A CNA certification in Vermont will allow you to work as a “Licensed Nursing Assistant,” as it is more commonly known in this state. A person who would like to work here should pass a state-approved nurse aide training program; pass the state and federal criminal background check, and also the competency examinations for nursing assistants.
The state requires a minimum of 75 hours of training which includes 3 credit classes on fundamentals of nursing. The training should comprise both hours in classroom lecture and hours in practical training in a nursing facility. Subjects that should be covered in the training must include infection control, personal care, emergency procedures, resident rights and independence, communication skills, and nursing skills. These classes are offered by community colleges and even nursing facilities. The state requires a criminal background check for all who would like to enroll in a CNA training program before they are allowed to take classes.
After completion of the training, the applicant may then apply to take the state competency examinations. One needs to submit a completed application form, verification form of their completion of training, valid ID, and payment for the test fees. The test is composed of both a written exam and a manual skills test for particular nursing aide tasks. The written exam is composed of 72 multiple-choice types of questions and has duration of 90 minutes for one to complete and the practical skills test requires 5 randomly-selected skills to be performed. Both of these tests require at least an 80% average in order to pass. The test is conducted by the D&S Diversified Technologies Headmaster and application could either be by phone, post, or online. When taking the certification exam you will need to have a current government issued photo identification, dress in clinical attire and have a couple of No. 2 pencils with erasers.
After passing the exam, one should now apply to the Vermont State Board of Nursing in order to be included in the VT Nurse Aide Registry. The applicant needs to submit documents such as certificate of completion of a CNA training program, criminal background check results, and one’s test results. One cannot apply for work as a nursing aide if he or she is not included in the state registry.
Applicants for reciprocity are also accepted in this state. The requirements for reciprocity are current and active certification on another state, being in good standing with the registry, no record of resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property, and submission of a verification form. The form will be sent to the applicant’s state in order to know if they are indeed included in their registry and if they are without any disqualifying circumstances. A criminal background check in both state and federal levels will also be conducted for the applicant.
The license is renewed every 2 years and would require at least 8 hours of paid work in a licensed nursing facility under the supervision of a registered nurse. Renewal forms are sent at least a month before the expiration of the certificate and applicants are also required to have at least 12 hours of in-service education for each year.
Click this link to get additional information about certified nursing assistant schools in Vermont.