A career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) offers a pathway into the healthcare field, providing hands-on patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. CNAs work in various settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities, assisting patients with daily living activities. The certification process is regulated at the state level, and in Nevada, this journey requires a structured sequence of steps overseen by the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN).
Meeting Preliminary Requirements
The first stage of becoming a CNA in Nevada involves meeting mandatory personal and legal criteria before starting formal training. While some programs prefer applicants to be 18, the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN) allows individuals as young as 16 to be eligible for certification. A crucial requirement is the successful completion of a criminal history screening, which includes providing fingerprints to the NSBN for submission to the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This background check is a state mandate designed to protect vulnerable patient populations and must be initiated through the NSBN. Applicants must also provide proof of their ability to legally work in the United States. Additionally, many training programs and healthcare facilities require up-to-date immunizations and a negative tuberculosis (TB) test result before a candidate can begin clinical training.
Completing an Approved Training Program
After satisfying the preliminary requirements, the next step involves enrolling in a Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) officially approved by the NSBN. Nevada law requires the training program to consist of a minimum of 75 instructional hours, divided between classroom theory and hands-on clinical practice.
A minimum of 16 hours must be dedicated to supervised clinical training in a healthcare setting, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge. The comprehensive curriculum covers subjects like basic nursing skills, infection control, patient rights, communication techniques, and emergency procedures. Candidates must confirm the chosen program is on the NSBN’s list of approved providers, as training from an unapproved source will not qualify them for the state certification exam.
The theoretical instruction focuses on foundational concepts such as patient safety, personal care, and the roles and responsibilities of the nursing assistant. The clinical segment provides essential experience under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, preparing the student to perform tasks like assisting with patient mobility and measuring vital signs. Successfully completing the NSBN-approved training allows a candidate to move forward to the competency evaluation.
Passing the Nevada Competency Examination
The final academic hurdle is passing the state-mandated competency examination, which assesses the candidate’s readiness to practice safely as a CNA. This examination, often administered by a state-contracted vendor like Credentia, is composed of two distinct parts: a written knowledge test and a hands-on clinical skills demonstration. The knowledge portion consists of multiple-choice questions, with an oral alternative available for candidates who request it due to reading difficulties.
The clinical skills component requires the candidate to perform a set of nursing assistant tasks, usually five skills randomly selected from a comprehensive list, within a specific time limit. Candidates must achieve a passing score on both the written and skills sections to pass the overall exam. If an applicant fails one or both sections, they are allowed to retest, though the number of attempts and the timeframe are strictly regulated by the state. Candidates must pass both parts within one year of completing their training program, or they will be required to retrain entirely.
Applying for Initial State Certification
After successfully passing both components of the competency examination, candidates must formally apply for certification. Passing the exam makes a candidate eligible, but it does not automatically place them on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry (NAR). The candidate must submit an application to the NSBN, often through the Nevada Nurse Portal, along with a required fee.
The application must include documentation of the successful completion of the approved training program and the official exam results. Once reviewed and approved by the NSBN, the candidate is officially listed on the NAR as a certified CNA, which is the legal authorization required to practice in Nevada. A permanent certificate will not be issued until the NSBN receives and resolves the results of the mandatory criminal background check from the appropriate federal and state agencies.
Renewing Your Nevada CNA License
Maintaining active certification requires the CNA to meet specific renewal requirements every two years. To be eligible for renewal, the certified nursing assistant must provide evidence of having completed at least 40 hours of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse within the preceding 24 months.
In addition to the work requirement, Nevada mandates that CNAs complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) within that same two-year renewal period. The NSBN requires CNAs to attest to having completed these hours when submitting their renewal application online. If a CNA fails to meet the minimum work hour requirement or allows their certificate to expire for two years or more, they will be required to either retake the entire state-approved training program or retake and pass both the knowledge and skills portions of the competency examination to regain active status.