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, and how to recertify as a CNA and even how or when to obtain reciprocity.
What Is 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 CNAs that may be different from the state in which you originally obtained your certification.
State Requirements Vary
An example of this may be the number of educational hours needed to become a CNA. In the state of Illinois, it is required that a CNA obtain 120 hours of training. Let’s say you obtained your CNA certification in Illinois and decide 5 years later to move to Minnesota. Well, Minnesota requires more hours than Illinois to become a CNA. In Minnesota it is required that a CNA must have at least 175 hours of training. In this case, the CNA is lacking 55 hours of instruction.
State-by-State Acceptance
t is up to the accepting state of Minnesota to determine if they are willing to accept this CNA from Illinois. Some states may give a solid NO and require the individual to re-enroll in another CNA program that follows the new state’s 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 state’s CNA exam.
Know Before You Move
So, it is important that once you obtain your CNA certification, you understand how many hours you have in classroom versus clinical education. It is also important that if you anticipate moving, you understand the new state’s 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.
Start Your CNA Journey
Bimmab Healthcare Academy offers a 120-hour Basic Nurse Aide training program, which prepares you to sit for the CNA exam in Illinois. We offer day and evening courses to help fit your busy schedule. If you are interested in joining our next course, please email us at
admin@bimmabhealthcareacademy.com.
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
info@thesecretcocktail.com
www.thesecretcocktail.com
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