tested. The Indirect Care skill concerns things like infection control and resident comfort. The exam taker must pass all five skills.
Prometric offers Nurse Aide Practice exams and Clinical Skills Readiness Test practice exams. The practice exams are accessible online. If someone fails either section, only the failed section must be retaken.

Step 6: Get Certified as a CNA in Connecticut

CNA Certification requirements say an applicant must pass both exam sections. After passing the written and skills tests, Prometric will add the applicant’s name to the Connecticut Certified Nurse Assistant Registry. At that point, the applicant is certified in the state. The name is never removed, even if certification is lost or expired. The status of the certification is shown in the Registry.

Back to Top

How to Keep CNA Certification Active

CNA certification in Connecticut must be renewed every two years (24 months). Eligibility to renew CNA certification requires working as a paid CNA for at least eight hours within the prior two years. The certification two-year renewal period count begins on the last day worked as a CNA. The employer must submit one of the Employment Verification forms to provide specific employment information. The form is mailed or faxed directly to the CT Nurse Aide Registry Program.

Back to Top

Salary and job outlook for CNAs in Connecticut

Certified Nurse Aides in Connecticut can work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, nursing homes and long-term residential facilities. They can also work as a private duty professional. The Homemaker-Home Health Aide who has completed the required training is allowed to work in homes while working on getting CNA certification in Connecticut but has more limited duties than a CNA. In Connecticut, the designation indicates the person has completed the minimum mandatory Homemaker-Home Health Aide Training and Competency 75 hours of training. | See Job Openings

There is a projected 5.4 percent growth rate for the period 2014-2024 for Connecticut CNA jobs. The average annual CNA salary for the state CNAs, per the May 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, was $32,140. This is 16.2 percent higher than the national annual CNA wage for the same time period which was $27,650. | See Job Openings

CNA Salaries in Connecticut

CT CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
Connecticut2118015.45321400.911.8214.8420.26245803087042140
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT492015.60324401.512.4314.9819.67258603116040920
Connecticut nonmetropolitan area65014.21295602.511.1013.9918.11230902909037670
Danbury, CT101015.57323802.912.6914.8819.38264003096040310
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT723015.15315101.710.9714.4420.68228203004043010
New Haven, CT384016.33339803.011.9616.1921.92248703367045580
Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI146015.19316001.611.9714.4420.60249003004042840
Waterbury, CT134014.61303802.811.7614.4418.29244703004038050

Back to Top

Get CNA Certification in Bordering States

  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • Rhode Island

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CNA Programs in 2018

Recent CNA articles

  • How Do I Find CNA Programs Near Me?
  • Truths of CNA Salary
  • Take Certified Nursing Assistant Training Online
  • Free CNA Classes Information
  • How to Get CNA Certification?

How to Become a CNA by State

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • D.C.
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap

© Copyright 2013-2019 Certified Nursing Assistant · All Rights Reserved