Louisiana CNA Requirements and State Approved CNA Training Programs

The growing demands for Certified Nursing Assistants is closely tied to the rapid growth in the baby boomers’ population. CNAs, as the name suggests, work closely with nurses by providing direct care to patients. They help patients with bathing, grooming, eating, mobility and exercise. They might also check patients’ vital signs and take records. When CNAs do their jobs well, nurses are free to channel their energies into the more demanding aspects of patient care. Louisiana’s Department of Health and Hospitals seeks to ensure nursing assistants have all the tools they need to do their jobs well to improve the quality of health care at the state’s hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Through state-accredited training, testing, certification and reporting to the Nurse Aide Registry, Louisiana’s nurse assistants gain the support and the authorization to provide direct patient care. 

CNA Classes in Louisiana:

Certification Requirements

Before accepting employment as an entry-level aide, you must acquire appropriate training, pass the state’s certification exam and apply for placement on the nurse aide registry. The federal and state governments have specific requirements to protect patients’ rights in licensed facilities, and training serves to educate students on these rights. Although you cannot work permanently without certification, you can take up interim work at a licensed facility for a non-renewable period of four months while you complete the requirements for training and testing.

Employers must, by law, ensure that all nurse assistant employees are qualified and certified to provide care in their licensed facility. If you’re a nursing student (and completed basic nursing principles) or military-trained nurse assistant, you can skip the state-required training and testing if the DHH approves your application for nurse aide certification. You’ll need to provide evidence of your education or experience and a copy of your social security card.

Prerequisites to Training

Louisiana’s Department of Health and Hospitals make it simple for anyone to become a CNA. For this reason, there are no barriers based on your educational background. You can apply for the short-term nurse assistant training at most institutions, even without a high school diploma or GED. However, you should have a basic understanding of simple math, eighth grade reading, and comprehension to improve your chances of success on the state exam. Many CNAs decide to pursue further education to become an RN or LPN after entering the field. Taking the GED test will go a long way in your quest to enroll in a nursing degree program.

Following are some other prerequisites to training:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Pass the school’s admissions exam
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent (recommended)
  • Clean bill of health
  • Negative TB test
  • Two forms of state ID
  • Up-to-date immunization
  • Clean criminal background check

Louisiana Certified Nurse Aide Training Requirements

The DHH requires accredited training providers to offer at minimum of 80 hours of nurse assistant instruction. Instruction covers classroom training (40 hours) and manual skills training (40 hours). Teaching methods include lectures, presentations, interactive discussions, and demonstrations. Although methods vary from one school to another, the objective remains the same. That is to prepare graduates to enter the workforce immediately after certification. Hands-on clinical training takes place in the lab and at an off-site approved facility.

Before commencing your clinical rotation, you must understand the principles of infection control, safety and emergency procedures, residents’ rights and independence and effective communication. Depending on the facility, you’ll also have to complete your physical exam, criminal background check and acquire the appropriate immunization before you work with residents. A licensed nurse instructor will direct your activities during the clinical rotation. The skills you learn will prepare you for success on the state certification exam. Like the classroom instruction, the clinical rotation is a critical component of your preparation to become a Louisiana Nurse Aide. Failure to attend part of the program could jeopardize your chances of graduating from the program.

Cost of CNA Training Louisiana

Community colleges and high schools make up the vast majority of accredited nurse assistant training programs in Louisiana. The high school programs give students the unique opportunity to prepare for a career during their senior year. Training classes at community colleges and private institutions cost an average of $700 for 80 hours of instruction. Nurse aide training prepares students for employment in just three to six weeks. While the short-term training provides numerous advantages, there is one distinct disadvantage. Short-term courses of this nature rarely qualify for financial aid. Nevertheless, you can search for grant or scholarship opportunities by checking the school’s financial aid office.

There may be opportunities for assistance for low-income or unemployed individuals. Nursing homes account for close to 30 percent of state-accredited programs. These facilities obtain state accreditation to prepare employees and prospective employees for state certification. Find a nursing home you’ll like to work with and request their nurse assistant training schedules. You may have to wait for the next round of training, but you’ll benefit from free tuition, free supplies, paid internship and immediate employment after certification.

Nurse Aide Testing

After graduating from an approved training program, you’re eligible to take the nurse aide competency exam administered by Pearson Vue. Note: you must fulfill all other non-training requirements, such as no criminal records. The two-part written (or oral) and skills evaluation takes place on the same day for first-time testers. The written exam is 2 hours long and tests your knowledge of nurse assistant principles through your responses to 70 multiple-choice questions.

If you have a reading disability or difficulty reading English, you can opt to take the oral exam, which you must request on your application for testing. The two-part test is administered via cassette tape (provided at the testing center). The first part of the exam contains 60 multiple choice questions followed by the 10 multiple-choice questions that tests your understanding of common words.

The skills evaluation area is set up to resemble an actual work setting. The timed test evaluates your performance of 5 skills; Handwashing and four skills assigned at random. For a complete list of skills, refer to the candidate handbook. You must successfully perform all five skills in order to pass the evaluation.

Walk with the following items on exam day:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam
  • Two forms of signature identification – one must contain your photo
  • Social security number
  • Three No. 2 pencils and eraser
  • Watch with a second hand

Out-of-State CNAs

Louisiana’s reciprocity with other states makes it a simple process to transfer your certification.

  • Download the reciprocity form and complete the first section. Attach the verification of your certification in your old state.
  • Attach copies of your social security card and Louisiana ID and mail the documents to the Registry – contact information provided below.

Renewal

Your nurse aide certification remains valid for two years from the certification date. To renew your license, you must:

  • Work at least 8 hours for compensation during the 24-month period. The work must involve nurse assistant services in an approved setting.
  • If your work history does not meet the requirements for renewal, you must retest or complete another nurse aide training program for recertification.

Contact the Registry:

State of Louisiana

CNA – DSW Registry

5647 Superior Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Phone: 225-295-8575

Fax: 225-295-8578

State Approved CNA Training Programs in Louisiana

Abbeville, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Acadiana Technical College

1115 Clover St., Abbeville, LA 70510

337 893-4984

Albany, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Livingston Parish School Board

29710 Mulberry Street, Albany, LA 70711

225 686-7044

Alexandria, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

Central LA Medical Academy, L.L.C.

3550 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302

318 445-4006

Alexandria, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Central LA Technical College-Alexandria Campus

4311 South McArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71302

318 487-5443

Alexandria, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Central LTC-Ward H. Nash@Peabody Magnet HS

2727 Jones Street, Alexandria, LA 71302

318 876-2701

LA Technical College-Alexandria Campus@Tioga HS

4311 South MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, LA 71307

318 487 5443

Baker, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Promise Pride Career College

5100 Groom Rd., Baker, LA 70714

225 774-3385

Bastrop, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Northeast LA Technical College-Bastrop Campus

729 Kammell St., Bastrop, LA 71221

318-283-0836

Baton Rouge, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

Advance Healthcare Institute

4580 Bluebonnet Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70810

225 751-4705

Baton Rouge, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Alpha Medical College

3009 Monterey Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70814

225 342-9500

Camelot College

2618 Wooddale Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70805

225 928-3005

Ctal Area Technical College-Baton Rouge Campus

3250 N. Acadian Thruway East, Baton Rouge, LA 70805

225 359-9310

Baton Rouge, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Glen Oaks HS

6550 Cedar Grove Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70812

225 356-4306

Baton Rouge, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

God’s Way, Inc. Project Excell

11449 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70815

225 272-5894

Pelican Training Institution

2783 Plank Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70805

225 356-9040

Bogalusa, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Northshore TCC-Sullivan Campus

1710 Sullivan Dr., Bogalusa, LA 70427

985 732-6640

Bossier City, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Bossier Parish Community College

6220 E. Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111

318 678-6015

Bunkie, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Central LTC Ward H. Nash Avoyelles Campus@Bunkie HS

435 Evergreen Hwy., Bunkie, LA 71322

318 876-2401

Central LTC Ward H. Nash Avoyelles Campus@LaSAS

5303 Hwy 115, Bunkie, LA 71322

318 876-2401

Chalmette, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Nunez Community College-Generic College Students

3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA 70043

504 278-6380

Columbia, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Northeast LTC-Northeast LA Campus-Caldwell Parish HS

163 Spartan Dr., Columbia, LA 71418

318 435-2163

Coushatta, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Red River Parish School Board-Red River HS

1615 Jim Moore Road, Coushatta, LA 71019

318 932-4157

Crowley, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Acadian Technical College Acadian Campus-Practical Nursing

1933 West Hutchinson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526

337 788-7521

Denham Springs, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Livingston Parish School Board-Denham Springs HS

1000 North Range Ave, Denham Springs, LA 70726

225 686-7044

Donaldsonville, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Ascension Public School@Donaldsonville HS

100 Tiger Drive, Donaldsonville, LA 70346

225 391 7000

Donaldsonville, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

JW Training Center

3542 Hwy South, Donaldsonville, LA 70346

225 473-1760

Dry Prong, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

LA Technical College-Alexandria Campus@Grant HS

17779 Highway 167, Dry Prong, LA 71423

318 487-5443

Edgard, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

St.John the Baptist Parish School Board-West St.John HS

480 Highway 3127, Edgard, LA 70049

985 497 3271

Eunice, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Eunice Career and Technical Education Center

421 So 10th St, Eunice, LA 70535

337 457-8686

Ferriday, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Central LTC Shelby M.Jackson Campus@Ferriday HS

801 E. E. Wallace Blvd., Ferriday, LA 71334

318 757-6501

Franklin, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

South Central LTC-Young Memorial Franklin Campus

1401 Cynthia St., Franklin, LA 70538

337 828-1448

Franklinton, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Northshore TCC-Sullivan Campus/Pine HS

28315 Hwy. 424, Franklinton, LA 70438

985 732-6640

Gonzales, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

Coastal Medic Healthcare

42431 Highway 30, Gonzales, LA 70737

225 450-3381

Gretna, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Gretna Career College

1415 Whitney Ave., Gretna, LA 70053

504 366-5409

Hammond, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Northshore TCC-Hammond Area Campus

111 Pride Ave., Hammond, LA 70401

985 543-4120

Harvey, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Delgado Community College West Jefferson

475 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey, LA 70058

504 361-6464

Holden, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Livingston Parish Public Schools-Holden HS

13120 Hwy.441, Holden, LA 70744

225 686-7044

Houma, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

South LA Healthcare Careers

1244 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70361

985 991-4194

Houma, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Terrebonne Vocational Technical HS

3051 Patriot Drive, Houma, LA 70363

504 851-1163

Jackson, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Ctal Area Technical College-Folkes Campus

3337 Highway 10, Jackson, LA 70748

225 634-2636

Jefferson, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Jefferson Parish School Board-Riverdale HS

240 Riverdale Drive, Jefferson, LA 70121

504 833-7288

Jennings, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Jennings High School-Jefferson Davis Parish School Board

2310 North Sherman Street, Jennings, LA 70546

337 824-1834

Jonesboro, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Jackson Parish School Board-Jonesboro Hodge HS

225 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, LA 71251

318 259-4456

Kenner, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

Healthcare Training Institute

322 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70062

504 467-2155

Kinder, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Central LTC-Oakdale@Kinder High School

145 HWY 383, Kinder, LA 70648

318 335-3944

Lafayette, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Infinity College

210 W. Pine, Lafayette, LA 70501

337 261-9009

Lafayette, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

W.D. Smith Career Center

200 18th Street, Lafayette, LA 70501

337 233-2026

Lake Charles, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Washington-Marion Magnet HS

2802 Pineview, Lake Charles, LA 70609

337 217-4080

Lake Providence, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

LA Delta Community College-Lake Providence Campus

156 Hwy 833-1, Lake Providence, LA 71254

318 559-0864

Leesville, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Leesville HS

502 Berry Ave., Leesville, LA 71446

337 239-3464

Livonia, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Pointe Coupee Parish School Board-Livonia HS

3118 LA Highway 78, Livonia, LA 70755

225 638-9036

Mangham, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Northeast LTC-Northeast LA Campus-Mangham HS

810 Main St., Mangham, LA 71259

318 435-2163

Many, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Northwest LTC-Sabine Valley Campus

1255 Fisher Rd., Many, LA 71449

318-256-4101

Marksville, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Central LTC Ward H.Nash Avoyelles Campus@Marksville HS

407 W. Bontempt St., Marksville, LA 71351

318 876-2401

Marrero, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

J.A.Cuillier,Sr.Career Center

1429B Ames Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072

504 340-6963

Metairie, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Delgado Community College Jefferson

5200 Blair Dr, Metairie, LA 70001

504 736-7072

Metairie, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

East Jefferson HS

400 Phlox St, Metairie, LA 70001

504 888-7171

Monroe, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

LA Technical College-Delta Ouchita@Whittley Life

300 Apple St., Monroe, LA 71292

318 397-6100

University of LA@Monroe-The Oaks

1000 McKeen Place, Monroe, LA 71201

318 547-3241

University of LA@Monroe-Willow Ridge Nsg-Rehab Ctr

318 342-3035, Monroe, LA 71209

318 342-1033

Monroe, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Monroe City Schools-Carroll Magnet HS

2009 Auburn Avenue, Monroe, LA 71201

318 387-6511

Moreauville, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Central LTC Ward H.Nash Avoyelles Campus@Avoyelles HS

287 Main St., Moreauville, LA 71355

318 876-2401

Morgan City, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

St. Mary Parish School Board@Morgan City HS

2400 Tiger Dr, Morgan City, LA 70380

337 836-9661

Napoleonville, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Assumption Parish School Board@Assumption HS

4880 Hwy 308, Napoleonville, LA 70390

985 369-9758

Natchitoches, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

University of LA@Monroe-Natchitoches Nsg-Rehab Ctr

750 Keyser, Natchitoches, LA 71457

318 342-3023

New Iberia, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Acadiana Technical College Teche Area Campus

609 Ember Dr., New Iberia, LA 70560

337 373-0011

New Iberia, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Iberia Parish Career Center

618 Recreation Drive, New Iberia, LA 70560

337 365-7231

New Orleans, LA Freestanding offering CNA programs:

A&W Healthcare Educators

6930 Martin Drive, New Orleans, LA 70126

504 242-2013

Fleur de’ Lis Healthcare Training Center

3920 Old Gentilly Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126

504 942-7171

N.A.N.A.

4509 Freret St., New Orleans, LA 70115

504 891-8088

New Orleans Job Corps Center

8825 Airline Drive, New Orleans, LA 70118

504 484-3585

Southern Security Vocational School

2581 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119

504 821-7891

New Orleans, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

LA Technical College-Jefferson Campus@Sarah-Reed HS

504 736-7120, New Orleans, LA 70129

504 671-6700

New Roads, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Ctal Area Technical College-Jumonville

605 Hospital Rd., New Roads, LA 70760

225 638-8613

Oak Grove, LA Hospitals and Nursing Homes offering CNA programs:

West Carroll Memorial Hospital

706 ROSS ST., OAK GROVE, LA 71263

318 428-6130

Oakdale, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

LA Technical College-Oakdale Campus

Old Pelican Hwy, Oakdale, LA 71463

318 335-3944

 

Oakdale, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

LA Technical College-Oakdale@Oberlin HS

101 N. 13th Street, Oakdale, LA 71463

318 335-3944

Oberlin, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Central LTC-Oakdale@Oakdale High School

1 Tiger Lane, Oberlin, LA 70655

318 335-3944

Plaquemine, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Ctal Area Technical College-Westside Campus

59125 Bayou Road, Plaquemine, LA 70764

225 342-8228

Plaquemine, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

Julian Certified Nursing Assistant

24035 Railroad Ave., Plaquemine, LA 70764

225 636-8294

Port Allen, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Ctal Area Technical College-Port Allen Campus

3233 Rosedale Rd., Port Allen, LA 70767

225 359-9233

Rayville, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

Healthcare and More

106 Courthouse Square, Rayville, LA 71269

318 728-8989

Rayville, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Northeast LTC-Northeast LA Campus@Rayville NH

294 Hwy 3048, Rayville, LA 71269

318 435-2163

Reserve, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

St.John the Baptist Parish School-East St.John HS

#1 Wildcat Drive, Reserve, LA 70084

985 536-4226

Shreveport, LA Freestanding CNA programs:

An Exceptional Academy of Higher Learning

835 Margaret Place, Shreveport, LA 71101

318 688-2118

Shreveport Job Corps Center

2815 Lillian St., Shreveport, LA 71109

318 227-9331

Willis Knighten Health System

2401 Bessie St., Shreveport, LA 71103

318 212-8080

Shreveport, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Bossier Parish Technical School-Bossier HS

2010 North Market St., Shreveport, LA 71137

318 549-6810

Caddo Career-Technology Center

5950 Union Ave., Shreveport, LA 71108

318 636-5332

Shreveport, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

LSU Shreveport

One University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115

318 797-5263

Medical Careers College

2800 Youree Dr., Shreveport, LA 71104

318 459-1600

Southern University at Shreveport-School of Nursing

610 Texas St., Shreveport, LA 71101

318 670-6641

Sorrento, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

River Parishes Community College Technical Education Center

9697 Airline Highway, Sorrento, LA 70778

225 675-5397

St. Amant, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Ascension Parish School Board-St. Amant HS

12035 Hwy. 431, St. Amant, LA 70774-3449

225 473-7981

St. Martinville, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

LA Technical College-Evangeline Campus

600 So Martin Luther King Dr, St. Martinville, LA 70582

337 394-6466

Sulphur, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Calcasieu Parish School Board-Sulphur HS

100 Sycamore St, Sulphur, LA 70663

337 217-4430

Tallulah, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

LA Delta Community College-Tallulah Campus

200 Harlem Street, Tallulah, LA 71284

318 574-4820

Tallulah, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

LA Delta Community College-Tallulah@Delhi HS

132 Old Highway 65 South, Tallulah, LA 71284

318 559-0864

Thibodaux, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

South Central LTC-Lafourche Campus

1425 Tiger Drive, Thibodaux, LA 70302

985 447-0924

Tioga, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Central LTC-Ward H. Nash@Tioga HS

1207 Tioga Road, Tioga, LA 71405

318 876-2401

Vidalia, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Central LTC Shelby M.Jackson Campus@Vidalia HS

2201 Murray Dr., Vidalia, LA 71373

318 757-6501

Ville Platte, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Acadiana Technical College-CB Coreil Campus

1124 Vocational Dr, Ville Platte, LA 70586

337 363-2197

Ville Platte, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Acadiana Technical College-CB Coreil@Sacred Heart HS

114 Trojan Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586

337 363-2197

Evangeline Parish School Board Ville Platte-HS

210 W. Cotton Street, Ville Platte, LA 70486

337 363-6651

Walker, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Livingston Parish School Board-Walker HS

12646 Burgess Ave, Walker, LA 70785

225 664-4825

Washington, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Washington Career-Technical Educational Center

605 Buhot Rd, Washington, LA 70589

337 826-7360

Watson, LA High Schools offering CNA programs:

Livingston Parish School Board-Live Oak HS

35086 Old La. Hwy 16, Watson, LA 70786

225 686-7044

West Monroe, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Northeast LTC-Delta Ouachita

609 Vocational Parkway, West Monroe, LA 71292

318 397-6100

Winnfield, LA Colleges and Universitiesoffering CNA programs:

Central LA Technical College-Huey P.Long Campus

5960 Hwy 167 North, Winnfield, LA 71483

318 628-4342

Winnsboro, LA Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Northeast LTC-Northeast Campus

1710 Warren St, Winnsboro, LA 71295

318 435-2163

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