How to Become a CNA in Oklahoma (A Complete 2023 Guide)

How to Become a CNA in Oklahoma

Want to become a CNA in Oklahoma? 

You’re in for a surprise. 

Unlike most states, Oklahoma has six CNA classifications, namely: 

  • Long Term Care Aide (LTC)
  • Home Health Aide (HHA)
  • Developmentally Disabled Care Aide (DDCA)
  • Residential Care Aide (RCA)
  • Adult Day Care Aide (ADC)
  • Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

The Long Term Care Aide or LTC classification is the closest to what other states refer to as “CNA”. This is why, here, we’ll be talking more about the LTC.

But don’t worry, we’ll also talk about the other CNA classifications, especially when it comes to the required training.

Ready to learn how to become a CNA in Oklahoma? 

Let’s get started!

How to Become a CNA in Oklahoma – You Only Need to Accomplish 3 Steps!

Regardless of the CNA classification you choose, the steps are the same. 

Here are the 3 steps to becoming a CNA in Oklahoma:

  • Complete a state-approved training program
  • Pass the competency exam
  • Get Certified 

Let’s discuss these steps in detail. 

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

First up is education.

Depending on your CNA classification, you have to complete a minimum set of hours. 

Here are the training requirements per classification in Oklahoma: 

Classification:Minimum Training Hours:Required Hours for Practical Training:
Long Term Care Aide7516
Home Health Aide7516
Developmentally Disabled Care Aide7516
Residential Care Aide4516
Adult Day Care Aide7516
Certified Medication Aide*4016

*Before you become a Certified Medication Aide, you must first get a certificate for LTC, HHA, or DDCA. 

If you’re planning to get more than one certification, the practical training hours you get can already be deemed as part of the practical training needed for your secondary certificate. 

How do you apply for a training program? Follow these steps: 

  • Choose your chosen CNA certification
  • Pick a state-approved training program. You can find a list of approved providers here
  • Make sure you meet all the program prerequisites. 
  • Enroll in the training program. 

Remember, each training provider will have a different set of prerequisites, but the most common ones are: 

  • A high school diploma or GED certificate
  • An up-to-date list of immunization records
  • A negative TB result
  • A criminal background check

Step 2: Pass the Competency Exam

Once you complete your training program, it’s time to take the competency exam. 

Now, in Oklahoma, the exam is administered by Prometric

However, many training providers and testing sites are approved to facilitate the exam. 

If your training provider offers the competency exam, let them schedule an appointment for you. 

If not, then you can find a list of approved testing sites here, as well as the address and phone number. When scheduling, don’t forget to ask what documents you need to bring on your test day. 

What can you expect from the competency exam?

It consists of 2 parts:

  • A written or oral test
  • A skills test

The written portion has 55 questions that you need to answer in 90 minutes. It is multiple-choice and will test your knowledge of nurse assistant tasks and topics taught during your training. 

If you want, you can choose to take this portion orally. Just make sure that you specify this when scheduling. 

As for the skills test, you need to demonstrate 5 nurse aide skills. 3 of these will be selected at random, while 2 will be proper handwashing techniques and indirect care. 

Step 3: Get Certified

Once you pass the competency exam, you simply need to wait for Prometric to list your name in the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry. 

When they do, you are now officially a CNA in Oklahoma — Congratulations!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got some questions? We answer the most frequently asked ones below. 

How much do CNA programs cost in Oklahoma?

CNA programs, regardless of the type of certification, will usually cost around $485-$1,800. However, there are many facilities and centers that offer training for FREE. On top of that, they even schedule and facilitate the competency exam. 

You will have to work for them once you’re certified, though. 

Do you need a GED to be a CNA in Oklahoma?

Most of the time, yes. However, this depends on the training program provider you’re enrolling in. It’s best to ask your chosen provider what the eligibility requirements are. 

How many times can you retake a CNA exam in Oklahoma?

You can take the competency exam 3 times. If you fail your 3rd try, then you’ll be asked to enroll in another training program. 

What happens if you fail one portion and pass the other?

Don’t worry – you only need to retake the portion that you failed. 

How long is the CNA certificate good for in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the CNA certificate will stay active for 24 months (2 years). You will have to renew it if you want to continue working as a CNA. 

What are the renewal requirements for the CNA certificate in Oklahoma? 

There are different renewal requirements per CNA certification. Here’s a quick guide: 

ClassificationIn-Service Training HoursEmployed Hours
Long Term Care Aide28
Home Health Aide128
Developmentally Disabled Direct Care AideN/A8
Residential Care AideN/A8
Adult Day Care AideN/A8
Certified Medication Aide*8 hours of continuing education on the 13th-24th month of certification8

How much do CNAs earn in Oklahoma?

As of December 2022, the average CNA salary in Oklahoma was $32,448 per year. That’s not bad at all! 

Conclusion

And that is how to become a CNA in Oklahoma. 

No matter what CNA classification you chose, the steps are the same. 

The best part is that you only need to complete 3 steps. 

Sure, these will take time and effort. But if you go through them one by one, you’ll soon be a CNA in the state. 

So what are you waiting for?

Now that you know all you need to know, you can get started right away!

Good luck!

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