Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Kentucky
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), officially known as a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA), in Kentucky, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical experience. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Kentucky Nurse Aide Test, administered by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), which includes both a written and a skills portion. The Kentucky Board of Nursing oversees the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry and handles renewals, which are required every two years and necessitate proof of at least 8 hours of paid CNA work within the preceding 24 months. Kentucky offers reciprocity for CNAs actively certified in other states, requiring an online application through the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Kentucky
| Detail | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Kentucky Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 75-hour state-approved training program |
| Exam | Kentucky Nurse Aide Test via KCTCS ($115) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16. A background check is required. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months. If not employed as a nurse aide, individuals have one year from training completion to pass the exam, otherwise, retraining is required. Nursing students may be approved to test as SRNAs without completing a separate program. |
Source: Kentucky Board of Nursing
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Kentucky
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Kentucky is $37,330 per year, which is 5.6% below the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $29,630 |
| 25th | $34,380 |
| 50th (median) | $37,330 |
| 75th | $42,760 |
| 90th (experienced) | $46,340 |
Kentucky employs approximately 22,910 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Kentucky Worth It?
Factors to consider: Kentucky's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.