Becoming a CNA in North Carolina

What is Involved in Completing CNA Training in North Carolina?

North Carolina is required under federal law to have a nurse aide registry which lists all certified nurse aides in the state. There are certain steps that one must take in order to be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.

First, you must complete a CNA training program in North Carolina that is approved by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation. Then, you must pass the state competency exam.

Working with patients at a long term care facility as a CNA can be exciting as you progress within you career in the medical field and help people with difficult life tasks that many times they cannot perform on their own.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in North Carolina

Step 1:

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

A North Carolina state approved nurse aide training program should have a number of basic elements met in order to be sufficient training for the state exam. The approved curriculum came from a nurse aide curriculum in Pennsylvania and contains studies which meet the minimum of 75 hours in a combination of practical (hands-on) and class studies. The minimum number of hours that must be devoted to practical is 16 but cannot be fulfilled until the student has spent at least 16 hours present for class studying. Up to date textbooks should be provided by the training administration.

Step 2:

Enroll in and complete a CNA training program in North Carolina. Enrollment procedures include criminal history checks, health exams, and identity verification.

State approved CNA classes in North Carolina will include many topics like:

• Safety of the patients
• Communication and interaction with patients
• CPR
• Encouragement of independence for the patients
• Enforcing patients’ rights
• Control of infection

Passing grades for the training must be an ending theory grade of 75 and skills demonstrations are graded on the aide’s ability to perform the given tasks correctly.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in North Carolina

Step 1:

Register to take the CNA certification exam in North Carolina. If the aide has passed the training courses with proficiency they may register with Pearson Vue to take the test.

The test registration process requires personal documents that show completion of the state approved program as well as 2 forms of valid Identification and the results from history, health checks as well as $96 in fees.

Step 2:

Take the CNA certification exam. The examination involves passing a practical skills component followed by a written or oral component.

On the practical portion you will be graded on the ability to perform nurse aide skills as demonstrated in the training course.  Grading of the practical component is done by the test administrator and must be 100% correct.

The written portion has 60 multiple choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions. This portion of the exam is graded electronically and must be completed with 70% accuracy to pass.

CNA certification is instant if both exams are passed and the nurse aide will receive a certificate and be placed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 3:

Once you become certified and a CNA in North Carolina, you will be on your way to pursuing a rewarding career in the health service industry. Before you can find a job, however, you should create a resume. Your resume should highlight your qualifications as a CNA, such as your education, certification, and experience.

The CNA position in North Carolina offers a competitive median CNA Salary of $23,200 a year as reported by the Occupational Employment Statistics in North Carolina. Additionally, the Labor Market Information foretells a CNA position growth rate of Thirty percent in North Carolina over the next few years.

Step 4:

Once you’ve become a certified CNA, you can also further your education by taking RN or LPN courses. Completion of these courses will often give you access to more lucrative job opportunities in the nursing field.

For more information on becoming a certified CNA in North Carolina, feel free to contact the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services.

North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry

NC Department of Health & Human Services – Division of Health Service

Regulation 2709 Mail Service Center,

Raleigh, NC 27699

Phone: (919) 855-3969

License Verification: (919) 715-0562

Fax: (919) 733-9764