Alaska CNA Program Entry
Alaska’s training program for nursing assistants is arguably the best and most comprehensive CNA training in the US. Aspiring nursing program students in Alaska must have a GED or a high school diploma. Additionally, they must have a clean criminal record and no history of abuse or neglect in any previous nursing experience. Without a high school diploma or GED, a student may still be able to enroll in a CNA training program provided they do well on a standardized reading comprehension exam.
Alaska CNA Program Basics
- Students interested in obtaining a CNA certificate must enter a state authorized training program.
- The student must complete at least 140 hours of classroom and hands on training to qualify for the Alaska state nursing assistant examination. The 140 hours must include 80 hours of clinical training and 60 hours of classroom discussion.
- Training program costs are approximately $2000.
- Because CNAs are widely in demand throughout the state, scholarships are often available and some nursing facilities offer the training program for free.
Alaska CNA State Assessment Exam
- In order to obtain Alaska CNA certification, nursing assistant students must first complete and pass the state examination administered by Pearson VUE.
- Students are placed on the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry once they pass the certification and are registered .
- A CNA is eligible to work in any Alaskan healthcare facility once they become certified.
Alaska CNA Renewal or Re-certification
- Re-certification is required every two years.
- Some employers will pay for CNA certification renewal or reimburse the renewal fee.
- CNAs will receive a packet from the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry prior to the expiration of their certificates.
- Should they fail to comply with the renewal process, CNAs will have to retake the training program and the state exam to obtain a new license.
