Becoming a CNA in Texas is a straightforward process that involves passing the state exam, submitting an application, and taking required courses. If you want to be a CNA in Texas, you’ll need to fulfill all requirements from the Texas Board of Nursing.
The first step is to pass the state exam. You can register for the exam online at www.bpn.texas.gov or by calling 877-223-2838. The test is administered by Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the state. You must pay an application fee when you register for the exam, which costs $59 per candidate and $65 for each additional test attempt within six months of your initial registration date (the fee is waived for military veterans). To find out what materials you should bring with you on test day and how to prepare for it, visit www.pearsonvue.com/CNAexaminfo/.
Once you’ve passed the state exam, submit an application through www.nursingboardportal.com/cnaapp/. The application requires payment of an application fee ($45), as well as official transcripts from any educational institutions attended after high school graduation (including college). There are three ways to submit your transcript: mail
How To Become Cna In Texas
WRITTEN BY
Shannon Lee
– Bio
LAST UPDATED
05/18/2022
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide crucial quality-of-life care to patients, communicate essential patient information to nurses and doctors, and perform duties that help a medical facility run smoothly. Becoming a CNA has different requirements depending on the state. In Texas, CNA training and classes can be completed through a local college or vocational school and can sometimes be found online as well.
Earning your Texas CNA credential online gives you the flexibility and convenience of taking some classes online and local support as you complete your clinical requirements in a facility near you. Some classes can be taken on campus, which provides great networking opportunities for CNA students. State-approved CNA programs in Texas offer a robust curriculum that helps prepare you for certification. This guide offers a comprehensive look at the training you’ll receive, how online and hybrid classes work, and job market and salary trends for CNAs in Texas.
Find Online Texas CNA Classes in a City Near You
FAQs About Online CNA Classes and Training in Texas
Can I really complete my CNA training online in Texas?
Since CNA training requires a great deal of hands-on work, it’s tough to find a program in Texas that is entirely online. Most students will take courses at their local vocational, technical, or community college. Courses might be offered during the day, evenings, or weekends, allowing for flexibility in schedules. However, while most programs do require significant classroom attendance, there has been a shift in that requirement due to the problems presented by Covid-19. As a result, many students may encounter a hybrid approach to earning their CNA, where classroom courses are handled fully online while in-person clinicals are completed on campus or nearby with appropriate social distancing. Since this particular situation is constantly changing, be sure to check with your potential program to understand how the hybrid plan works.
How much do online CNA classes cost in Texas?
When you’re choosing the best online CNA classes and program for your needs, make sure you know how much they will cost. Here’s what to expect from a few of the programs you’ll find in Texas, but it’s important to remember that the tuition costs shown below may not include fees or textbooks. Tuition can change without notice, so it’s always best to check with your schools of interest to see what they are charging for their CNA programs.
Certified Nurse Aide
Total Hours: 100
Cost for program: $899
Certified Nurse Aide
Total Hours: 118
Cost for program: $1,858
Northeast Texas
Community College
Certified Nurses Aide
Total Hours: 100
Cost for program: $931
How long is an online CNA program in Texas?
A: The time it takes to become a CNA in Texas depends strongly upon the student’s preference for full-time, part-time, or accelerated programs. A student who chooses to attend training part-time at only a few hours per week might take six months to complete the program, while an accelerated program can be completed in three to six weeks. Some schools will also allow gaps in the program, such as completing the classroom portion but then waiting several weeks before embarking on the hands-on portion of the program.
Texas CNA Program Online Spotlights
We’ve identified some of the top CNA programs in Texas, notable for their affordability, flexibility in scheduling, strong student support, approval by the state of Texas, and accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. These programs have also been approved by Texas Health and Human Services. Learn more about three CNA programs that stand out for 2022.
Lone Star College
Lone State College is a leader in Texas for medical and health programs, and the nurse aide certificate (CNA) program is no exception. The school offers a non-credit fast track program and goes above the minimum required hours for the state of Texas with 64 non-contact hours and 44 contact hours, bringing the total to 108 hours of classroom and hands-on experience. The total cost is $128, making the program quite affordable for students who want to get the training they need, sit for the exam, and start work as soon as possible. Students must go through a background check, get the required immunizations, and fulfill all government document requirements to be accepted into the program and take the exam.
Austin Community College
Students at Austin Community College can expect to spend anywhere from seven to 15 weeks in the certified nurse aide program, depending upon how fast they want to complete the work. Some students might choose a minimum of 10 hours per week, while others want to hit their CNA career goals faster with 40 hours of training each week. Tuition is currently $554 not including books or fees. The school has a program coordinator to keep students on track, an emailing list to keep students well informed, and registration help for those who aren’t sure about what route to take to earn their CNA.
Houston Community College
The certified nurse aide program at Houston Community College consists of 108 hours of classroom and hands-on training. Prerequisites include completion of vaccinations, drug screening and criminal background check, CPR certification, and possession of the proper clothing (such as scrubs) before starting classes. Those interested in learning more can attend virtual information sessions, which are hosted on a regular basis by those who teach the program. Expect a cost of $895 for the program, not including supplies and fees.
How Do I Become a CNA in Texas?
Becoming a CNA in Texas means more than taking a few classes and getting a certificate. There are essential processes that make you eligible to work in nursing homes and other skilled care facilities. Depending on where you want to work, it’s important to know these requirements ahead of time and plan accordingly. Take these steps as you work towards becoming a CNA in Texas.
STEP
1
Enroll in a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCE)
In the state of Texas, CNA students aren’t required to have a GED or high school diploma, but they must be free from certain criminal convictions. Most people without these convictions on their record can simply go right into a CNA program and get started on their training. Students must typically also have proof of vaccinations, drug screening, and CPR training to be accepted in a CNA program. It’s important to look for a program that is state-approved to ensure you are getting a high-quality education that will help you move right into work upon passing the competency exam. Find a list of approved programs in Texas here.
STEP
2
Complete your CNA classes and clinical training
Each state-approved program must offer 60 clock hours of classroom training that does not involve direct patient care and 40 clock hours of hands-on training with patients The established curriculum includes 16 introductory hours of training before the first patient contact, which includes communication, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, promoting independence, and respecting the rights of residents. Satisfactory completion of these requirements can allow you to sit for the nurse aide competency exam.
STEP
3
Pass the nurse aide competency exam
Those who have completed a Texas-approved training course within the last 24 months are eligible for the exam. Prometric is the organization administering the exam. It will confirm your eligibility, and then you can register for the test. Submit the required fees and schedule the exam, then pass both the written and oral sections within 24 months of graduation from your CNA training program. You have three attempts to pass before being required to retrain.
STEP
4
Begin gaining valuable experience
Once you’ve passed the exam, it’s time to get started on the next phase of your journey. Submit applications to places where you’d like to work. Join the Texas Nurse Aid Registry. Take on jobs that will give you hands-on experience working with patients, which will boost your resume when you’re ready to move up in your company or move to another position somewhere else.
STEP
5
Keep your certification current
CNAs are required to renew their certification every two years with 24 hours of in-service education. Texas Human Health and Services provides a list of programs approved to meet that requirement. Twelve of those 24 hours can be completed somewhere other than a facility licensed or certified by HHS, the Texas Board of Nursing, or the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Texas
When you move into any new career, it’s important to have a good idea of the job market, where to expect the best employment options, and the salary you can expect to receive.
Are CNAs in high demand in Texas?
Texas has some of the highest employment levels in the nation for CNAs, with the highest numbers in the Houston area. Jobs will continue to be in demand in skilled nursing facilities, general medical and surgical hospitals, and continuing care in assisted living facilities. Home health care services are also good places to find employment, and some CNAs turn to healthcare employment agencies to find their next job. Here’s what to expect from Texas employment versus the national average for the profession.
