How to Become a CNA in West Virginia
To become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in West Virginia, you need to meet the state-mandated training and examination requirements set by the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Services.
There are two pathways to initial certification: completing a state-approved nurse aide program or challenging the CNA examination as a nursing student. Nurse aide programs in West Virginia are a minimum of 120 hours, including at least 55 supervised clinical hours. These programs can be found at various institutions, such as high schools, colleges, and long-term care facilities. LPN and RN students can also challenge the CNA examination after completing fundamentals of nursing coursework and 32 hours of clinical training.
Key Takeaways:
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide program or be a nursing student to become a CNA in West Virginia.
- Nurse aide programs are a minimum of 120 hours, including 55 clinical hours.
- LPN and RN students can challenge the CNA examination after completing nursing coursework and clinical training.
- CNA certification application is submitted to the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources-Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification (OHFLAC).
- After certification, CNAs can pursue job opportunities in various healthcare settings.
CNA Examination Requirements in West Virginia
After completing a nurse aide training program or meeting the necessary prerequisites as a nursing student, prospective CNAs in West Virginia must pass a competency examination. The examination consists of a multiple-choice written evaluation and a practical skills evaluation. Candidates must pass the examination within two years of completing their training program and are allowed a maximum of three attempts.
The written evaluation can be taken orally, with a reader reading each question twice, to accommodate candidates with reading difficulties. This ensures that individuals with different learning styles and abilities have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge. The skills evaluation requires the candidate to perform various nursing assistant duties while being observed by an evaluator. This practical component allows candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in real-life scenarios.
The cost of the examination is $125 for the written and skills test combination, and $160 for the oral and skills test combination. The examination is offered at ten sites throughout West Virginia, providing convenient access for aspiring CNAs across the state. These examination requirements ensure that certified nursing assistants in West Virginia possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality care to patients in healthcare settings.
| Examination Components | Cost |
|---|---|
| Multiple-choice written evaluation | $125 |
| Practical skills evaluation | $125 |
| Oral and skills test combination | $160 |
Overall, the examination requirements in West Virginia ensure that certified nursing assistants possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality care to patients. With accessible testing locations and accommodations for different learning styles, aspiring CNAs can confidently pursue their certification and contribute to the healthcare workforce in West Virginia.
CNA Certification Application Process
Once you have completed the CNA training program and passed the examination, it’s time to apply for your CNA certification in West Virginia. The application process is straightforward and requires a few simple steps.
To begin, you will need to complete the certification examination application. This application serves as both your certification examination and your application for CNA certification. You can obtain the application materials and assistance in filling them out from sponsors, such as nursing facilities or training programs.
Once you have filled out the application, you will need to submit it to the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources-Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification (OHFLAC). They will review your application and process your certification.
Upon successful completion, you will be issued an online certification. You can easily verify your certification by visiting the OHFLAC website and typing in your name and the last four digits of your social security number. In order to have a certificate of completion issued, there is a $10 fee.
After obtaining your CNA certification, you will be ready to pursue job opportunities in various healthcare settings throughout West Virginia. Many hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies are in need of qualified CNAs, and this certification opens up a world of career possibilities.
FAQ
How do I become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in West Virginia?
To become a CNA in West Virginia, you must meet the state-mandated training and examination requirements set by the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Services. You can either complete a state-approved nurse aide program or challenge the CNA examination as a nursing student.
How long is the nurse aide training program in West Virginia?
Nurse aide programs in West Virginia are a minimum of 120 hours, including at least 55 supervised clinical hours. These programs can be found at various institutions, such as high schools, colleges, and long-term care facilities.
Can LPN and RN students challenge the CNA examination in West Virginia?
Yes, LPN and RN students are also eligible to challenge the CNA examination after completing fundamentals of nursing coursework and 32 hours of clinical training.
What does the CNA competency examination consist of?
The CNA competency examination in West Virginia consists of a multiple-choice written evaluation and a practical skills evaluation. The written evaluation can be taken orally, with a reader reading each question twice. The skills evaluation requires the candidate to perform various nursing assistant duties while being observed by an evaluator.
How many attempts do I have to pass the CNA examination in West Virginia?
Candidates have a maximum of three attempts to pass the CNA examination in West Virginia. The examination must be passed within two years of completing the training program.
Where can I take the CNA examination in West Virginia?
The CNA examination is offered at ten sites throughout West Virginia.
How much does the CNA examination cost in West Virginia?
The cost of the CNA examination in West Virginia is $125 for the written and skills test combination, and $160 for the oral and skills test combination.
How do I apply for CNA certification in West Virginia?
To apply for CNA certification in West Virginia, candidates must complete the certification examination application, which also serves as the certification examination. Application materials and assistance can be provided by sponsors, such as nursing facilities or training programs.
How can I verify my CNA certification in West Virginia?
Successful candidates will be issued online certification, which can be verified by typing the name and last four digits of the social security number on the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources-Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification (OHFLAC) website.
Are there job opportunities for CNAs in West Virginia?
After becoming certified, CNAs can pursue job opportunities in various healthcare settings throughout West Virginia.
Source Links
- https://dreambound.com/blog/how-to-become-a-cna-in-west-virginia
- https://www.nursinglicensure.org/cna/west-virginia-nursing-assistant/
- https://www.choosecna.org/west-virginia-cna-certification/
