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Nurse Aide Testing - Rules and Procedures

Purpose

Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) recognizes the need to facilitate certification testing for individuals who have completed approved Nurse Aide Training (NAT) programs or have followed other Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) approved alternate routes. These rules and procedures outline BRCC's commitment to providing testing services for a diverse range of candidates, including BRCC students, third-party program completers, and individuals eligible for alternate routes as determined by LDH.

Scope

These rules and procedures apply to the following categories of candidates eligible for CNA certification testing through BRCC:

  • BRCC credit and non-credit students who have completed Nurse Aide Training.
  • Candidates who have completed approved NAT programs offered by third-party organizations.
  • Individuals who qualify for alternate routes as determined by LDH and governed by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) agreement with BRCCCC.

Policy

Baton Rouge Community College shall facilitate the certification testing of candidates who meet the qualifications necessary to sit for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) examination, as mandated by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). BRCC is committed to offering testing services to all qualified candidates.

Procedure

A. Internal Candidates (BRCC Credit or Non-Credit Students)
  • BRCC will provide CNA certification testing services to students who have successfully completed a NAT program offered by the College. Internal candidates will be eligible to take the CNA examination at BRCC's designated testing locations, following the guidelines set by LDH and the College.
  • Students must complete an electronic or printable testing application from the BRCC website.
  • The testing coordinator will verify eligibility of students via their grades (“C” or better in Nursing Fundamentals for RN/PN students).
  • Once deemed eligible, the testing coordinator will work with the instructor to schedule as a cohort when possible.
  • If the candidate has an unsuccessful attempt, all subsequent testing should be scheduled as an external candidate.
B. External Candidates First Time Testers/ Retest (Approved NAT Program Completers)
  • BRCC will extend its CNA testing services to external candidates who have completed Nurse Aide Training programs approved by LDH. These candidates must meet the eligibility criteria established by LDH.
  • Candidates must complete an electronic or paper testing application from the BRCC website.
  • The testing coordinator will verify eligibility of candidates via their application. If their application is incomplete, the candidate will be notified of additional information needed prior to testing.
  • Once deemed eligible, the candidate will be enrolled in the applicable YCNA courses for the requested examination from the application.
  • The testing coordinator will send information on payment and billing via email to each candidate.
  • Proof of registration and payment must be provided prior to testing.
C. Alternate Route Candidates (Approved by LDH and Governed by LCTCS Agreement)
  • BRCC shall also provide CNA certification testing for individuals who qualify for alternate routes as determined by LDH and in accordance with the governing agreement between LDCC and LCTCS. These candidates will adhere to the eligibility criteria and testing requirements specified by LDH and BRCC.
  • Candidates must complete an electronic or paper testing application from the BRCC website.
  • The testing coordinator will verify eligibility of candidates via their application. If their application is incomplete, the candidate will be notified of additional information needed prior to testing.
  • Once deemed eligible, the candidate will be enrolled in the applicable YCNA courses for the requested examination from the application.
  • The testing coordinator will send information on payment and billing via email to each candidate.
  • Proof of registration and payment must be provided prior to testing.
D. Scheduling
  • BRCC scheduling for testing will be done after completion of class and all eligibility requirements are provided.
  • External students will be able to schedule tests through the online site, based on the provided dates and availability.
  • BRCC will work with our medical facility partners to set requested test dates.
  • If there are any cancellations of testing dates for any reason, the Allied Health Testing coordinator will send out messaging to the testing candidate and testing location as applicable as far in advance as possible.
E. Billing
  • Testing fees for internal candidates will be assessed as part of their approved course fees for the course.
  • BRCC will have third party billing available for entities seeking to make payment for multiple candidates. This will be run through Student Financial Services office with assistance from the Allied Health Testing coordinator.
  • The Allied Health Testing Coordinator will build three sets of YCNA 1010/1020 testing CRN’s each semester.
  • Billing for reschedule fee will be manual through the office of Student Financial Services.
  • The Allied Health Testing Coordinator will provide a list of paid candidates to the testing locations campus director and Cashier prior to the scheduled testing date.
F. Testing Locations
  • Locations for testing are Acadian, Jackson, and Port Allen campuses.
  • BRCC will maintain a calendar of testing dates on the website along with the application.
  • Internal testing dates will be scheduled as needed.
  • Notification will be provided to testing locations of scheduled candidates and their payment status.

Compliance

  • BRCC shall ensure strict compliance with all relevant state regulations, policies, and procedures governing the certification testing of CNA candidates.
  • The College will periodically review and update this policy to ensure alignment with state requirements and to uphold the highest standards of quality and fairness in testing.

Review and Revision

  • This policy will undergo regular reviews to assess its effectiveness and relevance.
  • Any necessary revisions or updates will be made in accordance with applicable state regulations and BRCC procedures.

Responsibility

The implementation and oversight of this policy are the responsibility of Allied Health at Baton Rouge Community College.