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RHODE ISLAND

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CNA Programs in Rhode Island

Although it may be the smallest state, Rhode Island packs over one million residents into a small amount of space. Being a coastal state on the Atlantic Ocean, Rhode Island has lots of history, from its beginning as a colony to its current status as home to several Fortune 500 companies and major financial institutions, such as Caremark and Citizens Bank. However, because health service is Rhode Island’s largest industry with tens of thousands of jobs, CNAs have an excellent opportunity here to find work and advance their careers by either working at one of the 11 hospitals or 8,715 nursing homes or continuing their educations.

About Rhode Island

– Capital: Providence
– Minimum Wage: $9.00
– Number of Hospitals: 11
– Number of Nursing Homes: 8,715

Demographics

– Total Population: 1,055,173
– Population (ages 45-64): 295,014
– Population (ages 65+): 166,147
– Population (ages 85+): 28,309

Best Colleges in Rhode Island

– Brown University
– Providence College
– Bryant University

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in RI

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CNA Program Requirements

Taking the Competency Exam

Endorsement Information

Renewing & Expired Certification

Applications & Forms

Contacts & Additional Resources

Rhode Island requires at least 100 hours of CNA training before students are allowed to sit for the certification examination. Of these hours, 20 of them must be spent practicing clinical skills in area healthcare facilities. Of course, some schools offer programs with more hours than this. However, students must be sure to complete their training within 90 days to meet state regulations. The Red Cross runs several programs throughout the state, and many nursing homes offer training for their employees as well. However, because online training schools are not accredited, Rhode Island does not approve this type of CNA training.

Students applying for a training program must be at least 16 years old, and a citizen of the United States or someone who is approved to work in the U.S. They must also have a recent negative tuberculosis test, a recent physician’s physical and proof of up-to-date immunizations. Individuals will need to have state and federal background checks, a set of fingerprints, a photo ID and two photographs on file with the state. In addition, while many programs do not require students to have a high school diploma, they may require students to have CPR certification. Of course, potential students should note that many future employers may be more apt to hire them as CNAs if they have a high school diploma or GED. These students may also be required to pass a competency assessment before being accepted into a training program.

Rhode Island uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program through Pearson VUE. This program requires those who desire to be CNAs to take a two-part examination that tests both CNA knowledge as well as skills. The test must be taken and passed within one year of completing CNA training to avoid having to retrain. Should an individual fail a section, he or she will only need to retake the part of the test that was failed. Applicants can take each part up to three times total before being required to retrain. Those who do not show up at a scheduled test time are counted as failing.

The two sections are completed on the same day initially. The knowledge section is performed in writing except by those who request an oral test via a cassette tape. The written knowledge section includes 70 multiple-choice questions testing theory. The oral knowledge section contains 60 multiple-choice theory questions plus ten questions testing basic comprehension. Testers are given up to two hours for this. The skills section tests five skills. One skill will be hand washing, and the other four skills are selected at random although one will be taking a measurement, such as a blood pressure.

Those who are waiting to take the examination can work as a CNA trainee for up to 120 days via a temporary license. The cost of the test is $99 due to Pearson VUE and a $35 fee to the Rhode Island General Treasurer.

Rhode Island practices CNA reciprocity with other states providing several requirements are met. CNAs who wish to transfer their certifications to Rhode Island must either have attended a training program that provided the required 100 hours of training at minimum or has worked at least three months full-time for pay as a CNA within the last year. Applicants will need to apply to the Rhode Island Department of Health and will need to include either a training certificate or verification that they have worked the required number of hours. They will also need to have a background check performed and will need to include a passport-sized photograph with the application. The fee for endorsement is $35 payable to the Rhode Island General Treasurer.

Rhode Island CNA certificates last for up to two years. However, all certifications expire on June 30. Therefore, a CNA’s initial certification may expire before two years have passed. Rhode Island sends out renewal paperwork approximately 60 days before certification expiration. CNAs must have worked for pay at a licensed facility during the past 24 months and will need to have an employer sign the application. Renewal costs $35 and can be completed online and verified within 24 hours. Wallet card certificates are mailed out approximately four to six weeks later. However, CNAs can verify that their licenses are active by going to the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website.

Employment Information for RI

Average Salary for CNAs in RI

The average income per capita in Rhode Island is $30,469 yearly. CNAs make just under that at $28,390 per year and earn an average hourly wage of $13.65. Some skilled or acute care facilities pay more than this, however, and may offer additional benefits that smaller facilities or nursing homes cannot provide.

Job Outlook in RI

For such a small state, Rhode Island still has numerous CNA positions with over 9,000 individuals employed in this field currently. CNAs can also expect high job security with over 166,000 people over the age of 65 now and nearly another 300,000 between the ages of 45 and 65. Many of these individuals are sure to need the skilled care of a CNA within the next decade.

Job Opportunities

Some of the best healthcare facilities in Rhode Island
Hospital NameAddressCityStateZipPhoneWebsite
Miriam Hospital164 Summit AvenueProvidenceRI2906401-793-2500Website
Newport Hospital11 Friendship StreetNewportRI2840401-846-6400Website
Butler Hospital345 Blackstone BoulevardProvidenceRI2906401-455-6200Website
Eleanor Slater Hospital111 Howard AvenueCranstonRI2920401-462-3085Website
Kent County Memorial Hospital455 Tollgate RoadWarwickRI2886401-737-7000Website
Landmark Medical Center115 Cass AvenueWoonsocketRI2895401-769-4100Website
Memorial Hospital Of Rhode Island111 Brewster StreetPawtucketRI2860401-729-2000Website
Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center830 Chalkstone AvenueProvidenceRI2908401-273-7100Website
Rehabilitation Hospital Of Rhode Island116 Eddie Dowling HighwayNorth SmithfieldRI2896401-766-0800Website
Rhode Island Hospital593 Eddy StreetProvidenceRI2903401-444-4000Website
Roger Williams Medical Center825 Chalkstone AvenueProvidenceRI2908401-456-2000Website
South County Hospital100 Kenyon AvenueWakefieldRI2879401-782-8000Website
St. Joseph Health Services200 High Service AvenueNorth ProvidenceRI2904401-456-3000Website
Westerly Hospital25 Wells StreetWesterlyRI2891401-596-6000Website
Women And Infants Hospital Of Rhode Island101 Dudley StreetProvidenceRI2905401-274-1100Website

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