New Mexico CNA Training

Although many industries are struggling right now, the health care sector is continuing to grow. There are many positions available in the medical field that don't require many years of expensive training. Many people are learning that New Mexico CNA classes can be used to gain the skills and training needed to work alongside doctors and nurses every day.

Many people think that returning to school is a long process that takes a lot of money to be able to complete, but New Mexico CNA classes are different. These training courses are required in order to become a certified nursing assistant, and are often offered by community colleges or health care organizations for a low cost.

For anyone who has always wondered what it would be like to work with the latest medical technology and be able to help people live happier, healthier lives, becoming a CNA might be the perfect decision. Certified nursing assistants are responsible for taking vital signs, recording patient histories, and assisting doctors and nurses with treatment execution.

Becoming a CNA in New Mexico

In order to become a CNA in New Mexico, one must complete a nurse aide training program consisting of at least 75 hours, at least 16 of which must be supervised practical training where the student demonstrates skills hands-on. 16 hours of training must be completed in the following fields prior to working as a nurse aide:

• Communication/Interpersonal Skills
• Infection Control
• Safety/Emergency Procedures
• Promoting Independence
• Respecting Patients' Rights
• Basic Nursing Skills
• Measuring/Recording Vital Signs/Height and Weight
• Caring for the Patients' Environment
• Recognizing/Reporting Abnormal Changes
• Caring for Dying Patients
• Personal Care Skills (Bathing, Positioning, Toileting, etc.)
• Responding to Patient Behavior
• Awareness of the Aging Process
• Using Patients' Families as a Source for Emotional Support
• Caring for those with Cognitive Imparities, Dementia, and Alzheimer's
• Basic Restorative Services (Use of Assist Devices, Range-of-Motion Exercises, etc.)
• Confidentiality
• Alternatives to Restraint Use

Once an individual has completed a nurse aide training program, he or she must take a competency exam. Those who are registered as CNAs in another state can request reciprocity and become a nurse aide in NM.

Additional Resources:

• New Mexico Training and Nurse Aide Registry

New Mexico CNA Resources

• New Mexico Department of Health

New Mexico CNA Certification

New Mexico CNA Certification Requirements

To get your CNA certificate in New Mexico, 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 federal law, the typical New Mexico 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 New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry.

Required Hours for New Mexico CNA Certification

In New Mexico, 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.

New Mexico CNA Certification Prerequisites

In New Mexico, 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.

New Mexico CNA Licensing Resources

• New Mexico State Board of Nursing
• New Mexico State CNA Registry
• New Mexico CNA License Look-Up