All 50 states are federally required to both approve certified nursing assistant (CNA) training programs and maintain a registry of nurse aides who are state-certified.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) approves over 100 OK CNA training programs throughout the state, making CNA training highly accessible to all residents.
This article explains how to find state-approved CNA training programs, and explains the Oklahoma nursing licensing requirements.
CNA Oklahoma Certification Steps
In order to legally be employed as a CNA in Oklahoma nursing homes and long-term care facilities, individuals must be placed upon the state's CNA registry. To do this, the following requirements must be met:
- Successfully complete an OK CNA training program
- Pass the state's CNA competency examination
- Pass a criminal history background check
Those who have an active CNA certification from another state can contact OSDH (405-271-4085) to inquire about reciprocity (which is the transfer of certification from one state to another). In addition, those who have graduated from an accredited academic nursing program can petition OSDH to waive the in-state CNA Oklahoma training program requirement.
OK CNA Training Program Characteristics
While training programs approved by OSDH vary slightly depending upon the provider, all programs in the state are federally required to provide the following minimum elements:
- 75 hours of total training
- A classroom training component
- A clinical training component
CNA students learn a number of important clinical and interpersonal skill areas in the classroom component, including:
- Infection control
- Basic nursing skills
- Restorative care
- Emergency procedures
- Patients' rights
- Communication skills
After learning in the classroom, students are given the chance to train in clinical environments – with real patients – under the supervision of a nurse educator. This prepares students for the CNA Oklahoma competency examination (which contains both a skills component and a written component).
Oklahoma Nursing CNA Program Listings
OSDH approves over 100 CNA certification programs throughout the state, most of which are housed in community colleges, community centers, adult institutes, and care facilities.
For a full listing of OK CNA certification programs, reference the OSDH approved CNA list.
Benefits of CNA Oklahoma Certification
Students who successfully complete an in-state CNA training program, and who then pass an Oklahoma nursing CNA competency examination, are eligible to be placed upon the state's CNA registry. This allows for legal employment in nursing homes and long-term care facilities throughout the state.
With Oklahoma's aging population, CNA jobs should remain stable and in supply for many years to come, making the nurse aid profession a solid option for those looking to enter the nursing 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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