How to Become a CNA in Alabama
A CNA in Alabama most often works under the supervision of a registered nurse or Licensed Practical nurse in a nursing facility, hospital, dental office, physician’s office, hospice, nursing home, long term care facility or a related facility. Most employers will require CNAs to be at least 18 years of age.
The first step is to find a Nurse Aide or Nursing Assistant Training program approved by the Alabama Department of Health. These programs are offered through community colleges, the Red Cross and some nursing facilities. Learn about CNA Training Programs in Alabama. Upon successful completion of a CNA training program you will be eligible to sit for the certification exam called the National
Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).
You will need to go to the NACES Plus Foundation website (www.nacesplus.org) to download an Alabama Nurse Aide Program Application for Registration by Exam. You will need your training program information as well as employer information for your sponsor. The application and Alabama Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, which is also found on the NACES website, covers everything you need to know. You must take and pass the NNAAP exam within 24 months of graduating from a Nurse Aide / Nursing Assistant training program in order to begin working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Alabama.
You will be placed in the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry upon successfully passing the exam and check your status on the Alabama Department of Public Health website (www.adph.org).
CNA Salaries in Alabama
According to the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Market Information Division 2007 Alabama Wage Survey, CNAs in Alabama earned annual salaries between $15,700 and $25,300. More specifically CNAs in Birmingham-Hoover, AL earned between $16,600 and $25,700, CNAs in Decatur, AL earned between $15,100 and $24,500, CNAs in Dothan, AL $15,800 and $27,200, CNAs in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL earned between $13,500 and $24,100, CNAs in Huntsville, AL earned between $16,000 and $23,900, CNAs in Mobile, AL earned between $15,900 and $23,300, CNAs in Montgomery, AL $15,100 and $24,900, and CNAs in Tuscaloosa, AL earned between $15,200 and $28,800. As you can see, these are good salaries for those that have a high school diploma or less and 12 or fewer weeks of CNA training.
You may also be interested in LPN programs offered in Alabama or the Medical Assistant schools in Alabama. Find career, school and salary information for these two rapidly growing fields of health care.
Nurse Aide Training Programs in Alabama
| Easter Seals Central Alabama 2125 E. South Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36116 PH: 334-288-0240 Ext. 229 | Gadsden State Community College Division of Health Sciences P.O. Box 227 Gadsden, AL 35902-0227 PH: 256-549-8200 | J. F. Drake State Technical College 3421 Meridian Street North Huntsville, Alabama 35810-7439 PH: 888-413-7253 | American Red Cross Madison/Marshall County Chapter 1101 Washington Street, NW Huntsville, AL 35801-5417 PH: 256-536-0084 |
| Reid State Technical College I65 And Hwy 83 Evergreen, AL 36401 PH: 251-578-1313 | Shelton State Community College 9500 Old Greensboro Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 PH: 205-391-3972 | Southern Union State Community College 1701 Lafayette Parkway Opelika, AL 36801 Wadley and Valley locations as well PH: 334-745-6437 | Lawson State Community College 3060 Wilson Road Birmingham, AL 35221 PH: 205-925-2515 Nursing Assistant Program also @ Bessemer Campus |
| Trenholm State Technical College 1225 Air Base Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36108 PH: 334-420-4415 |