CNA Classes in Oregon

Oregon is the top timber producer of the conterminous United States and its economy is also largely based on agriculture and fishing. As a result, there are several rural communities in need of healthcare providers. One important role is Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs).

In the state of Oregon, nurse aides may work for 120 days while in search of programs. All of the Nurse Aide’s classes and evaluations must be completed during this four-month grace period. Nurse Aides undergoing classes may only carry through duties for which they have undergone courses. A Nurse Aide’s status on the registry must be verified by employers before hiring.

Oregon CNA Certification Requirements

A CNA career is a great path for those of a caring and compassionate nature and there are very few educational barriers to classes. A High School diploma or GED might be of help later in order to earn a higher salary, however, you don’t need one to train in Oregon. Colleges might supply an entry-level assessment (like the TABE) before admission.

Some the few requirements that must be met before someone can take a CNA class include:

• Being 16 years or older
• Immunization records.
• Fingerprinting, and a drug screen test

Oregon CNA Classes & Testing Costs

The Oregon State Board of Nursing demands students to finish at least 80 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of hands-on learning (a total of 155 hours) which can be completed anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks. Completion of the program doesn’t grant automatic certification; students need to pass a written certification exam with a grade of 75% or higher to earn their listing on the registry.

Certification costs typically average around $1000 however certain employers, especially nursing homes (which constitute the remainder ¼ of approved programs), may offer CNA classes in exchange for agreeing to work at their facility upon completing your certification. If you are already employed during your classes or employed within 12 months of certification, your employer must pay for the program.

For a list of locations offering employer-sponsored CNA classes in Oregon, follow this link.

CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in Oregon

If becoming a CNA in Oregon is starting to sound like a good opportunity, we encourage you to check out the following program centers to see if they’re a good fit for your current situation and schedule. Some of these locations may offer employer-sponsored CNA classes, while others may be tuition-based. Please contact them directly if you have questions about their curriculum or costs.

CNA Programs in Portland, OR 

Portland Community College. The CLIMB Center for Advancement at Portland Community College offers Oregon State Board-approved programs for both CNA I and CNA II classes. CNA I is comprised of 80 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of essential hands-on classes at a licensed nursing facility. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to be employed at several facilities (like assisted living or intermediate care) as well as to take the certification exam. The program cost is around $1,600, including lectures, lab, and clinicals, plus background check and drug screen, textbooks, CPR certification, equipment, and last a fee for the OSBN to register and sit the state board exam.

Caregiving Training Institute. This program has small-sized classes of 20 pupils and is comprised of 155 hours of interactive classroom instruction, lab demonstration and practice, and hands-on classes at a nursing facility. Tuition is around $1,325 or $1,425 for the online course. Both include classroom, lab, and clinical learning, Criminal Background Check, textbooks, lab supplies, and gait belts.

Prestige Care. This institution sponsors CNA courses whenever there are available job openings at the senior healthcare facility. The duration of the course is from 5 to 7 weeks. Since there is limited space there might be a long waiting time before you can be admitted to the program, but nursing homes guarantee employment upon graduation.

Learn more about CNA classes in Portland.

CNA Programs in Eugene, OR 

Lane Community College. This institution offers new Nurse Aide courses each term. The OSBN approved program consists of classroom instruction and clinical demonstration. This course is completed during one term and there are both morning and evening schedules. Applicants that wish to enroll should attend an informational session prior to registration. Tuition is around $710 which includes Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers CPR card and textbooks

Dare 2 Care Learning Center. Students of this course might receive job offers from the institution’s clinical partners. The program includes theoretical instruction, lab practice, and clinical demonstrations in a long-term care facility. There are both morning and evening classes (4 and 8 weeks long respectively). Morning classes meet daily during weekdays and evening classes meet from Monday to Thursday. Full attendance is required in order to graduate.

$1030 and there are limited payment plan options for an additional fee. This does not include the following: non-refundable registration fee, drug screen/background check, AHA BLS or Healthcare Provider CPR Certification, textbooks, equipment, fingerprinting, exam fee. Those extra costs may amount to around $​405 or more.

CNA Programs in Salem, OR 

Chemeketa Community College. This state-approved course consists of 155 class hours, 80 of which will be classroom instruction and lab practice. The remaining 75 hours will take place at a long-term care facility. Graduates may take the competency exam to be certified. Tuition for the program is around $1,412 and includes fees, textbooks, scrubs for clinical, stethoscope and gait belt. There are additional fees for a background check, drug screen, immunization, CPR certification, parking pass, exam fee, application to test, fingerprinting.

Sherwood Park Nursing and Rehab Center. This program offers very small classes of 10 people to ensure attention and support for each student. Students are expected to complete 52 hours of coursework online and pass a final exam with a degree if 80% or more. Successful candidates will spend 27 hours in lab practice at Sherwood Park which is mandatory for the completion of the program. The course is completed with 80 hours of hands-on learning on-site.

Tuition is around $720 if you need CPR certification, less if you don’t. The fee must be paid in full as soon as the applicant is accepted. This includes tuition, textbooks, online subscription fees, licensing exam, and materials.

Additional Oregon CNA Resources

The above information can likely get you started on your path to becoming a CNA in the state of Oregon, however, the links below may also be helpful in your educational path or in the future after you’ve gained your CNA certification.

Oregon Nurse Aide Registry
Oregon State Board of Nursing
800 NE Oregon Street,
Suite 465, Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (503) 731-3459
License Verification: (503) 731-3459
Fax: (503) 731-4755
Website

Out of State CNAs

In Oregon the process of transferring your CNA license is fairly easy. Out-of-state CNAs can transfer their certification to Oregon through endorsement if they are still active in their home state.

The requirements for this process are:

• Showing evidence of completion of a CNA program that suits OBRA standards.
• Showing evidence of a minimum of 400 hours of paid-for work as a CNA under a licensed nurse’s supervision.
• Authorizing a criminal background check
• Achieving verification from your home state’s Nurse Aide registry
• Submitting any relevant documents along with your filled out endorsement application.

CNA Renewal in Oregon

Renewal of your CNA certification is required every two years. This can be done online without hassle on the Oregon Department of Health website. It takes 3-5 business days before the renewal takes effect.

Renewals take about three to five business days before they become effective and there is a fee of $60. For renewal, you must show evidence of a minimum of 400 hours of paid-for work as a CNA in the past 24 months and undertake OSBN’s authorized duties while supervised by a licensed or registered nurse.

How much does a CNA make in Oregon? CNA salary is dependent on several things, the two most important factors being the location and the institution where you are employed. In Oregon, the typical hourly salary for a CNA is $17.84 or a yearly salary of $37,100. Those employed in metro areas tend to make more, but there is a trade-off of a higher cost of living.

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