The CNA field is expected to grow by 5 percent in the next decade, adding almost 65,000 new jobs. This is a promising field with much room for growth and many new opportunities becoming available. With that much potential, now is the perfect opportunity to pursue certification in this in-demand healthcare field. Do not be intimidated by the thought of needing to go through training or testing. The best news is that certification is possible in as little as 6 weeks, as long as you choose the right program. Here is a look at how to become a CNA in Texas – It may be easier than you think!
Meet minimum requirements to enroll
Before you enroll in a CNA program in Texas, the first step is to make sure you meet all the requirements for CNA students in the state. These are basic characteristics you must typically meet to pursue your certification:
| Prerequisite | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old (some states allow 16-17 year-olds with parental consent) |
| Background Check | Some states require passing a criminal background check |
| CPR Certification | Some states require CPR certification |
You do not need to meet any minimum education requirements to pursue CNA certification on Texas. That means that you can get started in the healthcare field even if you did not complete high school.
Enroll in a state-approved certification course
In order to qualify to take your certification exam, you must enroll in and complete a preparatory course that is approved by the state of Texas. Each of these courses, in order to be accredited must offer at least the following:
- 100 hours of training
- Including at least 40 hours of hands-on clinical training
- And including 60 hours of classroom training
In addition, these courses typically take between 6-15 weeks to complete and must include direct supervision from a practitioner who fulfills the following requirements:
- Possess a nursing license in Texas
- Have at least 1 year of nursing experience
- Have complete a course on teaching adults OR
- Have experience in teaching or supervising adults
Once enrolled, students must successfully complete all the requirements of their CNA classes before they can pursue certification testing.
Take the certification test
In order to become a CNA in Texas, all students must successfully complete and pass the state CNA certification test. You may take a free CNA practice exam in order to prepare for the test. Nervous about passing? Don’t be! You can attempt this exam up to 3 times before you must go through training again.
CNA Courses You Might Take
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a combination of hands-on and classroom training is essential. The specific courses and hours may vary depending on the state and program. Here are some of the subjects you may need to study as part of your CNA training:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| CPR/AED | Emergency response training, including usage of AED and CPR |
| Infection control | Teaches preventive measures against spread of diseases |
| Personal safety | Teaches recognition and avoidance of dangerous situations |
| Basic nursing skills | Teaches how to take vital signs, change dressings, administer medications, and more |
Are there exemptions to Texas CNA training?
Almost everyone who wishes to pursue CNA certification will need to go through an accredited training course. However, there are circumstances under which you may be able to proceed directly to testing. Here are some of them:
- Have successfully complete a NATCEP course in another state but have not taken the exam.
- Have completed military training of at least 100 relevant hours.
- Have successfully completed an LVN or RN accredited course but did not receive your nurse licensure in Texas
- You are enrolled in an accredited school of nursing in any state and have met their basic nursing requirements
Where can you work after becoming a CNA in Texas?
After you receive your CNA certification, you have a wide range of options regarding the healthcare settings where you work. The CNA position is an entry-level job that is flexible enough to fit within a wide range of organizations. Here are just a few of the options you may have upon graduation:
| Place | Description |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | Direct patient care alongside doctors and nurses |
| Veterans Administration Hospitals and Clinics | Provide medical treatment and rehabilitation services to veterans |
| Nursing homes | Provide long-term care for people with chronic illnesses |
| Assisted living facility | Assist with daily activities of seniors living independently |
| Private residences | Provide care in the client’s home |
Roles and Duties of CNAs
In addition, your job will prepare you to take on a wide range of roles and responsibilities, similar to the role of a patient care technician. Consider, for example, what you could do with knowledge like this:
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Care | Provide basic bedside care, feed, bath, and take vital signs of patients |
| Vitals Monitoring | Monitor vitals throughout the day |
| Wound Care | Change bandages and dressings as needed |
| Physical Therapy Assistance | Help with physical therapy exercises |
| Patient’s Movement Assistance | Move patients from bed to chair or other locations |
| Hygiene Assistance | Assist with personal hygiene tasks |
What if you could begin a new healthcare career in just 6 weeks? That is less time than earning your associates degree – And even shorter than your child’s summer break! At Careers Unlimited, you can! Our 6-week CNA program is fully accredited, meets all Texas requirements, prioritizes hands-on clinical training and is available on a flexible training schedule that includes nights and Saturday classes. This is the best way to prepare for a career instead of just sweating it out at a dead end job.
You will even graduate with your certification upon satisfactory completion of your program. The best part? We can help you afford your training and even offer scholarships or other financial aid, if you qualify. You could even study in other areas, such as phlebotomy, network specialist or clinical medical assistant! Apply today and ditch your dead end job in favor of a flexible career with room for growth!
Important Notice for Prospective CNA Students
While the insights shared in this post about renewing your Texas CNA license are applicable statewide, we want to make it clear that the hands-on components of our CNA courses are specifically held in-person in McAllen, Texas.
For Our McAllen Locals: If you are based in or around McAllen, TX, and looking to renew or attain your CNA certification, we invite you to participate in our hybrid program that combines flexible online learning with essential in-person clinical practice at our local facilities.
For Students Beyond McAllen: Don’t worry if you’re not in the McAllen area! You can still benefit from our comprehensive online courses designed to provide the foundational knowledge you need in your journey to becoming a certified nurse assistant. Our virtual classes are crafted to bring flexibility to your education, allowing you to study at your own pace and on your schedule, wherever you may be in Texas.
Tailored to Your Needs: Careers Unlimited is committed to providing accessible and high-quality education to future healthcare professionals. Whether you’re right here with us in McAllen or joining from afar, we’re here to support your educational journey every step of the way.
For more information about our CNA programs, please visit our course page or contact us directly to discuss how we can accommodate your educational needs.
ATTENTION CNA License Seekers in Texas
