Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As a Certified Nursing Assistant responsibilities can range from: changing the linens on a bed, to helping a patient bathe, eat and dress. CNAs, or certified nursing assistants, perform a variety of hands-on duties that make patients comfortable; CNAs also assist in monitoring their patients’ health. To obtain employment, CNAs must be licensed in each state. Licenses expire after a set number of years and must be renewed.

CNAs help provide basic care for patients in variety of settings, from nursing homes to a patient’s own home. They help patients with bathing, dressing, eating and other tasks. In addition, they assist patients in transferring from bed to a wheelchair or the bathroom, as well as positioning a patient in bed. Some states allow certified nursing assistants to take patients’ vital signs and blood sugar.

A higher percentage of CNAs in the United States work in nursing homes.

No. A high school diploma or GED is required to enroll in a Nursing Assistant Program. Each state requires a specific training program, a specific clinical and classroom hours. Programs include classroom education on basic nursing principles and duties, along with supervised work with patients.

Enroll in a Nursing Assistant Training Program. Once you have completed the training program, a nursing assistant must pass a competency exam administered by the state in which they will work. Usually, the exam is written and clinical. The written exam usually takes about 90 minutes and is comprised of multiple-choice questions. The clinical portion of the exam consists of demonstrating patient care skills.

Nursing assistants must also apply to the state for certification. This includes basic information about them and their training program, as well as a criminal background check. Prospective CNAs also get fingerprinted.

Most states require CNAs to renew their license periodically, some as frequently as every two years. The license should have an expiration date on it. The expiration date can also be found on the state’s nursing board’s website. To renew a license, CNAs must have worked continuously in the field for a minimum number of hours. The licensing board will also check to see if there have been any complaints about abuse or neglect of patients. Some states also require that continuing education courses be taken, to be eligible for renewal.

Depending on how long ago the license expired, a CNA may simply need to pay a late fee to reinstate it. But for those whose license has lapsed for an extended period or who only worked sporadically, the CNA will need to repeat the certification exam, background check, fingerprinting and other application information. Some states require that CNA classes be taken again, as well. Often, CNAs who are trying to reinstate their expired license can get a temporary license, so that they can continue to work while they wait for their new license, which can take several weeks.

NEHA is here to help you succeed. Talk with our Program Coordinator for guidance.

You will need to sit for and pass the exam for nursing assistant certification if you want to work as a CNA in your state. You will qualify to sit for this exam after completing a training program that has been approved by your state.

Maryland CNA Certification Requirements:

• Complete 100 hours of CNA instruction through a board-approved CNA program
• Pass the CNA competency examination (written and manual skills)

Link: Maryland Board of Nursing

Massachusetts CNA Certification Requirements:

• Attend and complete a department-approved Nurse Aide Training Program
• Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (knowledge portion can be taken up to 4 times; clinical portion can be taken up to 3 times)

Link: Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program

New Jersey CNA Certification Requirements:

• Enroll in and complete a state-approved nurse assistant training program to include classroom learning and clinical instruction
• Pass the state’s CNA certification examination

Link: New Jersey Department of Health

Pennsylvania CNA Certification Requirements:

• Complete a Pennsylvania-approved nurse aide training program
• Pass the competency evaluation exam administered by Credentia within 24 months of program completion

Link: Pennsylvania Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry

Rhode Island CNA Certification Requirements:

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program that contains 120 hours of training
• Apply for a nursing assistant license
• Take and pass the CNA competency examination

Link: State of Rhode Island Department of Health

Virginia CNA Certification Requirements:

• Successful completion of a Virginia-approved nurse aide training program
• Take and pass the Virginia Nurse Aide written/oral skills examination and skills evaluation

Link: Virginia Board of Nursing

Yes, we do. We partnered with different Nursing Homes in States where we offer the program. Please check the link below:

mqshealth.com/careers

Yes, one make-up session will be allotted for illness or an unavoidable circumstance. The student must notify NEHA if an absence is unavoidable, and a make-up session will be scheduled. Failure to make up a scheduled session will result in termination from the program. NEHA records the daily attendance in hours for each student. Records of student attendance will be kept on file for student review. The school requires students to be in attendance for 80 percent of the program. Absenteeism for more that 20 percent of the total program constitutes cause for dismissal. Students who have greater than 20 percent absences will have their case reviewed by the school director with the likelihood of being dropped from the program. Students who realize that their absence will extend beyond 20 percent of the program have the option of requesting an official leave of absence.

The objective of career training is to prepare the student to obtain employment. Employment skills including time and attendance are reinforced in all programs. It is imperative that the attendance policy is adhered to by the student.

What percentage or grade is needed to pass the program?
Each student is expected to obtain a grade of 70% on all tests and quizzes. Students will also be given a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade based on performance observed by the instructor during the classroom laboratory and clinical experience. The student must maintain a 70% average to successfully complete the program and maintain a satisfactory classroom laboratory/clinical grade. Attitude toward work assigned and fellow students will
be reflected in the clinical grade.

A “W” Withdrawal is given to a student who stops attending during the course. An “I” is given to a student who does not complete the course work due to a documented and approved leave of absence. The student has 30 days to arrange and complete any necessary make-up and will have to apply for re-entry to the course. Only one reentry per course will be permitted. An “F” is given to a student who fails to meet requirements for program completion or who fails to make up prearranged make-up session.

Yes, we do have an orientation before the start of the NA Training Program.

Tuition, Book and Workbook, Uniform, and Cost of Skills and Written Exam.

North East Healthcare Academy does not award Grants or Scholarships at this time. We do honor grants and scholarships that our students have been awarded from outside organizations. All tuition costs are paid for by the student and must follow the tuition policy.

Student loans with a bank must be satisfied regardless of the success or lack of success at North East Healthcare Academy (NEHA).

All students go to clinical with Nursing Homes that NEHA has an Affiliation Agreement with. The clinicals are held in long term care facilities.

Yes, NEHA love uniforms. School uniforms keep students focused on their education, not their clothes. Wearing uniforms enhances school pride, unity, and community spirit. School uniforms improve attendance and discipline.

Wearing the uniform will not only make you proud being enrolled in a Nursing Assistant Program but more so a sense of belonging. If students wear the same clothes in school, they share a feeling of commonness and belonging. We want our students to stand out in the crowd. Uniforms are very important and fosters traits which are very necessary for a person as an individual and an organization to thrive and prosper.