Get CNA Certified in Oregon
Want to become a CNA in Oregon?
Job Growth:
CNA jobs are projected to grow 11% by 2026, and there are 8,000 jobs just in the Portland, OR area.
Salary:
Oregon is one of the top-paying states for CNAs. The top 10% of Oregon’s CNAs earn $45,000/year. The top 10% of the nation’s CNAs earn $50,000.
Requirements:
To become a registered CNA, you must graduate from an accredited course, some as short as 4 weeks, and pass the state exam.
What are the CNA requirements in Oregon? Here’s how to prepare for your CNA state exam and how to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Oregon.
What is a CNA?
In Oregon, a CNA is most often known as a Certified Nursing Assistant. They are sometimes also known as Certified Nurse Aides. CNAs must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to successfully take care of their patients. These patients are also known as residents because CNAs mostly work at nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Although, CNAs can also be employed at hospitals and doctor offices. Being a Certified Nursing Assistant is a rewarding career with many opportunities to promote with additional experience and to specialize in a particular area of medical care.
CNA Requirements in Oregon
Graduate from an Accredited Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Pass a background check
Pass the Oregon CNA State Exam
Register as a Certified CNA in Oregon
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How to Become a CNA in Oregon
The Oregon State Board of Nursing issues licenses for all Certified Nurse Assistants. There is no age requirement to become a CNA. However, some training programs require students to be of a minimum age. You must graduate from an accredited CNA training school. This school does not have to be located in Oregon.
There are many flexible options for CNA training. Some schools offer programs with 4-week CNA classes for students who want accelerated programs to get certified as fast as possible. There are also hybrid options with some online CNA classes and clinical classes at a local school. You can also take CNA classes en Español. Use the Free School Finder at the top of the page to search CNA schools near you with your zip code.
The state of Oregon has a unique designation for Certified Nurse Assistants. There are two levels; CNA I and CNA II. All CNAs must first start with Level 1 and can promote to Level II with additional education and experience. CNA II nurses must still be under the supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Responsibilities that CNA II nurses can only perform include tasks such as mentoring peers, crisis intervention, cultural responsiveness, adjusting oxygen rate of flow, screening newborn hearing, using audio or visual guides for therapy, etc. To see a complete list of skills performed by CNA I and II, please visit here. A CNA I program in Oregon must include 24 hours of classroom instruction. A CNA II program must include at least 60 hours of classroom/lab and 28 hours of clinical.
Once you’ve graduated from your accredited CNA program in Oregon, you must submit an application to the Oregon State Board of Nursing. As part of this application you’ll need to pass a criminal background screening. The Oregon State Police and the FBI will process the background check and results are sent to the Oregon Board of Nursing. Part of the background check includes a submission of fingerprints. The Oregon State Board of Nursing partners with Fieldprint Inc. to collect electronic fingerprints. Once you apply for your CNA License in Oregon, you’ll be sent an email to schedule an appointment on Fieldprint’s website. There are many locations throughout the state with Livescan machines to collect digital fingerprints. You’ll need two forms of identification and the cost is $64.50. For additional information consult the state’s fingerprinting review.
The state nursing board will review your application. Once your application is approved you’ll be eligible to schedule your test date. You must take the state exam within 1 year of graduating from your CNA program. It’s recommended you take a free CNA practice exam to prepare.
Once you pass the state exam, congratulations! You’ll receive your license and be listed on the Oregon Nursing Registry.
A Closer Look at CNA Training
A CNA program in Oregon will include nurse assistant training before taking the state exam and becoming certified. Introductory hours consist of knowledge of rules, infection control, and patients’ rights and well as manual skills such and dressing and bathing patients. You can expect to take CNA classes that cover topics such as:
Client Rights
Recording Vitals
Administering Medication
Data Collection
Ethics
Emergency Procedures
Hygiene
Disease Process
Healthcare Laws
Age Development
Caring for the Impaired
The CNA Training Program can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the program. For example, the American Red Cross program costs $1,300. Some programs have inclusive tuition and other programs charge separately for textbooks, lab fees, etc. There are also opportunities for free CNA classes in Oregon if you get a job at a nursing home that will sponsor your training and state testing fees.
The CNA Test in Oregon
The Oregon State Board of Nursing contracts with the Headmaster Testing Service to administer the CNA state exam in Oregon. There are many test site locations throughout the state and you can schedule a test date here. Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before your test time. Nothing will be allowed in the testing room such as cell phones, smart watches, fitness monitors, purses, backpacks, etc. You can expect to be at the test site for up to 8 hours. Once all students are checked in, the written knowledge test will be administered first.
The Oregon-approved Nursing Assistant Level-1 Test consists of written and manual portions. The knowledge test is a written, multiple-choice test with 80 questions. You will have a maximum 90 minutes to complete the test. You must score at least 73% to pass the exam. You can also request to take the knowledge test orally instead of written. However, this will need to be requested when you submit your application. There is also an additional $30 fee to take the test orally.
After the written knowledge test is complete, everyone will be assigned slot times for the manual skills test. During the manual skills test you’ll demonstrate your ability to perform clinical nursing tasks. If you have any kind of recent physical impairment, such as a cast or crutches, you won’t be able to participate in the manual skills test and will need to reschedule. Exceptions are made for pre-approved candidates with disabilities. A Registered Nurse (RN) will be administering the test. There are a total of 30 possible skills you’ll be tested on. The RN will notify you on-the-spot which 3-4 randomly-selected skills you’ll be demonstrating. You’ll have 45 minutes to complete these 3-4 tasks.
Exam results will be available 3-5 days after the test date on the Headmaster website. For more information regarding retests or rescheduled exams, consult the CNA Candidate Handbook or call Headmaster Testing Service at (800) 393-8664.
CNA Exam Cost Broken Down:
$106 - Knowledge & Manual Skills Exam
$30 - Oral Evaluation (Additional)
$70 - Retest of Knowledge & Manual Skills
$25 - Retest of Knowledge
$45 - Retest of Manual Skills
On the Day of the Exam, Plan to Bring:
Two forms of current, government-issued IDs with signatures. At least one ID must have a photo
A standard watch with a second hand
Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the manual skills exam
Scrub-like clothing for the manual skills exam
Three No. 2 pencils with an eraser
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CNA Jobs in Oregon
Oregon has one of the top-paying states in the country for nurse assistants, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average pay for CNAs is $16/hour or $33,000/year but the top 10% of CNAs in Oregon earn $45,000/year. The top 10% of CNAs nationwide can make $50,000 annually.
Nursing assistant jobs are very plentiful. There are 13,000 CNA jobs in Oregon, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The metro area of greater Portland has nearly 8,000 jobs. CNA jobs are projected to grow nationwide 11% by 2026 due to an aging population.
According to a Board of Nursing report, there are nearly 20,000 active licenses of CNAs in Oregon. About 17,000 CNAs are female and 3,000 are male. The average age of a CNA in Oregon is 37 years old. Multnomah county has the most licenses at nearly 3,500, followed by Lane county with 2,100 and Washington county with nearly 2,000.
Nearly 50% of CNAs nationwide work in Nursing Care Facilities. The remaining jobs are at hospitals, medical offices, facilities for elderly, mental health clinics, outpatient care centers, and even film and television housing facilities.
CNA Job Advancement in Oregon
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a great way to get started in the nursing field. Training is fast and tuition is low-cost so you start working as soon as possible. While you’re working, you can also gain experience and education to quickly promote from CNA I to CNA II. You can then take a bridge program from a CNA to a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). Your credits and skills from being a CNA will transfer so it will take less time than a typical LPN program. You’ll get a salary increase; the top 10% of LPNs in Oregon earn $63,000 annually. You can also promote to a Registered Nurse (RN). The top 10% of RNs in Oregon earn more than $120,000 annually.
And for current news, CNA tips, and job information, become a regular reader of our CNA Blog.
How to Renew a CNA Certification in Oregon
You should renew your CNA license while it’s still active. You do not need to take any continuing education courses in order to renew your CNA license. If your license has been expired for more than 61 days, then you must reapply to the Board of Nursing with an application and payment.
You must also keep your legal name and your address current. To change both see here.
For more information contact:
Oregon State Board of Nursing
17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Road
Portland, OR 97224-7012
Monday through Friday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (PST)
Phone: (971) 673-0685
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State-Approved Nursing Assistant Programs in Oregon
Aidan Health Services
180 Commercial St. NE, Ste. 11, Salem, OR 97301
503-368-5171
Avalon Health Care
1077 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477
541-672-1631
Avalon Health Care
1077 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477
541-672-1631
Avamere Health Services
25117 SW Parkway Ave Ste F, Wilsonville, OR 97070
503-570-3405
Baker Technical Institute
2500 E Street, Baker City, OR 97814
541-524-2651
Baker Technical Institute
2500 E Street, Baker City, OR 97814
541-524-2651
Caregiver Training Institute LLC
12790 SE Stark St. Suite 100, Portland, OR 97233
503-257-0117
Caregiver Training Institute LLC
12790 SE Stark St. Suite 100, Portland, OR 97233
503-257-0117
Caregiver Training Institute LLC
12790 SE Stark St. Suite 100, Portland, OR 97233
503-257-0117
Central Oregon Community College
2600 NW College Way, Health Careers Center #350, Bend, OR 97701
541-383-7586
Central Oregon Community College
2600 NW College Way, Health Careers Center #350, Bend, OR 97701
541-383-7586
Chemeketa Community College
4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, OR 97309
503-399-5058
Chemeketa Community College
288 NE Nortan Lane, McMinnville, OR 97128
503-399-5058
Clackamas Community College
7738 SE Harmony Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222
503-594-0663
Clackamas Community College
7738 SE Harmony Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222
503-594-0663
Clackamas Nursing Assistant Training
11875 SE 129th Avenue, Happy Valley, OR 97086
503-709-6560
Clatsop Community College
1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, OR 97103
503-338-2359
Clatsop Community College
1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, OR 97103
503-338-2359
Columbia Gorge Community College
400 E Scenic Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058
541-506-6000
Dallas Retirement Village Healthcare Center
377 NW Jasper St, Dallas, OR 97338
503-623-5581
Dare 2 Care
1050 Willagillespie Rd Suite 6, Eugene, OR 97401
541-688-4262
East Cascade Retirement Community
175 NE 16th, Madras, OR 97741
541-475-2273
EMT Associates
2275 Rock Ln, Eugene, OR 97401
541-844-1328
EMT Associates
2275 Rock Ln, Eugene, OR 97401
541-844-1328
Holgate Community Training
3102 SE Holgate Blvd., D307, Portland, OR 97202
503-915-7905
Holgate Community Training
3102 SE Holgate Blvd., D307, Portland, OR 97202
503-915-7905
Holy Cross Nursing Assistant Ed
PO Box 56, Elmira, OR 97437
541-968-4596
Klamath Community College
7390 S 6th St, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
541-882-3521
Klamath Community College
7390 S 6th St, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
541-882-3521
Knight's Training Services
1509 E Washington, Cottage Grove, OR 97424
541-513-1601
Lakeview Gardens
700 South J Street, Lakeview, OR 97630
541-947-7306
Lane Community College Eugene
101 W 10th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
541-463-6100
Lane Community College Eugene
101 W 10th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
541-463-6111
Linn Benton Community College
6500 SW Pacific Blvd, Albany, OR 97321
541-917-4970
Mannahouse Academy
9200 NE Freemont St, Portland, OR 97220
503-252-5207
Marquis Companies
4560 SE International Way Ste 100, Milwaukie, OR 97222
971-206-5200
Marquis Companies
4560 SE International Way Ste 100, Milwaukie, OR 97222
541-822-6691
Moore Nurse Consulting
328 West Main Street, Suite B, Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-523-4806
Moore Nurse Consulting
328 West Main Street, Suite B, Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-341-7550
Mt Hood Community College
26000 SE Stark St, Gresham, OR 97030
503-491-7235
Mt Hood Community College
26000 SE Stark St, Gresham, OR 97030
503-491-7179
Oregon Coast Community College
400 SE College Way, Newport, OR 97366
541-867-8548
Oregon EmpRes Healthcare - Ind. Health And Rehab
1525 Monmouth Avenue, Independence, OR 97351
701-367-2388
Oregon Veterans' Home
700 Veterans Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058
541-296-7190
Oregon Veterans' Home
700 Veterans Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058
541-296-7190
Pacific Healthcare Training
512 Manzanita, Central Point, OR 97502
541-941-7732
Prestige Care Inc
7700 NE Parkway Drive Suite 300, Vancouver, WA 98682
360-735-7155
Providence Benedictine Nursing Center
540 S Main St, Mount Angel, OR 97362
503-845-6841
Regency Pacific
3326 160th Ave SE Ste 120, Bellevue, WA 98008
541-382-5531
Santiam Canyon
150 SW Evergreen St., Mill City, OR 97360
503-897-2321
South Coast Healthcare Academy
PO Box 1118, Coos Bay, OR 97420
541-269-2013
South Coast Healthcare Academy
PO Box 1118, Coos Bay, OR 97420
541-269-2013
Southwestern Oregon Community College
96082 Lone Ranch Pkwy, Brookings, OR 97415
541-888-7298
Treasure Valley Tech
363 A Street W., Vale, OR 97918
208-283-4171
Umpqua Community College
1140 Umpqua College Rd, Roseburg, OR 97470
541-440-4614
West Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center
5701 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR 97219
503-244-1107