CNA Classes in New Jersey

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Want to become a CNA in new jersey?

 
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Career Growth:

CNA jobs are projected to grow 4% by 2033, and there are nearly 32,000 CNA jobs in the state of New Jersey.

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Job Opportunity:

Newark, NJ is the #1 city in the U.S. for employment level of Nursing Assistants with 80,000 CNAs; and is also the #4 highest paying city for CNAs.

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Requirements:

To become a registered CNA, you must graduate from a CNA program, and pass the New Jersey Nurse Aide state exam.


What are the CNA requirements in New Jersey? Here’s how to prepare for your CNA state exam and how to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in New Jersey.

 

What is a Certified Nurse Aide?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a vital role in providing essential care to patients in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. CNAs assist with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and mobility support. They also help monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse, and report any changes in a patient's condition to nurses or other healthcare professionals.

In addition to physical care, CNAs offer emotional support to patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being. Their responsibilities contribute to maintaining a safe and clean environment, helping with infection control, and fostering the dignity and independence of those in their care.


CNA Requirements in new jersey  

  1. Graduate from a Certified Nurse Aide School in New Jersey

  2. Pass the New Jersey CNA Examination

  3. Register on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry

 

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How to Become a CNA in new jersey

The New Jersey Department of Health oversees the licensing of Certified Nurse Assistants in New Jersey. Students must graduate from a Nurse Aide in Long Term Care Facilities Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Future CNAs must also complete a fingerprint-supported criminal background investigation.

The NATCEP training programs in New Jersey consist of 90 hours of total training, which includes 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical (hands-on) training. Programs are conducted in long-term care facilities, private trade schools, high schools, and community colleges.

The NATCEP includes the following topics:

i. The Core Curriculum for the NATCEP

ii. Psycho-Social Needs of Residents

iii. Physical Needs of the Resident

iv. Spiritual, Recreational, and Activity Needs of the Resident

There are various flexible ways to complete your CNA training. You can join a fast-track CNA program, attend a nearby CNA school, take online Nursing Assistant courses, or even choose a hybrid Nurse Aide program. Some programs offer accelerated 4-week CNA classes. To find fast CNA programs, simply use the Free CNA School Search tool at the top of this page by entering your zip code to locate nearby schools. Additionally, you can try a Free CNA Course on our website to practice and see if nursing is the right career path for you.


A Closer Look at CNA Training in New Jersey

A typical CNA program in New Jersey will teach you how to become a CNA with a combination of textbook classroom education and hands-on learning in a clinical environment. The following topics are on the written state exam in order of importance:


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The CNA Test in new jersey

The New Jersey Department of Health administers the New Jersey CNA Exam in partnership with a private company called PSI. Once you have successfully graduated from your Nursing Assistant Program in New Jersey, you can sign up to register for the CNA exam. You’ll need to take the test within 2 years of your graduation date from your CNA program.

The New Jersey CNA test consists of 2 sections. The first section is the Skills Evaluation. Hand washing with soap and water will be one of the tasks you will need to perform. Four additional tasks will be randomly selected from the possible list of 22 tasks for you to perform on your skill test. You will be demonstrating your 5 tasks using your candidate “partner” as your resident. Examples of some possible skills to be tested are ambulation with a gait belt, removing gloves, applying an elastic stocking, denture care, or recording a resident’s respiratory rate.

Once you have successfully passed the Skills Evaluation, you are eligible to take the Written Exam; a multiple-choice test with 60 questions. An audio (oral) version of the exam is also available. The Written Exam is also available in a Spanish version. You can take CNA classes en Español as well. You must have a 75% score or better to pass.

Once you pass both sections of the New Jersey Nursing Assistant Test you’ll be able to earn your New Jersey CNA License and be added to the New Jersey CNA Registry.

Congratulations! You are now eligible to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in New Jersey.

CNA Exam Cost Broken Down:

  • $23 - Clinical Skills Evaluation

  • $53 - Written (or Oral) Evaluation

On the Day of the Exam, Plan to Bring:

  1. 2 Forms of Identification

  2. Non-skid, closed-toe shoes

  3. Full clinical attire (scrubs)

 

Think you're ready?

Enter your zip code in the form below and we’ll match you with the best CNA schools near you and online. It’s fast and free!


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CNA Jobs in new jersey

There are nearly 32,000 CNA jobs in New Jersey, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The following areas have the highest employment of CNAs:

80,540 CNA Jobs - Newark, NJ

32,410 CNA Jobs - Camden, NJ

1,510 CNA Jobs - Trenton, NJ

1,150 CNA Jobs - Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ

720 CNA Jobs - Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ

Newark, NJ has the highest employment level of Nursing Assistants of any metro city in the U.S. Camden, NJ takes the #4 top metro of highest CNA employment.

Newark, NJ is the #8 highest paying city for CNAs in the country. The top 10% of CNAs earn nearly $57,000/year.

 
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CNAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, medical offices, and skilled nursing facilities. There are more than 348 nursing homes and about 355 senior living communities in New Jersey, according to the U.S. News. You can search these possible employers by location, facility size, and reviews. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that CNA jobs are expected to grow 4% by 2033 nationwide with more than 2,000 CNA job openings each year.


CNA Job Advancement in new jersey

Becoming a Nursing Assistant in New Jersey is a fantastic entry-level opportunity for those starting out in the medical field. The process to get licensed is quick and affordable, allowing you to begin working as a CNA in no time. This career is not only fulfilling, as it involves caring for patients, but it also offers benefits like flexible work hours and health insurance. For those looking to further their nursing careers, you can advance to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) with further education. There are nearly 17,000 LPN jobs in New Jersey and 83,000 RN jobs in New Jersey.

It’s also a great idea to network with other medical professionals for jobs and school opportunities. You can join the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) centered on CNAs. Or you can join local associations such as the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) or the New Jersey Nursing Students, Inc (NJNS).

And for current news, CNA tips, and job information, become a regular reader of our CNA Blog.


Renewal of a CNA License in new jersey

You must renew your CNA license in New Jersey every 2 years to maintain your active status as a Nursing Assistant. You must have worked at least 7 hours in a nursing-related job in those 2 years.

If you have questions about the Nurse Aide Training Program or CNA-related activities, please contact:

 

Think you're ready?

Enter your zip code in the form below and we’ll match you with the best CNA schools near you and online. It’s fast and free!