With passage of The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987, the U.S. Congress federally required that all 50 states create and approve official certified nursing assistant (CNA) training programs.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare regulates and approves dozens of CNA Idaho certification programs throughout the state, and maintains an official registry (through the Idaho Board of Nursing) which names all nurse aides who are legally certified to work within the state.
This article shows students interested in becoming a CNA in Idaho how to find legitimate, state-approved ID CNA training programs.
CNA Idaho Certification Requirements
Individuals who wish to work legally as a CNA in Idaho must fulfill the following educational and legal requirements before being placed on the state's CNA registry:
- Complete a state-approved ID CNA certification program
- Pass the state's CNA competency examination (which contains both written and skills assessments)
- Pass a criminal history background check
Individuals who hold a valid CNA certification from another state should contact the Idaho Board of Nursing to receive a transfer application by calling (208) 334-3110.
Nursing students attending accredited academic programs can have the in-state training requirement waived by contacting the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at (208) 732-1369 and learning how to send in their academic transcripts.
ID CNA Training Program Characteristics
Idaho's CNA certification programs require more training than most states, and while each individual program varies slightly depending upon the provider, all CNA Idaho training programs have the following minimum elements:
- 120 hours of total training
- 80 hours of classroom instruction
- 40 hours of clinical instruction
In the classroom component, students learn several important nursing skill areas, including the following:
- Basic nursing care
- Emergency procedures
- End-of-life care
- Restorative care
- Infection control
- Patients' rights and independence
In addition to the classroom component, ID CNA training programs give students the opportunity to work with real patients in a clinical setting. This is done under the supervision of a nursing educator, and provides students with the opportunity to master those skills which are tested on the state's competency examination.
Finding a CNA in Idaho Training Program
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare approves numerous CNA training programs throughout the state, many of which are found in community colleges and care facilities.
To receive a complete listing of those programs currently approved in Idaho, call the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at (208) 732-1369 and request an official list of approved programs.
Benefits of CNA Idaho Certification
Those who complete an approved CNA certification program, and who are then able to pass the competency examination, are legally eligible to work as a CNA in Idaho.
With Idaho's aging population, CNA jobs are expected to be in demand for many years to come, making the profession ideal for those looking to enter the health care field.
For information on more nurse training options, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
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