CNA Schools in Louisiana

Louisiana CNA students will be required to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program through Pearson VUE to receive their certifications. The test is taken in two parts, which must both be performed on the same day initially. Testing fees vary based on location.

The first part of the examination is the written knowledge test, which may also be taken orally by those who speak English as a second language or who have difficulty reading English. Those who want to take the oral version will need to indicate this on their applications. This section is completed with pencil and paper or with an MP3 player in the case of the oral version. Students will have two hours to complete 70 multiple-choice questions or 60 multiple-choice questions plus ten reading comprehension questions in the case of the oral examination.

During the skills examination, students will be assigned four random CNA skills to perform in front of a Nurse Aide Evaluator in addition to hand washing. They will have 25 minutes to complete all of the skills and must complete all critical steps perfectly.

Most students will learn whether they have passed or failed on test day. Those who fail will need to retake only the section that they failed. Students have up to three test times or 24 months to complete the test successfully. Those who do not pass in this time will need to retrain. Those who do pass will have their names submitted to the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry.

Louisiana has a very simple process for reciprocity for CNAs from other states who are moving to Louisiana. CNAs will need to fill out the reciprocity form and include their social security numbers, prior certification numbers, former places of employment and the address of the previous state’s registry. Louisiana will verify the CNA’s certification with the prior state before adding the CNA to the Louisiana registry. Louisiana does not require a fee for this process, but other states may charge a verification fee. CNAs must have active and valid licenses with their former states and must be in good standing with their registries with no accusations of patient abuse, neglect or maltreatment.

Louisiana CNAs must renew their certifications every 24 months. The state sends out renewal notices approximately three months prior to expiration. In order to renew, CNAs need be in excellent standing with the state with no charges of patient abuse, maltreatment or neglect. In addition, they must work at least eight hours for pay every two years performing nursing-related duties. Hours worked in adult day cares and intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled may not count toward these eight hours. CNAs who do not work the required hours must retrain and retest for recertification. Those who have the work hours but have not reported the work hours in time must submit a Verification of Work History for Nurse Aides form. Renewal is free.

Louisana CNA Handbook

Links
Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Search for CNA License

Contacts
State of Louisiana
CNA – DSW Registry
P.O. Box 3767
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3767
Phone: 225-342-0138
Fax: 225-342-5073