CNA Classes in Alaska (Top Schools)

A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is one who:

• Provides direct patient care to residents
• Works under the supervision of a licensed or registered nurse

And for you to be a CNA in Alaska, you must satisfy the following conditions:

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program
• Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam
• Pass the fingerprint and background check

Once you do, you’ll be given certification by the Alaska Board of Nursing (ABoN).

Taking on a CNA Training Program in Alaska

Before becoming certified, you have to complete a CNA training program.

The ABoN regulates these programs offered by training facilities to ensure they meet state and federal standards.

You have many options where to enroll in a program, such as:

• Community and technical colleges
• Independent CNA institutes
• High schools offering CNA training programs
• Nursing homes and facilities

During the program, you’ll undergo 140 hours of training divided into:

• 60 hours of classroom lessons
• 80 hours of clinical instructions (for skills training)

The program’s duration depends on the training facility’s pace on the curriculum.

But usually, it takes you about six to 10 weeks to complete the training.

Below, you’ll find some of the state-approved schools that you can consider enrolling into.

For a complete list, you can visit the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry’s web page.

Attending a CNA Training Program at a Nursing Home/Facility

You may not be aware, but Alaska has a shortage of CNAs.

That’s why private entities like nursing homes or facilities will allow you to work while studying to be a CNA.

However, this is on the condition that you’ll receive certification within 120 days of completing the program.

Evaluating a CNA Candidate

To evaluate your competency as a nurse aide, you’ll have to take the NNAAP exam.

You need to go to Credentia’s website to take it as they’re the nurse aide credentialing provider for Alaska test takers.

In the NNAAP exam, there are two assessments you need to pass:

• Written or oral test
• Skills evaluation

Generally, the knowledge assessment is given in the written format.

However, if you have difficulty reading English, you can opt to take the test orally.

Just make sure to request in your application form that you’ll take an oral test.

Then, at the test site, you’ll be given an MP3 player and earphones to follow along with the questions in the test booklet.

Here’s the breakdown of the test content:

• If written – 70 multiple-choice items
• If oral – 60 multiple-choice items with 10 reading comprehension items
• Skills – accurately perform five randomly selected nurse aide skills

For the written or oral test, you must complete it within two hours.

Meanwhile, the skills evaluation must be completed within 30 minutes.

Exam Results

You’ll receive your exam results by mail after 10 business days of Credentia receiving your exam papers.

If you pass, then you’ll gain certification as well as an entry into the Nurse Aide Registry.

If not, then you’ll receive information on the areas you need to improve.

You have a total of three attempts to secure favorable exam results.

Otherwise, you’ll have to undergo CNA training again, as well as another testing cycle.

Renewal Process

Every two years in even-numbered years, regardless of the issue date, you will renew your certification as a nurse aide.

Don’t worry; you will receive a notice via mail 60 days before the expiration of your CNA.

Then, you’ll have to wait 90 days to receive your new certificate.

Note that each renewal period requires a continued competency requirement.

For the initial renewal, if you have been certified for:

• Less than a year – no action needed
• More than a year but less than two years – 12 hours of continuing education and 160 hours of paid CNA work
• Two years or more – 24 hours of CE and 160 hours of paid CNA work

Applying for the Evaluation Exam

The ABoN has a list of requirements you need to satisfy before they can approve your application for the exam.

Eligible CNA Candidates

You can only take the NNAAP exam if you meet any of these criteria:

• Completed a state-approved training program within two years before applying for the exam
• Licensed nurse (current or lapsed) within the U.S. or Canada
• U.S. or Canadian nursing student who completed the fundamentals of nursing within two years before applying for the exam
• Corpsman or medic in the U.S. military within five years before applying for the exam
• Foreign-trained nurses other than Canadians with transcripts accompanied by certified English translations

Also, except for a U.S. corpsman or military medic, the rest will submit their results of English proficiency exams.

You must have achieved at least the minimum passing score in any of these exams:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Overall – 6.5
  • On all modules – not lower than 6.0
• Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based test (TOEFL-iBT)
  • Overall – 84
  • Speaking score – 26

Application Fees

You’ll have to pay the following examination fees:

• Nonrefundable application fee – $100
• Exam fee – $55
• Certificate/licensing fee – $100
• Nonrefundable fingerprint processing fee – $ 75

Fingerprint and Background Check

In Alaska, you need to undergo fingerprint-based state and national criminal history
checks.

Fingerprints need to be made on standard FD-258 fingerprint cards.

You can request a fingerprint card at the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry web page.

You’ll submit the fingerprint card along with the application form and other documents.

Then, the fingerprint card will be sent to the Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

They will perform the criminal background check on behalf of the ABoN.

Potential Salary

Like in every profession, the CNA’s salary depends on several factors, such as:

• Education
• Skills
• Certification
• Working experience

That’s why if you want to earn more, you should invest in most of these factors.

As of this writing, the current average annual salary is around $35,000.

The table below shows the salary offers across the state of Alaska.

CNA Schools by City

• Anchorage3 Schools