Do you want to start a career as a CNA in Idaho, but you have no idea where to begin?
Or does the whole process confuse you?
Don’t worry!
We are here to give you a simple yet comprehensive guide on how to become a CNA in Idaho.
Moreover, we will answer some of the most common questions at the end of the article.
Let’s get started!
How to Become a CNA in Idaho in 4 Simple Steps
Here are the 4 steps on how to become a CNA in Idaho:
- Complete a State-Approved CNA Program
- Take and Pass the CNA Examination
- Get Listed on the State Registry
- Land On Your First Job as a CNA
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at each step!
Step #1: Choose a State-Approved School
Once you’ve decided to become a CNA in Idaho, you need to find an accredited school in your area. Most CNA training in Idaho is offered in technical colleges, private schools, nursing homes, community colleges, nonprofit agencies, and healthcare facilities.
To see the list of state-approved CNA programs in Idaho, click here.
When searching for options, you should consider the program’s location, cost, and length.
Length of Program
The length of the program will depend on your chosen school. In Idaho, the minimum required training is 120 hours.
This includes 80 hours of classroom and laboratory work, 32 hours of clinical training, and the remaining 8 hours for either clinical, laboratory, or classroom training.
Generally, CNA programs are completed within 12 weeks, but some training can be finished in just 4 weeks!
Curriculum
Here are some topics that will be covered in the CNA training:
- Legalities and ethics
- Nursing assistant in holistic care
- Diversity, growth and development, human needs
- Communication and relationship building
- Safety and emergency care
- Infection control
- Taking vital measurements
- Admission, unit care, transfer, and discharge
- Dementia
- Personal care
- Moving, lifting, transferring, and positioning patients
- Nutrition and hydration
- Mental health and illness
- Body systems
- Rehabilitation and restorative care
- Professional development
Once you have chosen an accredited school, make sure to meet the enrollment requirements.
CNA Requirements
Below are the basic requirements when enrolling in an accredited CNA training in Idaho:
- At least 16 years old
- HS diploma or GED
- Pass the medical exam and drug test
- Pass the background check
- Proof of CPR training (unless the program includes this)
- Tuberculosis test less than 6 months old
- Flu vaccination (during the flu season)
- The following vaccinations:
- tetanus, MMR, pertussis, chicken pox, titer, and diphtheria
Step #2: Take and Pass the CNA Examination
Now that you’ve completed the CNA training, it’s time to take the CNA examination. The process for CNA certification in Idaho is a little bit different compared to other states.
The CNA examination test is divided into two: the Manual Skills Evaluation and the Written Examination.
So, what’s the difference between the two?
The manual skills evaluation should be taken by students within 6 months after completing the CNA training program. This test is administered by a technical college or university.
The written test is taken within one year of completing the CNA training program. However, students must pass the manual skills evaluation BEFORE taking the written test. To help you prepare for the written test, Prometric has a practice examination here.
Students are given three attempts to pass both examinations. If the student did not pass either the manual skills evaluation or written examination within the given timeframe, he or she will need to retake the CNA training program.
Step #3: Get Listed on the State Registry
After completing the training program and passing the examination, you need to get your name listed in the Idaho Certified Nurse Aide Registry managed by the IDHW.
New CNAs
To get a job as a CNA in Idaho, your name should appear on the list of certified CNAs. It usually takes around 10 business days to get included in the registry after passing the certification examination.
If you completed a state-approved CNA training program in another state but did not take the certification examination, you can request the IDHW to allow you to take the CNA examination in Idaho.
Active CNAs from Another State
If you’re an active CNA on your state’s registry, it’s not necessary to take the CNA examination. You can simply request to have your name included on Idaho’s CNA registry.
Physicians and Nurses
A physician or nurse from another state or country with a license of good standing can be included in Idaho’s registry without additional examination or training.
Step #4: Land Your First Job as a CNA
Finally, you’re all set to start your first job as a CNA.
Thankfully, you won’t have a hard time looking for a job because there are endless job opportunities for CNAs in Idaho!
Mean Average Salary of a CNA in Idaho
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean average salary of CNAs in Idaho is $33,250.
This translates to an hourly pay of $15.29.
The lower 10% makes about $23,880 and the highest 10% makes about $44,240.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNA in Idaho
How much does it cost to become a CNA in Idaho?
The total cost will depend on the location of the program. It costs between $500 to $2000 for the CNA training program.
How do I keep my CNA certification active?
To maintain an active status in the registry, you should renew your CNA certification every two years. You should also have paid CNA work for at least 24 hours before the 2-year license renewal.
If certification lapses, you may have to retake and pass the certification examination.
Is it possible to take the CNA training online?
Yes! Many schools offer online CNA classes. However, students will still need to complete an in-person clinical training which can be done at a hospital or any healthcare setting.
Conclusion
And that’s about it!
This simple guide will help you start your journey as a CNA in Idaho.
We hope you found this helpful. If you still have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.