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What does reciprocity mean for CNA’s?

When you take the step to further your education and become a CNA, it is important that you know all of your responsibilities associated with this level of education. This encompasses responsibilities to others, but most importantly to yourself. You must know your scope of practice, your continuing education requirements, how to recertify as a CNA and even how or when to obtain reciprocity. 

If you are a CNA, (certified nursing assistant) you may have heard others talk about reciprocity. What does this word even mean? Reciprocity is the act of transferring your CNA certification from one state to another. Believe it or not, each state has its own laws regarding requirements of CNA’s that may be different than the state in which you originally obtained your certification. 

An example of this may be the number of educational hours needed to become a CNA. In the state of Tennessee, it is required that a CNA obtain 75 hours of training. These hours are divided up as follows: 59 hours of class/lab and 16 hours of clinical. 

Let’s say you obtained your CNA certification in Tennessee and decide 5 years later to move to Texas. Well Texas requires more hours than Tennessee to become a CNA. In Texas it is required that a CNA must have at least 100 hours of training. These hours are divided up as follows:  60 hours of class/lab and 40 hours of clinical. In this case, the CNA is lacking 1 hour of classroom instruction and 24 hours of clinical instruction. 

It is up to the accepting state of Texas to determine if they are willing to accept this CNA from Tennessee. Some states may give a solid NO, and require the individual to re-enroll in another CNA program that follows the new states requirements. Some states may accept the CNA based on their years of experience since obtaining their CNA. Others may accept the CNA pending additional training hours, continuing education hours, or the ability of the individual to pass the new states CNA exam. 

So, it is important that once you obtain your CNA certification, you understand how many hours you have in classroom verses clinical education. It is also important that if you anticipate moving, you understand the new states requirements. Nothing is worse than moving out of state and having a hard time finding work because you were not aware of how reciprocity works.  

The best of luck to you in your journey to become a CNA. The career is so rewarding! 

This article was written by Victoria Randle NP-C of the CNA Instructor Consultants. If you are looking to start a CNA school or already own one, maybe I can help. Contact me for consulting assistance for your CNA school. I will be happy to help! 

Victoria Randle NP-C

CNA Instructor Consultants LLC

[email protected]

www.thesecretcocktail.com 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVWTyES9a5krjD0Jt9_vFxg