Becoming a CNA in Idaho

CNA training in Idaho offers many opportunities for the those who are interested in the healthcare setting.  Projected growth states that there will be an increase in job creation for CNA’s in Idaho during the next decade. This  outlook is good if you are interested in starting a new and fascinating career within the allied heath trades. Also, keep in mind that the elderly numbers are growing in this state and and along with this trend, so will CNA positions.Idaho is currently a state where a licensed nurse aide is a very promising and highly in-demand career. In order to take part in this exciting career, you will need to become a certified CNA, and that involves taking courses approved by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Idaho

Step 1:

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

Course studies in the state approved program will go over the necessary aspects of being a nurse aide.  For instance, being able to understand the patients needs and fulfill them, being ready for an emergency situation if it should arise, and knowing how to deal with it appropriately.  The program also covers being familiar with the rights of the patients and how to properly care for the patients.  Furthermore you will need hands on skills training including common nurse functions, such as  how to check the pulse rate and how to handle respiratory failure in a patient.

Step 2:

To become a licensed CNA in Idaho you need to complete a 120 hour CNA training program.  The class has to be approved, accredited and checked by the Department of Health in the state and proven to have met all state and federal requirements. These qualifications need to be met in order for you to qualify to sit for the state nurse aide certification exam.

The  hours involved in the CNA program will be split between class learning and clinical teachings comprised of 80 hours of classroom time and 40 hours of clinical time where you will be involved in hands-on practice. You will learn all of the necessary skills it takes to be employed as a certified nurse aide. These instructional sessions will teach you how to take  and record medical related measurements, proper feeding methods, how to groom and care for disabled and elderly patients, and how to perform all daily needs of patients while assisting your supervising nurse.

Step 3:

Upon completion of your program you will be allowed to sit for the CNA Exam.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Idaho

Step 1:

When you have completed your classes, the state requires that you take a mandatory test to evaluate what you have learned. Test fees are $30 and most facilities will require pre-registration. You will have a two part exam concerning practical skills and a writen test on knowledge acquired during your training program. Score results are typically given at the completion of the test, and if you pass, you are then placed on the Idaho State Nurse Aide Registry and are then considered certified.

Step 2:

In order to take the evaluation test after your classes are compled, the nurse aide will need to register and get a scheduled time to appear for testing. Registration can be done online, over the phone or in person. You will be required to  show a legal form of identification at the time of the test, and you may also be asked to bring a state issued fingerprint ID card. Dress comfortably, and it is best to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled testing time.

The testing locations in a particular area can be found online, but many places of education and medical establishments are authorized as testing locations, as well. Test results are typically available right away, and if you pass the exam, you then receive your hard-earned  CNA certification and placement on the state registry.

Step 3:

Upon passing the exam, the state of Idaho will have you listed in the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry.     Your license will last for 2 years, after which you will need to have it renewed.

Once the registry is updated, you will be allowed to start applying for jobs as a CNA.  Make sure to check out jobs database.  Also fill out a Career profile in order to get your application into the hands of local employers.

Step 4:

Also, don’t stop your education here.  Becoming a CNA is very rewarding, and is a wonderful career.  But it is always smarter to make yourself as marketable in the job market as you can.  Look into becoming a Registered Nurse, or even perhaps an LPN. 

Idaho State Nurse Aide Registry
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Division of Medicaid Bureau of Facility Standards
PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720
Phone: (800)748-2480
Fax: (208) 334-6629