Louisiana CNA Training

As soon as an individual graduates from high school, there is pressure on him or her to attend college to prepare for a career. However, there are educational opportunities other than a traditional college that can lead to a successful and satisfying career. For someone who has always wanted a job where he or she can feel like they're really making a difference in the world, Louisiana CNA classes may be the answer.

For someone who's never heard of Louisiana CNA classes before, or the way that they can help a person to achieve a satisfying career as a certified nursing assistant, a lot can be gained by researching the responsibilities and job outlook for this important industry. CNAs are responsible for providing support and various patient services in a health care setting, such as a hospital, nursing home, mental health facility, or public health clinic.

Becoming a CNA in Louisiana

In order to become a CNA in Louisiana, one must complete an approved training program consisting of a minimum of 80 hours, including 40 clinical hours and 40 classroom hours. Of the training, at least 16 hours must be spent on the following topics:

• Bed Making
• Taking Vital Signs
• Measuring Height and Weight
• Caring for the Patient's Environment
• Measuring Intake and Output
• Assisting with Nutrition
• Ambulation and Transferring
• Using Body Mechanics
• Infection Control and Safety
• Understanding protocols for proficiency in CPR
• Caring for Dying Patients
• Recognizing Abnormalities
• Caring for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia
• Personal Care Skills
• Mental Health and Social Service
• Basic Restorative Services
• Patient/Resident Rights
• Communication/Interpersonal Skills
• Safety/Emergency Procedures
• Promoting Independence
• Heimlich Maneuver

After Completing the Training

Following completion of the CNA training course, one must pass the state's competency exam. He or she is also subject to a background check.

Renewing a CNA License

In Louisiana, nurse aides must be paid for at least 8 hours of nursing or nurse related duties within every 24 month period or else they lose their certification. Even if a CNA works the necessary hours, the individual will still lose his or her certification if these hours are not reported to the CNA registry. If a CNA loses his or her certification, he or she must recomplete a nurse aide training program.

Licensure by Reciprocity

Louisiana also has a reciprocity process, which allows licensed CNA from other states to become registered to work as a CNA in Louisiana. An individual wishing to do so must fill out and submit a reciprocity form to the Louisiana CNA registry.

Additional Resources:

• Louisiana Nurse Aide Certification
• Nurse Aide (CNA) Training and Certification
• CNA Licensing Rules

Louisiana CNA Resources

• Louisiana Department of Health

Louisiana CNA Certification

Louisiana CNA Certification Requirements

To get your CNA certificate in Louisiana, you first need to complete the required course work and/ or training program. You will need to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam. Applicants must then submit fingerprint cards. Licenses/certificates and will not be issued without the results of a state and federal background check coming back in good standing. As prescribed by US Federal law, the typical Louisiana CNA certificate program lasts approximately 8 to 13 weeks to gain 75 accredited hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin training. After passing the Certified Nurse Assistant exam, you must be placed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry.

Required Hours for Louisiana CNA Certification

In Louisiana, you are required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation before challenging the state CNA licensing exam. The nurse aide classes typically last 2-6 months. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin the training program.

Louisiana CNA Certification Prerequisites

In Louisiana, CNA prerequisites include a current background check, two fingerprint cards, Photo ID, two photos (passport size). A negative TB test within the past 6 months and proof of immunizations will be required. You will also be required to show a high school diploma or GED.

Louisiana CNA Licensing Resources

• Louisiana State Board of Nursing
• Louisiana Board of Examiners - State CNA Registry
• Louisiana Department of Health
• Louisiana CNA Registry