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The New Mexico Department of Health is responsible for setting regulations and standards for those wishing to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (or CNA). The primary requirements of CNA classes in New Mexico are that the course itself must be at least 75 hours. 16 of these training hours must be spent working in a medical facility in order to practice CNA skills under the oversight of an RN (registered nurse). The process can take a few short weeks, which makes CNA certification a great option for New Mexico residents who want to be actively practicing their nurse training ASAP, rather than sitting in the classroom. Once a person has completed the CNA training hours, they must pass several additional steps in order to be placed on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry. Part of the requirements in New Mexico involve a background check, fingerprinting, medical exam and TB test. This is to ensure that the individuals working in such fields as medical and healthcare are healthy and free of criminal convictions. Anyone working with patients’ needs to be trustworthy and responsible.

CNA Classes in NM – the Prometric Exam

New Mexico requires an exam through Prometric. This exam is formatted to test a person’s knowledge and skill level in the area of CNA duties. The Prometric test in New Mexico is 2 parts. Multiple choice questions make up the first part of the exam, and test a person’s theoretical knowledge on course material. Performing a number of skills in front of an examiner is the requirement for the second part of the New Mexico state CNA test. Once both those tests are passed, and the above outlined steps are completed, a person can send their application in to receive their certification and be placed on the New Mexico CNA Registry. New Mexico CNA certification itself is good for 2 years and needs to be renewed prior to expiration. In order to renew a CNA certification in New Mexico, an individual must prove that they have been employed as a CNA within those two years.

New Mexico CNA Registry Certification

Once an individual appears on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry they may begin applying for CNA jobs in New Mexico, at local hospitals, nursing homes, or other long term medical care facilities. The employer will verify credentials using the registry. The job outlook for CNA’s in Albuquerque New Mexico is good according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is projected to continue this pattern over the next decade or so.

Be advised all New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry Applications must be mailed to the address below:

New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry
ATTN: Prometric NM NA Program
7941 Corporate Drive
Nottingham, MD  21236

Toll Free: (866) 391-1945
Fax: (800) 813-6670
Hours of operation:  7 am to 4pm (MT)
Website: www.prometric.com

The New Mexico Department of Health requirements for CNA’s along with the forms for certification and renewal of certification can be found on the following website: nmhealth.org/about/dhi/hflc/prop/nar/  The NM DOH is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.