How to Become a CNA in Nevada

(found 29 schools, updated in May 2017)

The career of a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Nevada can be stable and rewarding. There are an increasing number of jobs available in the industry and the salary for CNAs in Nevada is better than most other states in the United States. The growth rate for CNAs across the country is estimated at 20.8% increase between 2014 and 2024, and the competitive CNA programs in Nevada and good wage opportunities make it an attractive state to become certified.

Individuals considering work as a nursing aide or CNA in 2017 will find that Nevada’s certification requirements are thorough, but attainable and cost effective. Whether considering work in home health, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or hospitals, becoming a CNA can be a life-long profession.

• 4 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Nevada
• How to Keep CNA Certification Active
• Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Nevada
• Get Certification in Bordering States

4 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Nevada

The process for becoming a CNA in Nevada consists of three broad categories. First, it is necessary to complete a state-approved CNA training program. Second, an individual must pass CNA state examinations, as administered by the State Board, the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN). Third and finally, an individual must obtain approved certification through the NSBN. These robust categories can be broken down into specific steps.

Step 1: Complete a Board Approved Training Program

The first step for most individuals who want to become CNAs in Nevada is completion of a NSBN approved training program. As of mid-2017, there were 29 state-approved certification programs in Nevada, with the majority of these programs in located in Las Vegas. While the NSBN will review completion of a training program for acceptability, the standard in Nevada is that the program must meet Omnibuds Reconciliation Act (OBRA) requirements. Individuals considering a training program should check for this designation and state-approved status on a training program’s website as prerequisites to applying.

CNA Classes in Nevada by City

There are 29 state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant training programs in Nevada. The school data is updated in May 2017.

Typically, in Nevada a training program will involve a minimum 75 hours, of which not less than 16 hours can be clinical, hands-on training. However, it is common for CNA classes in Nevada to offer lengthier courses and more clinical hours. The Certified Nurse Aide programs are offered by a variety of institutions, including high schools, colleges, community colleges, learning institutes, technical academies, and even medical centers.

The costs associated with a state-approved training program can vary. However, there is access to free CNA certification in Nevada through programs run by the American Red Cross, and many other institutions, such as Milan Institute, College of Southern Nevada, and Saint Therese Learning Institute offer possible financial aid opportunities to individuals who apply and qualify for such aid packages.

Step 2: Pass Competency Examinations

After completing a state-approved program, individuals must pass a set of competency examinations. Obtaining certain scores on these CNA exams is required by the NSBN before an application for certification will be approved. While the NSBN eventually receives the results of these scores, Headmaster LLP provides tests and scoring services.

Testing Locations

The testing takes place in 3 cities, including Carson City, Las Vegas and Reno. It is highly encouraged that individuals pre-register for a specific testing date and location by calling at 1-800-393-8664.

Two Parts of Examinations

The criteria of the examination can be divided into two parts. The first part is Knowledge; this is a written portion of the competency examination that tests the test takers retention of theoretical information provided in a training program. This can include best practices and medical information. The written test consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. The second part of the examinations is Clinical. This is testing the hands-on skills of an applicant. The Clinical portion of the exam involves the test administrators assigning 5 skills for an applicant to demonstrate in a set amount of time.

Step 3: Apply for Certification with the NSNB

The prerequisites to approval for certification are obtaining and submitting an application for certification from the NSBN, paying a $50 application fee, submitting competency examination scores at or above the pass rate, and providing evidence of completion of a training program. Lastly, an applicant for certification must provide fingerprints and agree to a background check by the NSBN. If an applicant refuses a background check, the state board will deny the application for CNA certification.

Step 4: Verify Your Certification with the NSBN

Before starting work as a CNA in Nevada an individual needs to be verified in the state. This is a straightforward process administered and tracked by the NSBN. To verify a CNA certification, a person must visit the NSBN website and access the tab titled “Verify Licenses and Certificates”. From there, it is possible to search for a certification by individual’s name and confirm CNA certification status within the state.

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How to Keep CNA Certification Active

The NSBN requires anyone registered and working in the State of Nevada as a CNA to maintain and renew his or her certification. If an individual fails to submit the appropriate documents and evidence to the NSBN, he or she is barred from working as a CNA in the state. Working without an updated and active CNA certification in Nevada could result in the certification being revoked permanently or indefinitely.

Process for Renewal of CNA Certification

Individuals working as Certified Nurse Aides in Nevada must renew CNA certification every two years. While the process for renewal is not complicated, CNAs must prepare for renewal by taking certain action in advance of a renewal deadline. This includes completing 24 hours of continuing education during that two-year period (or 12 years annually) and working for a minimum 40 hours as a CNA in any state during the same two-year time frame.

Process for Reinstating CNA Certification

If a CNA lapses in the State of Nevada, it is necessary for the individual to reinstate his or her CNA certification with the NSBN before becoming employed as a certified nurse assistant within the state. Depending on specific circumstances of the individual, such as length of time since last renewal of CNA certification, an individual will either need to partake in NSBN approved training programs and submit fingerprints for background information to the NSBN, or alternatively, pass the necessary state board examinations that are required of a first-time application for CNA certification in Nevada.

CNAs Moving to Nevada

Nevada’s salary rates may attract a number of Certified Nurse Aides or Certified Nursing Assistants from other states to consider relocating to Nevada. In this instance, it is possible to transfer a CNA license from another state to Nevada through Certification by Endorsement or Certification by Examination.

Certification by Endorsement

To begin the process, out of state CNAs must read two materials outlined by the NSBN; these are CNA Skills Guidelines and CNA Hours of Employment for Renewal Advisory Opinion. After understanding these materials, an individual can submit a complete and executed application, $50 application fee, and fingerprinting fee to the NSBN. It is important to note that the application fees are non-refundable.

The application for Certification for Endorsement also requires a number of supporting documents and other items. These include a copy of an active and valid CNA certification/license from another state; a copy of certification or recognition of completion of a nurse aide training program; proof of minimum eight hours of work experience as a CNA in a licensed medical facility within two year of the application for Certification by Endorsement; endorsement forms from the current state of certification; and fingerprints for a criminal background check. The endorsement forms required by the NSBN must come from every state where the applicant held CNA certification.

Certification by Examination

Similar to Certification by Endorsement, to apply for Certification by Examination, an individual must have an understanding of the texts, CNA Skills Guidelines and CNA Hours of Employment for Renewal Advisory Opinion.

After reviewing these materials, an individual can submit a complete and signed application for examination form and non-refundable $50 application fee. The applicant must subsequently submit evidence of completion of a state-approved training program as a Certified Nurse Aide and pass two examinations. These examinations are Clinical and Knowledge examinations administered by the NSBN. Additionally, the applicant must provide fingerprints for a criminal background check.

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Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Nevada

The most recent information on CNA salary and jobs in Nevada indicate that in 2017 there are job opportunities, potential for upward mobility, and demand for a CNA or nursing assistant in the state.

Nevada Salary Statistics

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics released updated salary statistics for Certified Nurse Aides and a multitude of other professions in 2016. The numbers show that the hourly mean wage for a Certified Nurse Aide in the state of Nevada is $16.18 or an annual mean wage of $33,650. These wage amounts are significantly above the national average for a CNA salary, which was $13.29 per hour and $27,650 annual mean wage, as of 2016. | See Job Openings

In fact, Nevada is in the top five of highest paying states for CNAs and nursing assistants, with only Alaska and New York having higher annual mean wage for this occupation. This indicates that CNAs are adequately compensated and in-demand in the State of Nevada. | See Job Openings

CNA Salaries in Nevada

CNA Job Opportunities in Nevada

As of 2016, there were 5,830 individuals working as Certified Nurse Aides in Nevada. The large majority of these professionals work in the Las Vegas area, an estimated 4,070 CNAs, where there is the most demand for people in the assistant nursing and registered nursing professions. However, CNAs are needed across the State of Nevada, including in Carson City, Reno, and nonmetropolitan areas. | See Job Openings

CNAs in Nevada are part of medical and care teams in skilled nursing facilities (nursing care facilities), general and surgical hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, and in-home health care agencies. As is true of the rest of the country, the majority of Certified Nurse Aides in Nevada work in skilled nursing facilities. | See Job Openings

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Get Certification in Bordering States

• Arizona
• California
• Idaho
• Oregon
• Utah