Nebraska CNA Training Requirements and Approved Programs

Certified Nursing Assistants play a critical role on a health care team. They perform essential duties under the direction of a licensed nurse and other supervisory staff at hospitals and other health care facilities. Their constant contact with patients places them in a unique position as they may be the first to know when something goes awry. Specialized training and testing, as outlined by Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services, equip prospective nurse aides with the abilities to carry out their roles in medical institutions and long term care settings. In order to ensure easy access to training resources, the Department of Health has more than 25 approved training providers across the state. After completing training, graduates are eligible to take the state exam for inclusion on the state’s nurse aide registry.

CNA Classes in Nebraska:

Certification Requirements

Nurse assistants who work in Medicare/Medicaid certified facilities and licensed nursing homes (not funded by Medicare or Medicaid) must successfully complete an approved nurse aide training program and competency evaluation. Training and evaluation prepare the nurse assistant for state licensure and placement on the registry. General nurse assistants, employed outside of these facilities, do not require placement on the registry prior to employment. However, if they meet the registry’s requirements, they can request inclusion.

Employers must verify a nurse assistant’s status on the registry before hire. The state, in accordance with federal guidelines, gives nurse aides the option to work for the period of 120 days (4 months) while pursuing training. During that non-renewable grace period, the student nurse aide must successfully complete all training and testing.

Military trained nurse assistants and foreign nurses may skip training and testing with written consent from the Department of Health. They must send a cover letter requesting direct placement on the registry along with supporting documentation and proof of Abuse In-service training. The department will review the request and determine whether the applicants needs to take the exam for placement on the registry.

Prerequisites to Training

Nebraska has strict requirements pertaining to nursing assistants’ age, language, and criminal background. However, they are no educational requirements outside of the required nurse aide training. For this reason, it’s left up to training providers to stipulate the requirements for enrollment. While many institutions give preference to applicants with a high school diploma, many others will approve your application without a high school transcript if you pass a pre-enrollment evaluation. It is in your best interest to have a high school diploma if you plan to enroll in further studies to advance your career beyond that of a CNA.

Following are some other prerequisites to training:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Can speak and understand English
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent (depends on the training provider)
  • No criminal convictions (especially acts or behavior that violates moral standards)
  • State identification and social security card
  • A physical exam
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray
  • Immunization (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Meningitis)

Nebraska Certified Nurse Aide Training Requirements

Nebraska’s state-accredited training providers must facilitate at least 75-instructional hours in their programs. Students spend at least 59 hours in the classroom/lab setting where experienced instructors cover topics that prepare them to provide patient care services according to the state’s standards. Key areas of study infection control, communication and interpersonal relationships, bedside care, safety and emergency, nursing principles, mental health, anatomy and physiology, death and dying. The clinical rotation, comprising of at least 16 hours of training, is another critical aspect of the curriculum. Students are afforded the opportunity to care for patients in an approved facility, which lets them put their skills to work. During the clinical rotation, students work in small teams under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Graduates of state-accredited programs are eligible to sit the state’s certification exam for placement on the registry. Keep in mind that the department will not approve an application for testing from graduates of non-accredited programs. Nebraska’s 75-hour training requirements mean students can complete training in as little as two weeks full-time or four weeks part-time. Some providers facilitate training beyond the required 75-hours, which can extend the duration of training.

Cost of CNA Training Nebraska

There are several nursing homes approved to provide nurse assistant training in Nebraska. Check with these facilities if you need options for free CNA training. Nursing homes offer comprehensive training programs with numerous opportunities to provide hands-on care. You’ll also benefit from completely free tuition, uniform, supplies, a stipend (in some homes), and the possibility of employment immediately following certification. The downside is the long waiting lists that fill up between programs.

If you have the means to pay for training, you can choose from several standard to fast-track training options in the state. Paid programs, on average, cost $550 plus the cost of textbooks, uniform, supplies and state certification. You should also budget funds for immunization, TB test, criminal background check and registration fees.

If you’re employed at a medical institution, you can ask your employer to sponsor training. You can file for a pro-rated reimbursement of your training and certification costs if you begin working as a CNA within 12 months of certification.

Nurse Aide Testing

After completing your nurse aide training, you can register for the state certification exam through Nebraska Health Care Learning Center or the Providence Health Care Institute. There are several testing centers across the state, so you can choose a location that is most convenient. The test comprises of a written and clinical skills exam. You have up to three attempts to pass both components of the evaluation for placement on the registry.

If you pass the test, the testing center will forward your grades to the registry for entry. It can take up to 30 days after testing for your name to be included on the registry. However, you can use the 120-day provision to begin working while you wait for the update. Remember, passing the exam is only part the requirements for entry. You must be at least 16 years and pass a criminal background check for inclusion on the nurse aide registry.

Below you’ll find contact information for Nebraska’s testing agencies:

Nebraska Health Care Learning Center
1200 Libra Drive, Suite 100
Lincoln, Nebraska 68512
Phone: (402) 435-3551
Nebraska Health Care Learning Center

Providence Health Care Institute
4600 Valley Road, Suite 401
Lincoln, Nebraska 68510
Phone: (402) 326-2792
www.providencehealthcareer.com

Exam Costs

  • Written exam – $20
  • Skills evaluation – $32

Walk with the following items on exam day:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam
  • Two forms of official ID
  • Test approval letter
  • Two No. 2 pencils and eraser
  • Uniform scrubs and flat, non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the skills exam

Out-of-State CNAs

If you’re moving to Nebraska from another state, you must complete the application for endorsement and get on Nebraska’s registry before you’re eligible for employment. The process for endorsement takes approximately two weeks as long you provide all the necessary documents.

  • Submit the completed application for endorsement
  • Iowa residents must submit proof of training
  • Complete one hour of in-service abuse reporting
  • Take the state certification exam if you did not work or training in the past 24 months
  • Include copies of all relevant documents to expedite the process.

Renewal

Your status on the registry remains active as long as you maintain employment. If you cease working as a nurse aide for 24 months or more, your listing will lapse. There are no in-service or continuing education requirements for maintaining your active status.

Contact the Registry:

Nebraska Department of Health and Human

Division of Public Health

Licensure Unit

Nursing and Nursing Support

PO Box 94986

Lincoln, NE 68509-4986

For the Nurse Aide Registry

Nancy Stava

(402) 471-0537

(402) 471-1066 Fax

E-mail: nancy.stava@nebraska.gov

State Approved CNA Training Programs in Nebraska:

Ashland, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Ashland Care Center

1700 Furnas Street, Ashland, NE 68003

402-944-7031

Atkinson, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Atkinson

409 East Neely Street, Atkinson, NE 68713

402-925-2875

Chadron, NE Freestanding CNA programs:

Pine Ridge Job Corps

15710 Highway 385, Chadron, NE 69337

308-432-8664

Columbus, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Central Community College

4500 63rd Street, Columbus, NE 68602

402-562-1451

Fremont, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Midland University

900 North Clarkson Street, Fremont, NE 68025

402-941-6286

Gering, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Heritage Estates

2325 Lodge Dr, Gering, NE 69341

308-436-5007

Grand Island, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Central Community College

3134 U.S. Highway 34, Grand Island, NE 68602

308-398-7440

Grand Island, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Grand Island Veterans Home

2300 West Ctal Avenue, Grand Island, NE 68803

308-385-6252

Hastings, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Central Community College

550 Technical Blvd, Hastings, NE 68602

402-461-2441

Hebron, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Blue Valley Lutheran Care Home

220 Park Avenue, Hebron, NE 68370

402-768-3930

Kearney, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Central Community College

3519 2nd Avenue Ste A, Kearney, NE 68602

308-338-4000

Kimball, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Kimball County Manor

810 East 7th Street, Kimball, NE 69145

308-235-4693

Lexington, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Central Community College

1501 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, NE 68602

308-324-5936

Lincoln, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

BryanLGH College of Health Sciences

5035 Everett Street, Lincoln, NE 68506

402-481-3802

Southeast Community College

8800 O St, Lincoln, NE 68520

402-437-2707

Union College

3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506

402-486-2524

Lincoln, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Nebraska Health Care Association

3900 NW 12th St Suite, Lincoln, NE 68521

402-435-3551

Providence Health Career Institute, LLC

4600 Valley Road #410, Lincoln, NE 68510

402-326-2792

Mccook, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Willow Mid-Plains Community College

1205 East Third Street, McCook, NE 69001

308-345-8164

Mccool Junction, NE High Schools offering CNA programs:

McCool Junction School

209 South Second Street, P.O. Box 122, McCool Junction, NE 68401

402-724-2231

Milford, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Crestview Care Center

1100 1st Street, Milford, NE 68405

402-761-2261

Newman Grove, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home

109 North 2nd Street, Newman Grove, NE 68758

402-447-6203

Norfolk, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Northeast Nebraska Community College

801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701

402-844-7335

North Platte, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Linden Court

4000 West Philip Avenue, North Platte, NE 69101

308-532-5774

North Platte, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Mid-Plains Community College

601 West State Farm Road, North Platte, NE 69101

308-345-8164

Omaha, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Caregiver’s Support Services

3610 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68131

402-502-1764

Freedom In Home Services, LLC

13820 Manderson Circle, Omaha, NE 68164

402-934-2224

Omaha Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

5017 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE 68106

402-502-1207

Quality Living

6404 N 70th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68104

402-573-3700

Omaha, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Metro Community College

PO Box 3777, Omaha, NE 68103

402-738-4791

Nebraska Methodist College

720 North 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68114

402-354-7078

Omaha, NE High Schools offering CNA programs:

Omaha Public Schools Career Center

3230 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68131

402-557-3700

Omaha, NE Freestanding CNA programs:

Quality CNA/CMA LLC

5437 North 103rd Street, Omaha, NE 68134

402-609-9583

Ponca, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Elms Health Care Center

410 Ball Park Road, Ponca, NE 68770

402-755-2233

Ralston, NE High Schools offering CNA programs:

Ralston High School

8989 Park Drive, Ralston, NE 68127

402-898-3590

Scottsbluff, NE Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Western Nebraska Community College

1102 West 42nd Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361

308-635-6705

Tecumseh, NE High Schools offering CNA programs:

Johnson County Central High School

358 North 6th Street, Tecumseh, NE 68450

402-335-3328

York, NE Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

York General Hearthstone

2600 North Lincoln Avenue, York, NE 68467

402-362-4333

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