Get CNA Certified in Texas
Want to become a CNA in Texas?
Job Growth:
CNA jobs are projected to grow 11% by 2026, and Texas has a high level of employment with 88,000 registered nurse aids.
Salary:
Texas is ranked top 2% for CNA wages, which average at $19/hour, but the top 10% of the nation’s nurse aids earn $50,000.
Requirements:
To become a registered CNA, you must graduate from an accredited course, some as short as 4 weeks, and pass the state exam.
What are the CNA requirements in Texas? Here’s how to prepare for your CNA state exam and how to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Texas.
What is a Certified Nurse Aide?
The role of Certified Nurse Aides is one of the most important on the healthcare team because they are the principal caregivers. They help patients complete everyday tasks such as to dress, bathe, and take medication. Certified Nurse Aides are also referred to as Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs. They work in hospitals and assisted living facilities alongside doctors and registered nurses.
CNA Requirements in Texas
Be at least 18 years old
Be in good physical health
Up-to-date immunization records
Pass a criminal background check
Graduate from a Certified Nursing Assistant School in Texas
Pass the State Exam
Register as a Certified CNA
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How to Become a CNA in Texas
To start a CNA training program, you need to be at least 18 years old. There is no minimum education requirement for nurse aides such as a high school diploma or a GED. Trainees with specific criminal convictions will not be allowed to practice as a CNA. A list of the offenses are at the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 250.006. Next, you will need to find accredited CNA classes in Texas. The Texas Health and Human Services department approves nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs, also known as NATCEPs, and also has a list of approved in-service education programs. Each program must include a total number of 100 training hours, including 60 classroom hours and 40 hands-on training hours at a nursing facility. The majority of these programs can be found at local community colleges, trade schools, or even the American Red Cross. You can find local CNA classes near you as well as CNA classes online.
The program can be completed in 6-15 weeks, although there are some accelerated programs that offer 4-week CNA classes as well. Students are under direct supervision during training and their program instructors must be licensed for nursing in Texas, have a minimum of 1 year of nursing experience, and must have either completed a course on how to teach adults or have verifiable experience teaching adults or supervising nurse aides.
Once the training is complete, you are eligible to apply for CNA certification, which allows you to sign up to take the official CNA examination. It’s recommended you take a free CNA practice exam to prepare. You must take the exam at a certified testing center such as the American Red Cross or one of the Pearson VUE testing sites for the National Nurse Assistant Training and Assessment Program (NNAAP).
Below you can also find city-specific information within Texas on how to become a CNA:
A Closer Look at CNA Training
A typical CNA program in Texas will include 16 hours of introductory training before administering direct care for patients. Introductory hours consist of communication, infection control, patients’ rights, and safety procedures such as the Heimlich maneuver. You can expect to take CNA classes that cover topics such as:
Ethics
Anatomy
Social Service
Medical Terminology
Cognitive Impairment
Evacuation Procedures
Personal Care & Hygiene
Infection Control
Basic Nursing Care
Restorative Care
Healthcare Laws
The CNA Training Program can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the program. For example, the American Red Cross program costs $1,300. However, these fees do not include classroom materials, uniforms, or textbooks. Some facilities, such as adult education centers, and nursing homes, offer free CNA classes, while others accept financial aid and payment plans. You can also apply for your employer to reimburse your training or supplement your certification with on-the-job training.
The CNA Test in Texas
Texas partners with the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) to certify its nurses. The CNA state exam is distributed by Pearson VUE and they provide a multitude of information to help you succeed in the examination process, including a free CNA practice test, applications, and test site locations and times.
The CNA test in Texas is comprised of 2 portions: a written (or oral) exam, and a clinical skills evaluation. Both are administered on the same day. The written exam has 70 multiple choice questions in English and you will have 2 hours to complete it. If English is your second language, you are able to opt out and take the written exam orally. You can take CNA classes en español as well. The oral exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions. The skills examination requires the nurse aide evaluator to supervise you performing 5 skills randomly selected from a list of 34 skills in 30 minutes or less. You must perform 4 of the 5 skills correctly to pass. You can schedule your examination with the Nurse Aid Competency Evaluation Services (NACES) at 1-800-444-5178 or 512-467-0615. If you have a disability, you may request special arrangements for the test that must be approved in advance. If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, it is possible to retake the exam twice. If you fail the test three times, you must re-train at an approved program before attempting the test a fourth time.
Once you pass the exam, Congratulations! Your certificate will arrive in the mail 4-6 weeks later. You can check on the status of your certificate on the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Employment Website.
CNA Exam Cost Broken Down:
$104 - Written & Skills Evaluation
$104 - Oral & Skills Evaluation
$27 - Written Exam only
$27 - Oral Exam only
$77 - Skills Exam only
On the Day of the Exam, Plan to Bring:
One form of current identification with a photo I.D.
Social Security card
Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the clinical evaluation
Three No. 2 pencils and eraser
A watch with a second hand
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CNA Jobs in Texas
Texas has one of the highest CNA employment rates, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are more than 88,000 CNAs currently employed. Texas is also ranked top in the nation for CNA wages with Tyler, Texas being the 5th top-paying metro area in the country at nearly $19/hour. The Houston area is ranked as one of the country’s metropolitan areas with the highest employment; there are nearly 19,000 jobs in the city.
The top 10% of CNAs can make $50,000 annually, and nursing assistant jobs are relatively easy to find. Due to the ability for increased training opportunities and further career advancements, there is a high turn-around rate for CNAs, as many use their work experience to start the accreditation process needed to become Registered Nurses. Working as a CNA is not only rewarding, but also offers job stability and immense growth opportunities.
Nearly 50% of CNAs work in Nursing Care Facilities, and there are 2,500 registered nursing facilities in the state of Texas that offer employment.
The remainder jobs are at hospitals, medical offices, facilities for elderly, mental health clinics, outpatient care centers, and even film and television housing facilities. CNAs play a such vital role in patient care, that the growth of CNA jobs is projected to grow 11% by 2026. An aging population will significantly increase nurse aide jobs. You may also work at a nursing facility for a maximum of 4 months while you are enrolled in your training program.
CNA Job Advancement
An entry-level position in the medical field, CNAs are given many opportunities to reach that next level. CNAs work with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and directly under a Registered Nurse (RN), so they are rewarded by seeing firsthand what it looks like to reach that next level. To become a LPN, a CNA can apply for a bridge course that can be found at a community college or a vocational training school that can either be offered online or on-campus. Typically this training includes a 6-24 week class with 75 hours of training, however many current CNAs are able to use their work hours to apply to training, making it very easy to promote. Texas has such a turnaround in CNA jobs advancement, that thousands of CNA jobs will open annually because of it. You may also join an association for resources and to help advance your career, such as the Texas Nurses Association.
Renew a CNA Certification in Texas
The state of Texas requires you to renew a CNA license every 2 years. There is no expiration date printed on your certificate, but you are responsible to renew the certificate on your own. Within 2 years, you must complete 24 hours of in-service training and provide proof of qualifying employment in order to maintain an active status as you renew your CNA license in Texas. Twelve of the 24 required hours must be completed at a facility that is licensed or certified by Texas Health and Human Services, the Texas Department of State Heath Services, or the Texas Board of the Nursing. The remaining 12 hours can be completed at any healthcare facility. The Health & Services department actually offers 6 classes, each valued at 2 hours of in-service education. They’re available for free for renewal certificates here.
You must start the renewal process 3 months before your license expires. If you fail to complete renewal, your nurse aide license will expire and you will not be legally employable until it is active again. If you cannot verify employment, you will also have to re-train and re-test. If you are out-of-state and already a CNA, such as a military exemption, you can obtain a license and CNA recertification in Texas. All nurse aides and nurse aide candidates must register in the Credential Management System, where a nurse’s certification status is available.
The state’s Department of Public Health also has a Nurse Aide Registry in Texas. A registered CNA must graduate from an accredited program and have an active license.
For additional information about state licensing, renewal, and certification contact:
Texas Department of Aging and Disability
Nurse Aide Registry
Mail Code E-414,
P.O. Box 149060
Austin, Texas 78714-9030
Phone: (512) 438-2050
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Visit your local Health and Human Services office for more nursing assistant information at the following locations:
701 W. 51st Street
Austin, Texas 78751
2561 Matlock Road
Arlington, TX 76014
1425 East 40th St.
Houston, TX 77022
200 Texas Ave.
Ste. 405
Texas City, TX 77590
5806 34th St.
Lubbock, TX 79407
11307 Roszell
San Antonio, TX 78217
State-Approved Nursing Assistant Programs in Texas
Region 1:
Amarillo College-Center For Continuing Health Care
6222 W. 9th
Amarillo, TX 79178
Director Contact: Kimberly Crowley
(806) 354-6085
Amarillo College Moore County Campus
1220 East First Street
Dumas, TX 79029
Director Contact: Robert Bates
(806) 934-7220
Amarillo VA Medical & Community Living Center
6010 Amarillo Blvd West
Amarillo, TX 79106
Director Contact: Jeanette Williams
(806) 468-1540
Destiny Staffing Career Center, LLC
2402 52nd Street, Suite 12
Lubbock, TX 79412
Director Contact: Della Showers
(806) 748-1666
Frank Phillips College
1301 Roosevelt
Borger, TX 79008
Director Contact: Peggy Quinn
(806) 457-4200
Frank Phillips College - Perryton
2314 South Jefferson Street
Perryton, TX 79070
Director Contact: Sarah Wilson
(806) 648-1450
Parmer Medical Center C.N.A. Program
1307 Cleveland
Friona TX 79035
Director Contact: Carmen Putman
(806) 250-2754
Region 2:
Cisco College
717 E Industrial Blvd
Abilene, TX 79602
Director Contact: Pearl Merritt
(325) 794-4411
Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing
2149 Hickory St
Abilene, TX 79601
Director Contact: Phil Howell
(325) 671-2399
Vernon College/Vocational Center at Haskell
4105 Maplewood Ave
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
Director Contact: Sherrie Denham
(940) 696-8752
Region 3:
Agape
10501 North Central Expressway
Suite 308
Dallas, TX 75231
Director Contact: Carolyn Perry
(214) 295-2962
Alliance Career Institute
9304 Forest Ln, Ste 107
Dallas, TX 75243
Director Contact: Roland Ehioghae
(214) 575-4774
B & M Career Institute
9550 Forest Ln., Ste 125
Dallas, TX 75243
Director Contact: Amber Wampler
(972) 876-8226
Bah Career Training
2433 Goldfinch Ln
Garland, TX 75042
Director Contact: Victorine Tenya
(972) 272-5820
C. E. Global Health Education Network Inc.
2121 Northwest Hwy #106
Garland, TX 75041
Director Contact: Shenola Fox-Hamilton
(972) 698-7792
Centric Nursing Institute
1301 Northwest Highway Suite 205,
Garland, Texas 75041
Director Contact: Florence Eriken
(214) 556-7766
Companion Training Center
10925 Estate Lane, Suite 240
Dallas, TX 75238
Director Contact: Christian Ewelike
(972) 310-6070
CTK Healthcare and Career Institute
3455 N. Beltline Road, Ste. 203,
Irving, TX 75062
Director Contact: Paulette Potter
(214) 441-3556
Dallas Career Institute
8499 Greenville Avenue #200
Dallas, TX 75231
Director Contact: Adolphus Aganigbo
(214) 691-0555
DISD-LaGrone Advanced Technology Complex
1504 Long Rd
Denton, TX 76210
Director Contact: Sheila Temple
(940) 369-4850
El Centro College
801 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75202
Director Contact: Catherine Henon
(214) 860-2243
Grayson County College
6101 Grayson Dr
Denison, TX 75020
Director Contact: Shirley Greenway
(903) 463-8765
Metromed Nursing Institute
11325 Pegasus St., Ste W-165
Dallas, TX 75238
Director Contact: Priscilla Madu
(469) 867-1149
Region 4:
Panola College Continuing Education
678 Roughrider
Center, TX 75935
Director Contact: Judy Lee
(936) 591-9075
Progressive Learning Center - NATCEP
669 Francis St
Hawkins, TX
Director Contact: Juliua Williams
(903) 374-4799
Tyler Junior College Continuing Studies-West Campus
1530 SSW Loop 323
Tyler, TX 75701
Director Contact: Charolette Kay Devereaux
(903) 510-2968
Region 5:
Abundant Light of Colita
1309 Colita
Livingston, TX 77351
Director Contact: Hope Eaton
(936) 329-0478
Angelina College
3500 S. First Street
Lufkin, TX 75904
Director Contact: Sandra Patterson
(936) 633-5377
Garden of Gethsemane Center/Housing Authority
160 George Briggs
Crockett, TX 75835
Director Contact: Mary Smith
(832) 382-1549
Sam Houston State University - Office Of Cont. Ed.
1806 Avenue J
Huntsville, TX 77341
Director Contact: Colleen Franklin
(936) 294-4568
Shelby College Center/Panola College
678 Rough Rider Dr.
Center, TX 75935
Director Contact: Judy Lee
(936) 591-9075
The Abundant Light of Livingston
301 Hwy 59 Loop, Ste E
Livingston, TX 77351
Director Contact: Hope Eaton
(832) 527-3322
Region 6
Academy of Exceptional Healthcare Training
8449 West Bellfort Suite 140
Houston, TX 77071
Director Contact: Vanessa Lee
(713) 777-4262
Ace Training Institute
10101 Harwin Suite #110
Houston, TX 77036
Director Contact: Stella Iyare
(713) 771-7737
Active Nursing Assistant Training of Clear Lake
2511-B Nasa Rd, Ste 102
Seabrook, TX 77586
Director Contact: Brenda Manning
(832) 265-2824
Aides For Home Health Care Services
4008 Vista Rd. 108 - Bldg C
Pasadena, TX 77504
Director Contact: Nancy Fontenot-Sparks
(713) 910-7575
American Medical Institute
6902 Cook Rd
Houston, TX 77072
Director Contact: Ify Emenaha
(713) 772-5300
Assurance Academy, LLC
2600 Gessner, Ste 203
Houston, TX 77080
Director Contact: Tangie Smith-Bryant
(281) 865-8533
Avalon Medical Career Academy
10101 Fondren Rd Ste 311
Houston, TX 77096
Director Contact: Gloria Wesley
(713) 272-6820
BC Houston Career Training Academy
2626 South Loop West, Ste 670
Houston, TX 77054
Director Contact: Ollie Williams
(713) 636-2746
Brazosport College Community Education
500 College Drive
Lake Jackson, TX 77566
Director Contact: Donna Britt
(979) 230-3600
Region 7:
A Med Ed School of Nurse Aide Training
4620 FM 1783
Gatesville, TX 76528
Director Contact: Samantha Shinn
(254) 223-2062
Austin Community College-Highland Business Center
5930 Middle Fiskville Rd
Austin, TX 78752
Director Contact: Wendy Pickard
(512) 223-7271
Blinn College/Bryan
301 Post Office St.
Bryan, TX 77801
Director Contact: Carolyn Reese
(979) 209-7565
Central Texas Council of Governments/Area Agency
2180 North Main Street
Belton, TX 76513
Director Contact: Sheryl Yauk
(254) 770-2358
Central Texas Nurse Network, Inc
313 E. Rundberg Ln, Ste 208
Austin, TX 78753
Director Contact: Veronique Johnson
(512) 836-3442
Health Training Services, LLC
102 Wonder World Dr, Ste 304
San Marcos, TX 78666
Director Contact: Kathryn Catlett
(512) 754-9647
TB Nurse Aide Training
815 Fisher St.,
Goldthwaite, TX 76844
Director Contact: Vicki Butterfras
(325) 451-0372
Region 8:
The Healthcare Institute
1822 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
Director Contact: Judy Ferguson
(210) 692-3262
Palo Alto College Continuing Education NATP
1400 W. Villaret
San Antonio, TX 78224
Director Contact: Carmen Choumont
(210) 486-3406
Southwest Texas Junior College-Crystal City H. S.
2401 Garner Field Rd
Uvalde, TX 78801
Director Contact: Belinda Jimenez
(830) 278-4401
Region 9:
Howard College-Lamesa Campus
1001 Birdwell Ln
Big Spring, TX 79720
Director Contact: Vanessa Arista
(432) 264-5070
Nurse Aide for Health Care Organization I
3200 W. Cuthbert
Midland, TX 79701
Director Contact: Wendy Wood-Collins
(432) 681-6364
Odessa College-Cont. Ed
201 W University
Odessa, TX 79764
Director Contact: Marsha Thomas
(432) 335-6539
William Regional Technical Training Center Midland
1309 West IH-10
Ft. Stockton, TX 79735
Director Contact: Denise Ureste
(432) 336-7882
Region 10:
ACE Nursing Education Services
6500 Boeing Suite L208
El Paso, TX 79925
Director Contact: Rachel Lozano
(915) 244-3955
El Paso Community College-Site 1
100 W Rio Grande
El Paso, TX 79902
Director Contact: Paula R. Mitchell
(915) 831-4029
Region 11:
Laredo Community College
W. End Washington St
Laredo, TX 78040
Director Contact: Hilda Cavazos
(956) 721-5255
Laredo Job Corps
1701 Island St
Laredo, TX 78041
Director Contact: Elbert Terry
(956) 727-5147
New Start School
709 N. Main Street
McAllen, TX 78501
Director Contact: Gabriel Tamayo
(956) 682-5670
Six RNs Institute
1018 W. Wisconsin Rd,
Edinburg, TX 78539
Director Contact: Luz Llasos
(956) 513-1748
South Texas College
1101 E. Vermont
McAllen, TX 78502
Director Contact: Sharon M Rice
(956) 872-3019
South Texas Training Center
213 E. Ferguson
Pharr, TX 78577
Director Contact: Hilda Silva
(956) 782-7100
South Texas Training Center - San Benito
1901 West HWY 77
San Benito, TX 78586
Director Contact: Hilda Silva
(956) 399-9698
Texas State Tech. College
1902 North Loop 499
Harlingen, TX 78550
Director Contact: Jean A. Lashbrook
(956) 364-4797
Victoria College - Cuero
2200 E. Red River
Victoria, TX 77901
Director Contact: Marilyn Powell
(361) 572-6446
Top-Rated Nursing Assistant Programs in Texas
Austin:
Graham’s Nursing Training
15501 N Fm 620
Austin, TX 78717
Phone number (512) 773-9808
Healthcare Career Centers
1200 E Palm Valley Blvd
Round Rock, TX 78664
Phone number (512) 246-6877
Dallas:
Cornerstone Career Institute
9550 Forest Ln
Dallas, TX 75243
Phone number (214) 779-0070
Texas Career Institute CNA School
9585 Scyene Rd
Dallas, TX 75227
Phone number (214) 275-9600
Fort Worth:
Ce Global Health Education Network Inc
2121 Nw Hwy
Garland, TX 75041
Phone number (972) 698-7792
CPR Done Right
Argyle, TX 76226
Phone number (469) 620-0277
Houston:
CNA Training Institute
140 Eldridge Rd
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone number (832) 766-0929
Smithwood Medical Institute
7100 Regency Square Blvd
Houston, TX 77036
Phone number (713) 975-0971
Avalon Medical Career Academy
10101 Fondren Rd
Houston, TX 77096
Phone number (713) 272-6820
Professional Careers Institute
6666 Harwin Dr
Houston, TX 77036
Phone number (713) 783-3999
Alpha Medical Institute
9207 Country Creek Dr
Houston, TX 77036
Phone number (713) 777-3996
San Antonio:
All About Medical Training
7126 Eckhert Rd
San Antonio, TX 78238
Phone number (210) 777-3915
The Institute of Allied Healthcare
7434 Louis Pasteur Dr
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone number (210) 616-0880
Gary Job Corp
2800 Airport Hwy 21
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone number (512) 396-6536