CNA Certification in New Mexico

Obtaining CNA Certification in New Mexico was never so easy. CNAs in New Mexico usually work in nursing homes, clinics, hospitals and home health care settings. To get CNA certification in New Mexico, you have to first complete a State approved CNA training program after which you must challenge and successfully pass the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam. There are several quality CNA certificate programs in New Mexico. As per the federal laws, these programs must provide at least minimum of 75 hours of training, with a minimum of 16 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of hands-on clinical instruction. These programs usually last for 2-6 months and the eligibility criteria might vary slightly with the different programs. The required curriculum for CNA certificate programs include fulfilling daily needs of the patients, keeping medical records, keeping a clean environment for the residents, proper communication with disabled residents, protecting resident rights, advanced skills like CPR and many more.

What are perquisites of a CNA certification in New Mexico? CNA prerequisites in New Mexico include a criminal background check, showing a high school diploma or GED, two fingerprint cards, Photo ID, two photos (passport size). Another perquisite is a negative TB test within the last 6 months and proof of immunizations. It is to be noted that those individuals failing to have a clean criminal record are not issued the CNA certification, as per the state and federal laws.

After the completion of the CNA certificate program, you must challenge and pass the State CNA exam. The exam costs you $95 and consists of a written as well as the skill performance portions. Once you have the passing score in this exam, you get placed on the New Mexico Nurse Aid Registry and are declared a CNA. The CNA certification allows you to work in many health care facilities like nursing homes, hospitals and other medical facilities throughout the State of New Mexico.

Upon CNA Certification, the average salary of a CNA working in New Mexico is around $25,000 and additional benefits. Apart from the salary, a positive job growth in the CNA and related positions has been speculated, which indicates a good future ahead of those willing to CNA certified in the State of New Mexico.