CNA Schools in Oregon

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 5 2010

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CNA Training Programs in Oregon

In the state of Oregon, there are two levels of certified nurse assistants, each with their own training and examination. The “CNA1” level training includes 75 hours of classroom education and 75 hours of clinical training. Most of the subjects that are covered are mandated by the federal government and include communication, hygiene, transporting patients, nutrition, etc. However, the Oregon State Board of Nursing also includes some additional training for nursing care for patients of different age groups and physical and mental conditions.

After CNA training in Oregon, nurse aides must then take a written and a clinical skills test. The combined test fee is $106. The exam may be taken at an approved test site or sometimes at a nursing facility with an approved testing site. Some facilities may allow nurse trainees to take the exam online. The written test is 77 multiple-choice questions that should take about an hour and a half, and test takers must score 65% or better. Safety, infection control, personal care, and basic nursing skills are the largest portions of the exam. Of the 20 – 30 skills taught during the training, five will be tested. The first skill tested will always be hand washing, but the other four will be randomly chosen. A score of 80% must be obtained for each skill tested. Test takers may not ask questions to the examiners during the skills test and must complete all five skills in 45 minutes or less. Some of the skills that may be tested are assisting a client to use a bedpan, catheter care, positioning a patient on a bed, transfer of patient from bed to a wheelchair, etc.

In order to obtain a “CNA2” certification, a nurse aide must hold a CNA1 certification and complete a level-2 training program along with an additional competency evaluation. The purpose of obtaining a CNA2 certificate is to prepare nurse aides for roles in additional Board approved areas in Restorative Care and to gain a greater knowledge of abilities covered in level-1 training. Nurse aides with CNA2 certificates tend to work with patients that are ill or disabled, but can gain some form of independence away from a permanent nursing facility. The additional training program will include another 40 hours of classroom-based courses and 40 more hours of clinical instruction. Some of the subjects covered are reinforcement of daily living activities and improving mobility.

Through online programs, aspiring C.N.A.s in Portland, Salem, Eugene and Gresham, Oregon may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Providence Saint Vincent Medical Center, Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Sacred Heart Medical Center and Salem Hospital.

Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN)
17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Road
Portland, OR 97224-7012
Tel: (971) 673-0685
Fax: (971) 673-0684
www.oregon.gov/OSBN