CNA Classes Online in Kentucky: Find Top Schools & Get Info

Online CNA Education in Kentucky

Becoming a certified nursing assistant in Kentucky allows you to quickly enter the healthcare workforce and qualifies you to work in hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and home healthcare. In Kentucky, CNAs are often referred to as state registered nurse aides (SNRAs), but they may also be called Medicaid nurse aides or simply nurse aides. Online CNA programs in Kentucky aren’t fully online; instead, they’re a hybrid mix of online learning and in-person labs and clinicals. Training typically takes four to 12 weeks, including at least 75 hours of instruction and 16 hours of supervised practical training. The schools below give a good picture of what these training programs look like and what to keep in mind during your search for the right course.

Quick Guide: FAQs for CNA Students in Kentucky

While your experience will differ depending on the CNA program you choose and your individual needs as a nurse aide student, you still likely have many of the same questions as others considering an SRNA program in Kentucky. Some of the most common questions are answered below and include additional resources for even more details.

How do I become a CNA in Kentucky?

There will be a number of steps for a prospective CNA student like you to take, beginning with choosing an ideal program for your needs. After selecting an SRNA program, make sure you meet all of its basic background requirements. This typically includes minimum GPA requirements, a background check, and immunizations. Graduating from an approved CNA program will provide you with necessary tools as it includes both classroom learning with labs and clinicals for learning basic nursing skills. Then, you will need to pass the Kentucky SRNA exam to meet the state’s requirements for becoming a registered nurse aide. You can take the test up to three times within the year after graduation, but a quality program will help ensure you pass it the first time. After passing the test, you’ll be listed on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry and can start working as an SRNA.

What’s the process and timeframe for renewing my CNA license in Kentucky?

You must renew your CNA license through the Kentucky Board of Nursing every two years to stay on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry. The renewal process begins two months before your license expires and requires that your employer provide documentation that you have completed at least 12 hours of ongoing staff development training and worked at least eight hours as a CNA for compensation. The facility where you work as a CNA should provide the training you need for renewal. If you are unable to renew your license, you may have to repeat a nurse aide course and pass the SRNA test again.

Are online CNA classes in Kentucky affordable, and how long do they take?

Most online CNA programs cost less than $1,000, and some only a few hundred. Beyond tuition, other costs include the CNA exam fee, background checks, tuberculosis testing, or textbook rentals. Some programs include all fees in their cost, but some do not. Program timeframes range from as little as 16 hours and usually no more than six weeks. Some programs provide a specific timeframe for the classroom portion but have a looser one for the clinical portion, so check each program for details on how these components are scheduled.

What’s the difference between an SRNA and a CNA?

State registered nursing aides (SRNAs), certified nursing aides (CNAs), Medicaid nursing aides, and nursing assistants are all titles used interchangeably to describe the same type of position. Preferred titles depend on the program and state, but Kentucky often uses the term SRNA. Responsibilities are the same regardless of title and include assisting patients with daily activities, helping patients move around, checking vital signs, maintaining a healthy environment, and serving or feeding patients. Work settings are the same, too, and range from nursing homes and adult care facilities to correctional institutions and rehabilitation centers.

How do I know if a CNA program is high quality and right for me?

The Kentucky Board of Nursing approves all CNA programs, so make sure your program has its approval. More important considerations include a program’s pass rate for the SNRA exam, reputation, and instructor experience. Assessing the clinical training opportunities is another way to tell a program’s quality. For program fit, make sure the program’s schedule and the location of any in-person requirements work with your availability. You can also talk to the healthcare facilities where you might like to work for recommendations on the SNRA programs they prefer. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is another solid resource since it oversees all Kentucky CNA classes and administers CNA testing.

Earnings and Careers: CNAs in Kentucky

Kentucky offers an abundance of opportunities for CNAs in terms of both salary and job outlook. Salaries in Kentucky are comparable to those in other states. In Kentucky, the average 90th percentile earner can expect to make $44,190. More popular areas like Lexington and Louisville offer median salaries higher than the statewide median, at $39,160 and $37,610, respectively. In contrast, areas like Bowling Green and Elizabethtown offer lower median salaries compared to the statewide average. Remember, these numbers are rough estimates of what you can expect to earn as a CNA in Kentucky. Your salary will depend on location, employer, experience, and any additional credentials you may possess.

Regarding the job market, Kentucky has a 5.9% growth rate for CNAs, slightly higher than the national average of 4.2%. The state's strong job market and aging population ensure a steady demand for skilled nursing professionals.