If you have tried getting certified as a nursing assistant but had not been successful, there is still hope for you. You can take a refresher course and get the skills necessary to pass the exam. This way you can qualify to get your nursing assistant certification renewed and get a job as a nurses aide in the state you are in. However, if you have not yet taken the exam, then a CNA refresher course is not for you. If you have not yet taken a formal nurse aide training program you should first enroll in a college, or an approved training facility to get the necessary basic instruction and experience you need.
From here, you may be wondering what a refresher course is. This course is like a skill workshop where you will go through the basic skills that a nursing assistant should know. This is a good training program for people who have passed the certification but had it lapsed. From here, they can regain their certification if they pass the NNAAP competency exam. The CNA Refresher course will help you succeed in that area. It will help you review the basic skills and concepts that you have learned so that you can reapply them as you take the exam.
However, you have to take note that a refresher course is different from an ordinary nurse aide training program. You can only take it if you have already taken some certification but it has lapsed for no more then three years. You also need to have a background check so you can show them that your criminal records are clear and you have no criminal convictions that need to be tackled. Requirements may also vary depending on your location. However, these are the common requirements when it comes to taking a nursing assistant refresher course.
The CNA refresher course is also different from the training program in terms of length. Formal training programs usually last for two to nine months. This is pretty long compared with the length of a refresher course. This course will only last for around a month or so at most. Some also last for just 5 days. After all, the goal of this course is simply to review the concepts that you already know. It does not aim to teach unlike the nurse aide training program.
Last but not the least; a refresher course is different because it tackles different topics. Instead of learning more about nursing, you will learn more about basic first aid, CPR, taking blood pressure and other supportive tasks from this course. You will also get a refresher course on being a nursing assistant. This means that you will touch some topics that you may be familiar to you.
It is common to practice many of the commonly used tasks from the job. These are the same tasks and procedures you will be tested on when you go in for your final certification exams. Some of the skills covered include: safety protocols, infection control measures, measuring vital signs (such as pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and temperature), transporting residents, bathing/toileting, catheter maintenance, dressing patients, nourishment, housekeeping, organization methods, post mortem, restorative, psycho-social, and sub acute care.
So if your certification has lapsed, do not worry. There is still hope. You can take a refresher course and review all of the concepts and skills you have learned. From here, you can retake the exam and regain certification. Just do not give up. After all, this is your dream. You may have encountered some problems but everything is not in vain. Just continue learning and fulfilling your dream. A CNA refresher course can help you get there. You are not alone. You can take this course so you can pass the exam with flying colors.
For further information visit this page to find the CNA Registry for your state. Contacting a representative from your state’s registry can help you with access to resources and the current requirements for certification.
I have been trying to find a refresher course to get my licence recertified, but have had no luck. Do you know where one would be located in Lake County, and how much does it cost? I only missed one day within two years and I got denied recertification, this was back in February. I have currently applied for a CNA training class, but they still have to wait to get the state’s approval for the class. Loosing faith that I will ever get my licence at this rate, can’t afford the $1,200 fee for the Red Cross class. HELP ME PLEASE!! Thank You.
Hi my name is Sharon Thames. My cna certification expired in 2013…i feel that i need to take the refreshner course before taking the exam…can you help me
What state did you receive your certification in and is it the same state you want to work in?
Hi Laura, I’d like to try and help you. However, I’m not sure if you are located in the Lake County in California, Florida, Ohio or Minnesota USA.
I live in Livingston Texas..cant find a refresher class for cna..would like to renew my license. Have been a cna for over 25 years would hate to have to go through the whole cna class again. Would greatly appreciate it if you could help with this problem.
Hi Rose,
I would try calling the State of Texas Nurse Aide Registry at – 1-800-452-3934 In addition you could try contacting the Texas Nursing Facility Administrator Licensing Branch at 512-438-2050
I live in Long Beach CA, and i am having a hard time finding a refresher course, can anyone help me… Please I would appreciate it so much.
Hi, I would try to call the California Department of Public Health Licensing & Certification program at the following numbers to get advice about where you can take a refresher course in Southern California at (916) 552-8700 or Toll Free (800) 236-9747
Hi…I waa looking for a facility in the Helena, AR area or surrounding area that offered a refresher course…it has been over a year since I completed the class, and I would like 2 obtain my CNA license…if u could please send me some information it would be most appreciated
Hi you should contact the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry at the Arkansas Department of Human Services Direct Phone Number located here: 501-682-1807 or the Automated Phone Line: 501-682-8484 In addition you can try to call Prometric to see about enrolling in a refresher course here: Phone: 800-818-8917 Hope this helps 🙂
Hello i was a cna in Connecticut, but its been 12 yrs that ive been living in Florida. How do i get recertified, do i have to take the whole course or challenge the state exam.
Hi Sonia, I would start at the Florida Department of Health CNA Registry website at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing You can also get phone assistance from the call center about licensure and renewal by calling (850) 488-0595 Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
I am looking for the refresher course in or close to my area of Landolakes,fla. Also it has been more than 3 yrs. of it being inactive,would I still be able to do the refresher course? thank you for your help:)
You may not need a training program and be able to challenge the exam in Florida. The state recommends that you attend a state approved class. Call the Florida Board of Nursing Registry at phone to help you decide: 850-245-4125
hi.
Good day. I graduated Nursing Aide and received Certificate at the Philippines 4 years ago. What should I do to validate my certificate here in Las Vegas. Do you have a refresher course? I would really appreciate if you could help me. Thank you and I hope to hear from you.
Usually you must have completed your training/certification within the past two years to qualify for reciprocity/transfer. I would contact the Nevada State Board of Nursing to learn if you qualify at: 888-590-6726 or email them via: nursingboard@nsbn.state.nv.us
I am currently looking for a refresher course for my C.N.A. I live in the East Bay area if anyone has any information that would help me in my search I would really appreciate it. Thanks
By East Bay, I assume you mean in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. For a refresher course there I would contact the California Department of Public Health Licensing & Certification at (916) 552-8700 or Toll Free (800) 236-9747.
Medical career college in Fremont California 41300 Christy st. 94538 510.445.0319. The cost is $750.00. Good luck and tell others.This is a great refresher course for nursing assistant who need to be recertified.
Hi I am looking to take a refresher course for CNA
I live in Silver Spring, Maryland, Montgomery County. can u provide me with some information how I can go about getting these resources.
In the state of Maryland for renewal information you should contact Tina King at: tina.king@maryland.gov You can also try calling the MD Board of Nursing at phone: 410-585-1990, or 877-847-0626.
Hi, I am in Martinsburg, WV. I am trying to find a refresher course. No luck, could you please direct me in the right direction! Thank you.
You can try calling the state of West Virgina Department of Health and Human Resources at (304) 558-0050 for help finding a refresher course in your area.
looking for CNA refresher or test prep , forysth county nc (winston-salem) current Minnesota R-NA registry
North Carolina does not currently allow reciprocity from other states for Nurse Aide I. You can speak to a representative of the Center for Aide Regulation and Education by calling 919-855-3969, Mon-Fri, 9am -3pm EST for help locating training programs near your town or to get further information about certification.
Hi my name is Abby & I took a CNA class last yr in June and finished my class but never got the exam in and was thinking of moving to Texas in March can I take a refresher course or would I have to take the class all over again.
I believe you would need to have been certified in the state you come from to qualify for reciprocity. However, you should contact the Nursing Facility Administrator Licensing Branch at (512) 438-2050 to speak with a representative to find out definitively.
Hello, I am wondering if a refresher course could be an answer for me. I have been a nursing assistant for almost 30 years. My certification expired some time ago. It expired before I knew. I was working in hospital setting. I can’t afford or have the time to redo a class. Do you have a solution for me. I live in Tennessee.
In Tennessee the certification period is 24 months. Nurse aides must recertify every two years by providing work verification of having performed at least one, 8 hour shift during the previous two year time span. If the workers certification has expired for a period longer than two years, or the person has not worked in the last 24 months, the person must retrain and retest in order to be listed on the registry.
I would try contacting the Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office at (615) 532-5171 to see if you qualify for retesting. Good luck!
I completed the coarse over 3 years ago but did not get a chance to the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry exam because of my current job schedule. Is there a way I can take the exam without going to the coarse again if I am a Medic in the Air Force Reserved and working in the hospital once a month plus?
Typically you need to take the nurse aide exam within 24 months of finishing your training. I would try contacting the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry directly at 801-547-9947 to see if you qualify for an exception. They are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
My two year mark just hit and i want to do a refresher class but i dont know if Rock hill South Carolina do it if your not in school and i cant afford to go to an expensive re fresher class.
To speak with a representative from the SC nurse aide registry about renewal try calling (800) 475-8290 or (803) 898-2587.
My name is jonie lambert and I’ve been trying to get a refresher course in the state of wv I can’t find any facility’s doing one is there somewhere on line I can do it please email me the link if there is
I have been trying to get a refresher course to get my license renewed, i have until july 2016 but i really want to get back to work n LTC home is there any place close to me to do this refresher course, im in charleston WV,
and i need all the info and help u can give. I work at a hospital were they dont require the license and it expired before i knew , please help thanks you…..
I just moved to AZ from CA I have my CNA in CA. I want to take a refresher course in AZ can I do that?
In AZ you can apply for CNA by endorsement if you are currently in good standing with your license. To learn more visit the AZ State Board of Nursing website at: http://www.azbn.gov/Applications.aspx
I’m in Oak Harbor, WA and I went through Skagit Valley College for my CNA course. I didn’t have the time to take the certification exam. is there a refresher course close to me? i don’t have the funds to take the whole course again. please help. thank you
I would contact the WA Nurse Aide Registry by calling their customer service line to find out your options at: 360-236-4700. Whether you can go directly to the exam will depend on how long it has been since you took the course. In Washington if you were certified and your license expired you have up to one year to apply to the State Board to be reinstated. If it has been expired for more than 2 years you need to retake a training course.
Hello
I was a CNA in CT a long time ago and my certification lapsed in 2004. I am now in Myrtle Beach SC and would like to start my medical career again, but unable to find refresher courses and/or simply take the test.
In South Carolina you should try contacting their Registry Services Department at (803) 898-2587 for further information.
Hi I have a cna license in Ms…i let them expire in 2011 I need a refresher course before I pay a $100 to retake the exam…I don’t have the time to retake the entire course..can u please help me I live in Gulfport Mississippi
Hello I am looking for someone that offers a Refresher Course for CNA’s in VA, it’s have been a long process trying to get recertified as a CNA in Va. I was certified in FL, and move around being military and certification expired in 2011 and have not been able to recertify because they are saying you have to do it all back over again here in VA, now that is too much when you have been certified before. Help Please!!
I would contact a representative of the Virginia Board of Nursing to find out your best way to get re-certified. The Nursing Board’s phone number is : (804) 367-4515
Im looking for someone that does a refresher course in Ri. My license will expire next month. Can you please help me?
I would try contacting a representative from the RI nurse aide state registry by calling 401) 222-5888
I live in Rochester new York I can not find any can refresher course at all I am willing to travel up to hours a way for one can you please help me find one
Try calling the NY nurse aide registry hotline at: 1-800-918-8818. It is a 24 hour phone line to help. you will need your New York State Nurse Aide Certification number. If you don’t have your number you will have to contact a company called Prometric that handles registry oversight for the state.
I have my certificate for finishing my classes I passed my skills but not my written I passed my 2 year mark of taking my classes I dont know what should I do I am from south Carolina.
The South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry is managed by a company called Pearson Vue. You can read more about contacting them on this page – https://cnaedu.com/south-carolina-nurse-aide-registry/
I received my CNA certification in 2013 from Rockville Maryland. But it has expired, I am wondering if it is too late to do a refresher course and retake the exam? Where can I do a refresher course, can someone guide me? I would appreciate it.
Sounds like it may be too late – our list of CNA classes in that state are listed here – https://cnaedu.com/cna-classes-in-maryland/ You could also try contacting the registry in Maryland at one of these contact numbers –
Main Phone: 410-585-1900
Toll Free: 1-888-202-9861
CNA Certification: 410-585-1990
Renewal Desk: 410-585-1938
My name is Tyrone. I’ve been looking for a refresher course to take to get my license renewed and I have been unsuccessful. I live in Michigan City and would like some help. Please contact me by email @ tyronestapleton7283@gmail.com Thank you and hope to hear from someone very soon.
Try contacting the Indiana CNA Registry and hopefully they can point you in the right direction for a license renewal class. Indiana CNA Registry Main Phone Line: (317) 233-1325
I am looking for a refresher CNA course in Illinois. Can you tell me who to contact to find out if there are any of those classes available in my area?
Contact a representative of the Illinois CNA Registry at 217-785-5133 or TTY: 800-547-0466 or Email: DPH.HCWR@Illinois.gov for further guidance about renewing your certification.
I had been a CNA since May 1998 to October of 2013. I had moved around several times while trying to balance my mom’s illness from cancer, taking care of my children, going through a divorce, and working. In the mist of these situations my Nursing Assistant License had lapsed. And I also would like the opportunity to take a refresher course and receive my license back. Please put me in the right direction to achieve this. Healthcare is what I love. I currently reside in Pinole, California.
You can find contact information about the CNA registry in CA including phone and a link to the verification search here – https://cnaedu.com/california-certified-nurse-assistant-registry/
How can I find a refreshment course in Newburgh ny or somewhere close to it
Hi I completed training a little over a year ago but did not take the exam because I was moving states. I am currently in Idaho and was wondering who to contact in order to take the exam and become certified. Thank you.
Start with the information found on this page https://cnaedu.com/idaho-nursing-assistant-registry/ to learn more about the contact details and requirements for the Idaho CNA registry
Hi I live in Kansas and I had my CNA license since 2007 but it expired on 2016 can I just take a refresher course and get recertified?
Trying contacting the KS CNA registry. More info here – https://cnaedu.com/kansas-nurse-aide-registry/
How will I find a refresher course in Tennessee
My husbands cna got screwed up through miscommunication with PSI. He was due jan 2019 instead of march. The board would not grant him a grace period. He has been a cna since 2003. Would he be able to do the refresher coarse? Any info would be wonderful! Thank you!
I completed my CNA1 courses of 172 hours @ Forsyth Tech Community College in North Carolina in 2017.
I passed the written test but I didn’t in my skills because I didn’t realize that I had a serious case of sleep Apnea that was causing my short term memory.
I have been on CPAP machine treatment that is supplying oxygen to my brain.
I moved to the state of Arizona 2 weeks ago.
How do I go about doing a refresher course in the state of Arizona?
Try contacting the Arizona nurse aide registry for more clarity regarding your current situation. More info here – https://cnaedu.com/arizona-state-board-of-nursing/
Hi my CNA certification expired in 2016 in DE want to know the proper steps to get recertified.
You can find the contact details here – https://cnaedu.com/delaware-state-nurse-aide-registry/ and the requirements here – https://cnaedu.com/cna-certification-in-delaware/
Hi, My name is Sharon Sims. I’m from Vicksburg Ms. I have a CNA certificate but I never got them certified. Where can I take a refresher course so I can get certified and get a job
Hi, I am trying to find a cna refresher close to wilmington, nc
Hi!
I was wondering if there were any CNA refresher courses in Pennsylvania?
Are there refresher classes in NYC? I have checked online but unable to find. Would appreciate the info.
I need to take refresher courses for cna. I have been a cna for 20 some odd years. I’m in copperas cove texas and can’t find any online courses. Pleaseadvisr
Hi I was certified in TN however my certification has expired. It’s been too long for me to renew by showing proof of employment during allotted time period. Do you know if there are cna refresher courses I can take to bypass the long course or if im able to just retake the exam?
I need a refresher course for NY ! Can somebody please point me in the right direction . I’m taking my test in 2 weeks .