Is your goal to become a CNA in Kansas?
Then why not get started right away?
To help you, we’ll walk you through all the steps on how to become a CNA in Kansas. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of the journey before you.
We even answer some of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring CNA applicants.
We got it all for YOU.
So let’s get started!
How to Become a CNA in Kansas – The 5 Steps
To become a CNA in Kansas, you need to go through 5 steps:
- Select a training program
- Meet the program prerequisites
- Complete your training
- Pass the Competency Exam
- Get certified with the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry
Don’t worry – we’ll detail these steps in the sections below.
Step #1: Select a Training Program
First up, you need to complete the CNA training requirement in Kansas.
To do that, you must find a CNA training program that is approved in the state. Approved providers mean that it fulfills all federal and state training criteria. On your part, that means you will be able to satisfy state requirements.
Click here for a list of approved CNA training programs in Kansas.
Now, CNA programs in Kansas are available in select community colleges, nursing homes, medical facilities, and career schools. You can choose wherever you want to train.
Besides planning where to take your training, you should also think about the program length, the cost, the curriculum, and all that.
From there, pick the one that suits YOU best.
Step #2: Meet the Program Prerequisites
Before you enroll in a CNA training program, you will have to meet a list of prerequisites. As expected, this will vary per school. But usually, you will have to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a health examination
- Pass a drug test and criminal background check
- Show proof of required vaccinations
- Show proof of negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Pass a math and reading assessment
Step #3: Complete Your Training
Once enrolled, you can start your CNA training.
In Kansas, it is mandatory to complete a minimum of 90 hours of training.
This 90-hour program has two parts:
- Part 1 – includes 20 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of supervised lab and clinic training.
- Part 2 – includes at least 25 hours of classroom instruction and at least 25 hours of supervised clinical training in an adult care home.
What topics can you expect?
Here are just a few:
- The human anatomy
- Nutrition and diet
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Care of residents’ legal and ethical rights
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Use of mobility devices
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Working with healthcare team members
- Basic human needs
Step #4: Pass the Competency Exam
After completing your CNA training, you can now take the Competency Exam. This will evaluate whether or not you are ready to be a certified nursing assistant in Kansas.
Now, the Competency Exam is administered by The Health Occupations Credentialing, KDADS. There are 30+ sites throughout Kansas.
To apply, follow these steps:
- Go to the KDADS website.
- Download the ‘Allied Health Form’ and fill it up
- Attach a copy of your identification and Social Security Number
- Pay the $20 application fee through a check, money order, or credit card (complete the cc section in the form)
- Attach the official transcript of your current training (this should be completed within the last 24 months)
- Mail everything to this address:
Health Occupations Credentialing
503 S Kansas Ave.
Topeka, KS 66603-3404
From there, you will receive an ‘Approval to Test’ letter via mail with your exam date and location.
What can you expect from the Kansas CNA Competency Exam?
The first part is a written exam. You will have to answer 100 multiple-choice questions within 2 hours. You need a score of at least 75% to pass.
The second part is a skills evaluation. Here, you will have to demonstrate 5 nurse aide skills in 30 minutes. Don’t worry – the randomly selected skills are all covered by your training. Again, you will need a minimum score of 75% to pass.
Step #5: Get Certified with the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry
Once you pass both portions of the CNA Competency Exam, your name will be listed in the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry.
Congrats! You are now a certified nursing assistant in Kansas.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNAs in Kansas
Now that you know how to become a CNA in Kansas, you are probably itching to get started…
Or maybe you have a few more questions.
If so, let’s answer some of the burning questions that aspiring CNAs in Kansas usually ask.
How much is CNA training in Kansas?
The cost of training will vary between program providers. However, expect to spend around $500 to $1,000.
If you don’t have the resources to pay for everything upfront, some providers offer funding or payment options.
How long is CNA training in Kansas?
Again, this will depend on the program provider. Some providers can give you the required training in just 4 weeks, while others train you for as long as 12 weeks.
Can you get CNA training for free in Kansas?
Employers in Medicare/Medicaid institutions are required by federal law to pay all training fees for students who train at their facility. In other words, employed nurse aide trainees are eligible for free training.
What happens if I fail the CNA exam in Kansas?
In Kansas, you are allowed to take the CNA Competency Exam 3 times within a year. The 1-year period starts the moment you enroll in a training program.
If you fail your 3 tries, or the 1-year period is up, you have to retake your CNA training.
How do I keep my CNA certification active in Kansas?
The Kansas CNA certification is good for two years. Once those two years are up, you need to renew your certification by completing the following requirements:
- Work a minimum of eight (8) hours during the 2-year certification period
- Undergo a 2-day state-approved refresher course
OR
- Ask an RN or hospital to administer a checklist
The RN will evaluate your skills based on the 18 capabilities on the checklist. This will determine your eligibility for renewal.
Conclusion
And that was everything you needed to know about how to become a CNA in Kansas.
With this, you can take each step one at a time — and pretty soon, you’ll be a certified nursing assistant in the state.
So what are you waiting for?
Go and start with step #1 – select a training program.
Good luck!