Did you know that Oregon is one of the top-paying states for CNAs?
This is why becoming a CNA here is an excellent career move!
What’s more, the process isn’t as complicated as you might think.
Plus, we’re here to give you all the details.
So welcome to your complete guide on how to become a CNA in Oregon!
How to Become a CNA in Oregon – The 3 Steps to Certification
To become a CNA I in Oregon, you only need to complete 3 steps.
Sure, these steps require your time, effort, and even investment. But if you follow them slowly but surely, you’ll soon be on your way to a nurse aide certification.
Here are the steps:
- Complete an approved training program
- Apply for a CNA I certification
- Pass the competency exam
Let’s look at the details.
Step 1: Complete an Approved Training Program
If you’re a first-time CNA applicant, then you must complete the required training.
Now, you need to choose a training program that is approved in the state. You can click here for approved providers.
Once you find the right one for you, make sure you meet all the provider’s prerequisites. If so, then you can begin your training.
In Oregon, CNA training programs should be at least 75 hours. These hours should be spent in classroom instruction and clinical practice.
By the end of the program, you have to pass a final exam to be eligible for the competency exam.
Step 2: Apply for a CNA I Certification
Unlike most states, you need to be the one to apply for your CNA certification in Oregon.
Here are the steps:
- Create an account with the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) nurse portal.
- Validate your account by clicking the verification link sent via email.
- Login to your account again.
- Follow the prompts on the screen to apply for your CNA1 certification and register for the competency exam.
- Pay the exam fee of $106. If you choose to take the written test orally, you have to pay an additional $35.
- Once approved, the OSBN will email you a release to test. The email will also come with instructions for your criminal background check (which is required for all CNA applicants in Oregon).
- Pass the criminal background check.
Step 3: Pass the Competency Exam
The Oregon CNA competency exam is administered by D&S Headmaster.
NOTE: The OSBN allows in-facility exams. If your training facility offers this, they will be the ones to arrange the schedule for you.
Here is how to schedule your exam:
- Log in to your D&S Headmaster account using your secure Email or Username and Password. If you’re not sure how to log in, check the D&S Headmaster handbook.
NOTE: You don’t have to create an account with Headmaster because your CNA program provider will do that for you.
- Verify your information.
- Schedule your competency exam.
- Once approved, you will receive a Test Confirmation Notice on your Headmaster account. Read the notice carefully as it will have your test date, time, and location, as well as other important details.
- Arrived 30 minutes early for your exam. Don’t forget to bring the following:
- Appropriate attire
- A watch with a secondhand
- Number 2 pencils with erasers
- 2 valid IDs with a photo, signature, and name that matches your OSBN application
- Pass both the written/oral test and skills test.
- Have your name listed in the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry.
And there you have it…
You are now a certified nurse aide in Oregon — CONGRATULATIONS!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got some questions? Then let’s answer some of the most asked ones about CNAs in Oregon.
What Can I Expect from the CNA Competency Exam in Oregon?
There is both a written/oral test and a skills test.
The written/oral test has 80 questions, which you’ll need to answer in 90 minutes. The passing score is 73%.
As for the skills test, you need to demonstrate 3 to 4 nurse aide skills. You have to complete all this in 35 minutes.
To pass, you shouldn’t make any mistakes on the key steps. For non-key steps, you need a score of at least 80%.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a CNA in Oregon?
In general, the whole training and application process can go as low as $500 to as high as $1,500. That said, you can get FREE training and a FREE exam if you train at a facility that offers this. In exchange, you will have to work there once you become a CNA I.
How Much Do CNAs Earn in Oregon?
As we mentioned, Oregon has some of the highest-paid CNAs in the country. You can enjoy a salary average of $45,000 a year. You can earn even more if you plan to upgrade to a CNA II certificate.
Does my CNA Certificate Expire in Oregon?
Yes, your CNA certificate will expire every 2 years.
How Do I Renew My CNA Certificate in Oregon?
To renew your certificate, you must comply with the requirements. These are:
- Submit a renewal application through the OSBN portal. This should be done before the expiration date.
- Complete 2 hours of cultural competency education
- Work at least 400 hours in a paid position
How Long is a CNA Program in Oregon?
The minimum hours required for CNA programs in Oregon is 75 hours. However, a lot of program providers add more hours for more learning. You can complete these hours in a couple of weeks or months.
Conclusion
And that’s how you become a CNA in Oregon.
Remember, even if you only need to complete 3 steps, the process will take time. So be patient, work hard, and follow all the steps detailed here…
If you do all that, you’ll soon be a CNA I in Oregon.
So what are you waiting for?
If you want to become a CNA, you should get started right away.
Good luck!