Nursing Assistant Questions and Answers

My girlfriend is already a caregiver who has worked at a facility for over 2 years, is it possible for her to take the CNA test instead of enrolling in a class or must she enroll beforehand? She meets the requirements of a CNA already, and does the job as if she really is, all she wants is to be certified. She will be moving to New Jersey from Oregon. Please, could you help me by providing all the information necessary to help her gain her CNA certification?
The state of New Jersey requires the completion of a state approved CNA training program and competency evaluation in order to become certified as a nursing assistant. Your girlfriend must enroll and complete a New Jersey approved nurse aide training course consisting of a minimum of ninety (90) hours of theory and clinical practice. Once the training is complete she needs to challenge and pass the CNA exam in order to become certified in this state. Other states allow candidates to just challenge the CNA exam without proof of training (an example is Florida), but not New Jersey. Training courses are offered by nursing homes, vocational schools, and community colleges. Nursing homes are known to offer free CNA training or sponsorship, especially if they need additional staff. I strongly suggest that you call the NJ nurse aide registry and ask them if there is any way that her previous training can be used as a substitute for a CNA program although I don't think it is possible. Please note that the State of New Jersey does not require nurse aides to be certified to work in an acute care hospital unless the hospital has a licensed long term care unit or a licensed sub-acute unit in which case Certified Nurse Aides must staff those units.

My CNA certification expired since January 09. I called the State they said my employer has to submit the request for Extension of Renewal. My employer (a hospital) says it is not a requirement, and therefore is reluctant to do so. I would like to renew it. Please any legal advice would be appreciated.
I would definitely try to renew the CNA certification. Speak with your supervisor or the person in charge. Let them know that renewing your CNA certification is important to you and you would greatly appreciate it if they submit the extension form or any other necessary documentation. You must be polite and courteous. It is your responsibility to renew the certification in time. If there is anything your employer can do at this point to help you become re-certified, then you should try to obtain it in a nice way. I am not familiar with the employer's responsibility in this case, and this is just my opinion regarding what you should do. This is not legal advice and should not be viewed as such.

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CNA Resources

What is a Nursing Assistant?

A CNA is an entry level, certified healthcare worker. To obtain CNA certification, a nursing assistant trainee must complete a series of courses which teach the student basic skills needed to assist with patient care. A nurse aide is knowledgeable about client safety and transportation, assisting with activities of daily living, communicating with clients and nursing staff, performing basic procedures such as taking vital signs and weighing, and recording intake and output. A certified nursing assistant spends the majority of their working time at the patient's bedside, providing comfort, hygiene, and support.


State approved CNA training programs teach nurse aide trainees how to become competent care givers. The theoretical section of a nursing assistant program is augmented by the clinical portion, by reinforcing and practicing the knowledge gained in the classroom. The length of a nurse aide course depends on the facility providing the training. Some programs may require as little as three weeks to complete, while others may take two to three months. Fast paced courses are not for everyone, and students have the option to enroll in lengthier programs such as those offered by community colleges. A nurse aide trainee who completes the training is eligible to take the CNA exam. Passing this important examination results in certification and listing on the state nurse aide registry.


Employment opportunities for certified nursing assistants are numerous. The skills of a CNA are needed especially in hospitals, long term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Other nursing assistant job opportunities exist in the community, such as Home Health Aide. Hospitals may offer educational opportunities and financial incentives to nursing assistants who wish to continue their education and become licensed vocational nurses, or registered nurses.

CNA Training Programs

Nurse Aide Registries