Looking to become a CNA in Hawaii?
Then you’ve come to the right place!
Here, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to become a CNA in Hawaii. We’ll list all the requirements and go through all the steps.
With this, you’ll know EXACTLY what needs to be done.
So are you ready?
Let’s dive in!
The 4 Steps to Become a CNA in Hawaii
Here are the requirements and steps to becoming a CNA in Hawaii:
Let’s look at the details.
Step 1: Select Your Eligibility Route
Not all aspiring CNAs come from the same background. Some are completely new, while others are previously licensed in the medical field.
Now, the requirements to become a CNA in Hawaii will depend on where you stand. This is your eligibility route.
Let’s look at the eligibility routes in Hawaii.
Eligibility Route 1 – Testing Candidate
Testing candidates are new and have never been certified in Hawaii or any other state before.
To register for the CNA exam as a testing candidate, you have to present the following requirements:
- Completed Application Form
- Proof of training completion
- Fee payment
Eligibility Route 2 – Reciprocity
Reciprocity candidates are those who have an active certification in a different state. The DCCA can either immediately transfer your name to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry or instruct you to take the Competency exam.
Note that the DCCA will only add your name to the Hawaii registry once they’ve verified your certification across all other states. Otherwise, you will be asked to take the exam.
Eligibility Route 3 – Lapsed Nurse Aide
Lapsed candidates are nurse aides with expired certifications. These candidates are further split into two types:
- Lapsed but attended a current state-approved program
- Lapsed but attended a closed/non-state-approved program
If your certification has expired but you have completed a state-approved program, you must do the following:
- Complete the Application Form.
- Indicate your current HI certificate number on the application.
- Submit proof of training completion.
- Mail the needed documentation to Prometric, along with the required fees.
If your certification has expired and you attended a closed or non-state-approved program, take note of the added steps you need to take:
- Retake a state-approved program.
- Submit proof of training completion (from the state-approved training program).
- Indicate your current HI certificate number on the application.
- Mail the needed documentation to Prometric along with the required fees.
Now that you know the eligibility routes, you have to select the one that applies to you and follow the steps and requirements.
NOTE: For this article, we’re talking about route 1 – testing candidates.
Step 2: Complete a CNA Program
In Hawaii, you must fulfill a minimum of 100 hours of CNA training. This includes:
- At least 70 hours of classroom and lab instruction
- At least 30 hours of hands-on clinical training
CNA programs in Hawaii typically take 6 to 8 weeks to complete. If you’re in a hurry, you can choose to join accelerated programs — these take only around 4 weeks to finish.
As for tuition fees, the range in Hawaii is anywhere between $500 to $1,8000. It becomes even more expensive if you go with an accelerated program.
That said, you can get FREE training in some care facilities. Just keep in mind that you will have to put in more training hours if you choose this path.
What topics will you cover in your CNA program?
It may differ, but generally, you will learn:
- First aid and CPR
- Human anatomy
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Personal hygiene and range-of-motion exercises
- Infection control
- General safety
Some CNA programs also specialize in long-term care facility training. This type of training usually includes:
- Diabetes care
- Wound care
- Sterile gloving
- Catheterization
- Specimen collection
- Colostomy care
- Tracheostomy
Step 3: Take and Pass the CNA Exam
Once you finish your program, you can now take the CNA exam, known as the Competency Exam.
The exam has 2 parts — a written (or oral) test and a skills test.
In Hawaii, this exam is administered by Prometric.
Let’s walk you through the steps on how to register and schedule your exam:
- Check if your training provider will administer your exam on their training site. If not, then you need to take it at a regional test site.
- Fill up the Application Form.
- Get a copy of your training certificate of completion.
- Pay the required fees through money order, certified check (both must be payable to Prometric), or credit card (fill out the last page of the application form)
- Initial application fee – $25
- Skills test and written exam fee – $200
- Skills test and oral written exam fee – $210
- Mail everything to Prometric OR (if your training provider is administering your exam) to your school, facility, etc.
- Once Prometric approves your application, they will send you an Authorization to Test Letter, which will include the date, time, and location of your test.
- During your exam, arrive at least 30 minutes early, and don’t forget to bring the Authorization to Test Letter, 2 forms of identification, a watch with a second hand, flat, closed shoes, and a uniform or scrub.
- Pass the Competency Exam.
Step 4: Get Certified!
Once you pass both the written (oral) and skills portion of the Competency Exam, your CNA certificate will be mailed to you and your name will be added to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry.
Congratulations are in order!
FAQs
For more information, let’s answer a few common questions about CNAs in Hawaii.
How do I verify my CNA certification in Hawaii?
There are two ways to check if your name is now part of the Registry. First, you can go to the DCCA website and click ‘Verify the status of a CNA’. The second way is to go to the Prometric website and type in your name and certificate number.
How do I renew my CNA certificate in Hawaii?
Your CNA certificate is valid for 24 months (2 years). A renewal notice will be mailed to your home address in advance before your certificate expires.
To renew your certificate, you need to send a completed renewal form to Prometric. To be eligible for renewal, you must have worked at least 8 hours as a CNA within the renewal deadline.
Wrap Up
So that was how to become a CNA in Hawaii.
There are so many things to keep in mind — it can get confusing.
But with this guide, we have all the requirements and steps listed for you in order. You simply have to follow them one by one, and, soon enough, you’ll be a certified nursing assistant in Hawaii.
Good luck!