CNA Programs in Texas

Texas CNA Training

Many people feel like they're trapped in careers that don't challenge or excite them, yet they're too afraid to leave because of the bad economy. Business experts have been saying that now is one of the best times in recent history to think about returning to school so that individuals can learn an entirely new set of skills to increase their chances of getting a great job. This is one of the reasons why so many people have been enrolling in Texas CNA classes.

Most CNA classes are designed to prepare individuals to become certified nursing assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, or mental health facilities. Although doctors and nurses are responsible for most of the decision making in a patient's treatment process, they often rely on the services of medical assistants to help them execute these plans in a timely manner.

Becoming a CNA in Texas

In order to become a CNA in Texas, an individual must complete a state-approve CNA training program and complete the state CNA competency evaluations. Some individuals are eligible to exempt from Texas CNA training and can be placed on the CNA registry after passing the Texas CNA examinations. These individuals include:

• Individuals who, after July 1, 1989, have successfully completed the training portion of a state-approved NATCEP in another state and have not passed the CNA exam or been placed on the registry in another state.
• Individuals who, after July 1, 1989, have successfully completed 100 hours or more of military training that is equivalent to CNA training.
• Individuals who, after July 1, 1989, have completed LVN or RN training but are not licensed as an LVN or RN or have not held a license that's been revoked.
• Individuals who are currently enrolled in a nursing program and have demonstrated competency in basic nursing skills in accordance with the school's curriculum.

If an individual does not pass the CNA evaluation after 3 attempts, he or she must retrain in an approved CNA training course in order to become eligible to retake the exam.

If an individual is on the nurse aide registry in another state that is in compliance with applicable federal laws and completes the necessary DADS-required documentation, he or she may apply for reciprocity. An individual who is training to become a CNA may work in a nursing facility for up to 4 months. If the individual is not on the registry after 4 months, he or she will be terminated.

There is no minimum education requirement for an individual to work as a CNA in Texas.

Additional Requirements:

• Texas Nurse Aide Registry FAQs

Texas CNA Resources on NurseGroups.com

• Texas Department of Health
• Harris County Health Department (Houston)