CNA Classes in Oklahoma | 10 Great Schools for Nursing Assistant Certification

The job market today isn’t exactly an optimistic place. With stagnant wages and technological advancements, it’s got you thinking that it might be a good time to change careers. The one industry that is continuously offering great job security is healthcare. You just can’t replace TLC with technology. That’s why you should consider CNA classes in Oklahoma.

Getting a stable career in the healthcare industry doesn’t require years of med school and hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, there are some very stable careers that don’t even require a degree! Consider getting a CNA certification in Oklahoma if you think this is a good industry to start a new career.

There are hundreds of job openings for people with their CNA license in Oklahoma. All you need to do to snag one is get listed on the Oklahoma CNA registry! This article will teach you everything you need to know about CNA jobs in Oklahoma and help you through the Oklahoma CNA requirements.

Who is the regulatory body for CNAs in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma State Department of Health decides upon the regulations and requirements for CNA certifications in Oklahoma. They keep t he registration of licensed CNAs and process applications to sit for the CNA certification examinations. 

This state recognizes 6 specializations for CNA categories: home health aide, long term care aide, residential care aide, developmentally disables direct care aide, adult day care aide, and certified medication aide. Each category has its own set of certification requirements and examination regulations.

Who administers the CNA exam in Oklahoma?

If you are specializing as a Long Term Care Aide or a Long Term Care Home Health Aide, then Prometric and D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) administers the certification exam (Certified Nurse Aide Examination) in Oklahoma. They are an independent agency with testing facilities across the state of Oklahoma, and have experience working in multiple states administering the Certification Exam.

Their website includes several practice examinations and study guides as well as a handbook that lets candidates know what to expect on exam day. This is also where examinations are scheduled for candidates who are not in a program that includes an in-facility examination at the end of their program.

All other specializations for CNAs will have a certification examination that is administered by their program instead.

Oklahoma State Requirements for CNAs

To get your CNA certification in Oklahoma, you will need to take some training. The Oklahoma Department of Health requires that your training includes a minimum of 75 hours of clinical and classroom based training so you get real world experience. 

For long-term care aides, home health care aides, and developmentally disabled direct care aides, a minimum of 75 hours of hands on training is required, wherein 16 hours of that are supervised practical training hours. For developmentally disabled direct care aides, 16 hours must be spent specifically training with developmentally disabled clients.

Adult day care aides and residential care aides only need 45 hours of training, with 16 hours of employee orientation specific to their area of expertise. Certified medication aides must already be certified as CNAs with long-term care, home health aide, or developmentally disabled direct care aide specializations. They must complete a minimum of 40 hours training with 16 hours of practical training, and complete advanced training options before working with patients who have diabetes or administering medications via tubes.

Once you complete your training, you need to pass a certification examination. Each area of study is different, but if you are applying to be a Long Term Care Aide, Home Health Aide, or Certified Medication Aide (CMA), then you will have to apply to be allowed to take the state’s certification testing. Once you receive passing scores on both parts of your CNA exam, you are automatically registered in the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry.

For all 6 certification areas, candidates will l need to pass a written and skills examination that is administered by either their program or the state board. All areas of study must be undertaken by a state approved program.

Oklahoma CNA Exam Details

The state examination for Long Term Care Aides and Home Health Aides is called the LTC-HHA Examination, or sometimes the NA Examination.

The knowledge exam will cover safety, personal care, mental health, resident rights, communication, data collection, diseases and infections, basic nursing skills, older adult growth and development, roles and responsibilities, care impaired, and other skills. Candidates must pass this exam with a 70% or higher to be eligible for certification. 

This exam consists of 72 questions and you will be given 90 minutes to complete the exam and a 15-minute warning when your time is nearly complete. You may not ask your proctor questions about the content of the exam. You may not bring materials in or take them out of the testing room. 

Candidates will also need to pass a skills (or practical) exam. This exam will evaluate whether your book knowledge translates into proper bedside manner and the ability to put the skills to practical use. After all, reading the Drivers’ Handbook doesn’t make you ready and capable of getting behind the wheel of a car and driving right away, no matter how well you know the content.re...

This examination will require you to perform proper hand washing technique, take blood pressure, and transfer a patient from wheelchair to bed and back with temperature and, pulse, and respiration examinations. Each candidate will also be asked to perform 3 additional tasks, which will be randomly selected from among the skill sets listed in the practice skill exam sheets.

The steps listed on the sheets are the minimum requirements for competency on the skill exam. If the step has a *, then it is weighted more heavily than other steps. You must score an 80% on each task without missing any of the key steps to pass this portion of your exams. If you fail any of the tasks, you will be required to retest. Retests will not be the same skills, as you will have the same randomly selected task set, but at least one of your assigned tasks will be one that you previously failed. 

For each skill, a scenario will be read to you before you begin so that you have the context for your situation. Fully role play as if you are dealing with a genuine patient because points will be given or taken away based on more than just successful task completion; remember, mental health and communication all count in this certification. 

Your practical exam will allot 45 minutes for you to successfully complete all of your assigned skills tasks. You will be given a 15-minute warning. Understand your instructions before you begin because you may not ask questions once the exam begins. You may request that the scenarios be repeated at any time during your skill exam, but this is the only thing you can do once the exam starts.

If you believe you messed up while performing a task, let your RN Test Observer know and repeat the step you performed incorrectly. You may repeat any of the steps you believe you performed incorrectly at any point in your allotted 45 minutes as long as you have not told your RN Test Observer that you are finished with the exam.

Arrive early for your test and be prepared to spend the entire day taking your exams. You must bring 2 forms of ID, and one of them has to be a signed photo ID. Neither can be expired or invalid, and one must have the same name as your registered applicant name. If you arrive late or do not bring proper identification, you will be considered a no sow and prohibited from taking the exams without paying retesting fees. 

Bring only the bare minimums, as you are not permitted to have any electronic devices (including cell phones and smart watches) during the testing and there will not be anywhere to store your personal belongings. You are only allowed a non-electric language word for word translation dictionary into the test room and you must show it to the proctor before entering.

You may not eat, drink, smoke, or take any breaks (even for the restroom) during your examination. If you cause a disturbance, you will be asked to leave and reported to your training program and the Oklahoma State Department of Health, so do not misbehave.

Rescheduling your exam costs $35 and must be done 3 business days before your scheduled exam day. Your request will not be granted if you try to reschedule with less notice. Cancellations must be made within 6 months of paying your testing fee, and they must be made in writing at least 1 business day before your test. A $25 cancellation fee will be taken out of your refund.

The only exceptions to No Shows that are eligible for free rescheduling is if your car breaks down and you submit proof within 2 business days, a medical emergency occurs and your doctor submits proof within 5 business days, or if there is a death in your immediate family (parents, siblings, grand and great-grand parents, children, and spouses only) and you submit an obituary within 14 days.

Your results will be sent to the ODH. You will be certified after meeting all other requirements and if you pass both examinations successfully. To become an HHA, you will need the extra 16 hours verified; submit proof of this and passing these exams will certify you for both fields.  

Your results will be available online after 6 p.m. MST the day they’ve been scored. If you feel like there was an error, you can request an official re-scoring for $25. They will hand score your exam and double check it based on your submitted evidence. If your test score is found to be incorrect, your fee will be refunded.

How much does the Oklahoma CNA exam cost?

The CA exam in Oklahoma is often covered with the cost of your CNA program. This is especially true for the 3 categories that don’t require state administered testing. For the other 3 categories, if your program doesn’t qualify, here are the fees for CNA testing.

The knowledge test is $60 for the first time. Retests are $20. An oral knowledge test or retake fee is $30 for the audio version of the written test regardless of which time you take it. The skills test is $89 for both first time and retest assessments. Cancellations are $25 and no shows will be ineligible for a refund. A test review if you believe there was an error in scoring will be $25 and that will get refunded if they find an error.

There are also optional add ons for easy processing. If you want express service, it will cost $15. Overnight shipping will be $39.50, and if you use their priority fax service, it will cost $5. A re-export fee of $30 will be charged if that service is requested.

Where can you take the CNA exam in Oklahoma?

For most people who take the CNA exam in Oklahoma, your test will be administered in facility where your training took place. Most programs include the examination at the end.

If you are not in a program that administers your certification test for you, then you will first need to apply and be accepted into the examination certification process. When the state approves your application, Headmaster will email you with login information. When you have logged in, you will be able to register for an exam at a local facility.

How much does a CNA get paid in Oklahoma?

The biggest question most people ask is about wages. Here’s a look at the CNA salary in Oklahoma. On average, CNAs in Oklahoma make around $30,000 per year. The range spreads from around $27,000 to $33,000.

CNA Schools in Oklahoma

Now that you’ve learned about the certification process, you’re ready to find out where you can take CNA classes in Oklahoma. This list is filled with the best programs across the state, so you’re sure to find one in your local area that works for you!

Seminole State College

The Nursing Assistant program at Seminole State College is a great program for long-term care aides.

They require a lab fee with tuition because they offer completely supervised hands-on training. You must take the TABE to apply, but there is no score minimum.

Their program is 25 credits and it is usually offered during Fall and Spring terms. The school offers Associates, Bachelors, and Doctoral degrees in nursing, so if you decide that this is the right program for you, just apply your study credits to one of their long term programs and keep continuing your education as far as you’d like to take it!

Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City

Oklahoma State University’s Oklahoma City campus is a great start for students interested in nursing careers.

They accept transfers from Technology centers, so if you’ve already got a start then you can easily move into their space. They also welcome beginners and first time students.

You can receive college credit with them for completion of your CNA licensure from a state recognized ad certified technology center program. Use it towards your nursing continued education!

Their enrollment dates are January, March, June August, and October. You can come talk to admissions counselors with no appointment. If you’re just getting started, then contact their REACH program to enroll in their CNA courses.

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa Community College has one of the most well respected nursing programs in the state.

 Their program focuses on student success, offering optimal instructions, small classrooms, hands on experience, and help with job placement.

They have very high certification rates.

Their program is extremely affordable and comprehensive. They ensure that you receive all the clinical training you need it labs and real world settings so that you can succeed as a CNA and pursue a degree as an RN if you wish to continue.

Connors State College

Connor State has a FOCUS program that allows TANF recipients to certify in professional fields. They offer CNA and CNA/Long Term Care/Home Health Aide programs. These allow students to explore their career in a structured program and job shadow. They improve their academic skills through curriculum work and also receive life skill training in budgeting, nutrition, appearance, and problem solving while getting technical and practical experience. Once the program is completed, the program also helps with job placement.

Anyone else is also able to enroll in his or her CNA programs at extremely reasonable tuition costs. In less than 3 months, students will be prepared to sit for the state certification and begin their new career as a Certified Nursing Aide. 
Connors State College

Moore Norman Technology Center, Franklin Road

Moore Norman also offers a great CNA program. They allow you to take up to 20 weeks to complete the course, so you have a lot more flexibility with your schedule and clinical hours than other programs allow. This lets you get your 120 hours completed at your own pace.

To be enrolled, you will need to pass a background check, a TB screen, and provide proof of immunization. You will also need to be CPR certified and be willing to get a flu shot each year. You will also be required to attend an orientation before enrollment. 

Great Plains Technology Center

Great Plains offers a 117-hour course for Long Term Care nurses Aides. They will administer the certification skills test and computerized certification test at the end of the course. They will also ensure that you become CPR certified in their program. 

Students enrolling in their program must wear scrubs, non-skid closed toe shoes, a stethoscope, and a watch with a second hand. They must provide proof of vaccinations, a drug screen test, and a criminal background check. Their program is approved for VA benefits, and CPR for Healthcare Providers is a prerequisite. Students may test out of any of their courses for a $10 testing fee. 

Canadian Valley Technology Center, El Reno

The Canadian Valley Technology Center in El Reno offers 2 programs. You can choose either a typical CNA or a Fast Track Nurse Aide (CNA) program. Their course program covers everything necessary to be certified by the Oklahoma State Department of Health as a CNA. They offer discounts, so you may be able to enroll for as little as $63 with them!

Their fast track program is a condensed option. You will have to attend longer class hours more times per wee, but you’ll be finished with the certification process and ready to begin work much quicker. 

Gordon Cooper Technology Center

Gordon Cooper Technology Center is one of the approved testing sites for the Oklahoma State CNA certifications. This makes them one of the best places to study for the exams.

You know that the training you receive will be some of the best and because they are used to administering the test, you can also be sure that they are teaching you properly and have a nearly perfect certification rate.

If you are anxious about taking tests, this is a great option for you. The likelihood that you will know and feel comfortable with your examiners and observers is much higher, and you will be working with equipment you have already practiced on in labs that are arranged in a way you are used to. 

Meridian Technology Center

Meridian Technology Center has one of the best CNA programs in the state.

They train you in every focus area so that you are versatile and well prepared for any job in the CNA industry.

They understand that CNA training frequently leads to other jobs. Many CNA students continue their education into LPN and RN positions. CNAs are a great foundation for nursing programs, and many of them have CNAs as a prerequisite for joining. 

Kiamichi Technology Center, Durant

Kiamichi at Durant offers several different programs for becoming a CNA.

They can qualify you for the long-term care CNA exam with their 96-hour class and LTCNA certification. 

They also offer 56-hour classes for Medication Aides. If you want to continue your training, they can even offer Phlebotomy certification with 140-hour courses towards your national certification.