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:
- CNA Classes Chalmette, LA
- CNA Classes Lafayette, LA
- CNA Classes Metairie, LA
- CNA Classes in New Orleans
- CNA Classes Shreveport, LA
- CNA Programs Baton Rouge, LA
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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