Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Louisiana
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Louisiana, individuals must complete an 80-hour state-approved training program, which includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical practice. After successfully completing the training, candidates must pass the Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, administered by Prometric, which includes a written and a skills portion. Upon passing, individuals will be listed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Louisiana Department of Health. Louisiana also offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, requiring an application, a fee, and proof of active certification.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Louisiana
| Detail | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Louisiana Department of Health |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of an 80-hour state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), consisting of 40 hours of classroom theory and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Some programs may require a high school diploma or GED, and a physical with a two-part TB test. |
| Experience Required | 8.0 hours |
| Exam | Prometric CNA Exam ($100) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months in an approved healthcare setting. A criminal background check is required for program enrollment. If certification expires due to no work history, an aide has one attempt to retest within two years; otherwise, retraining is required. There is no fee for on-time renewal. |
Source: Louisiana Department of Health
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Louisiana
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Louisiana is $30,240 per year, which is 23.5% below the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $26,630 |
| 25th | $28,750 |
| 50th (median) | $30,240 |
| 75th | $34,450 |
| 90th (experienced) | $37,720 |
Louisiana employs approximately 20,550 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Louisiana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Louisiana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.