CNA Classes in Hobbs, NM

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Hobbs?

Tuition at Hobbs programs runs $1,500 (about $1,500 on average). Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($140 total through D&SDT-Headmaster ($40 knowledge test + $100 skills test); the audio knowledge option adds $5 ($45 + $100 = $145). The State of New Mexico pays test fees for candidates employed by, or with an offer from, a Medicaid-certified nursing facility — enter your employer in the nm.tmutest.com application to access this benefit.), the application/registry fee ($0 state application fee to be listed on the registry; reciprocity applications are also free), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in New Mexico typically falls around $0-$1,200 - sponsored applicants pay nothing because Medicaid-certified employers cover training and exam fees; self-paid applicants typically pay between $400 and $1,200 for tuition, the CCHS fingerprint check, and Headmaster exam fees.

How to Become a CNA in Hobbs, NM

1. 1

   Confirm HCA eligibility and choose an approved training program

   Verify you are at least 16, can pass the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening (CCHS), and have no findings on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry. Choose an HCA-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) - examples include Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), UNM-Gallup, San Juan College, New Mexico Junior College, Northern New Mexico College, and several private and facility-based providers.

2. 2

   Complete at least 75 hours of NATCEP-approved training

   Finish at least 75 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical instruction (many New Mexico programs run 100-185 hours), including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical practice in an HCA-licensed nursing facility. Curriculum must cover core OBRA topics - basic nursing skills, personal care, mental health and social services needs, residents' rights, restorative services, dementia care, and infection prevention - as required by the New Mexico Administrative Code.

3. 3

   Submit fingerprints for the Caregivers Criminal History Screening

   Apply for the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening (CCHS) before clinicals or employment. Fingerprinting is processed through a New Mexico Department of Public Safety LiveScan vendor, costs approximately $73.30 (sometimes paid by the employer or training provider), and includes a New Mexico state criminal history check, FBI national fingerprint search, and HCA abuse registry screening.

4. 4

   Get entered into the NM TestMaster Universe (TMU) system

   After you finish training, your provider enters your information into nm.tmutest.com, the TestMaster Universe portal operated by D&SDT-Headmaster for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. From your TMU account you select a test date and pay the Knowledge and Skills test fees by credit card. Candidates with a job offer from a Medicaid-certified nursing facility can have the state cover both test fees - the employer must verify employment in TMU before the test is scheduled.

5. 5

   Pass the written Knowledge Test and Manual Skills Test

   The Knowledge Test is multiple-choice and offered in written or oral format. The Manual Skills Test always includes handwashing and 4 additional randomly selected hands-on skills evaluated in front of a Headmaster-approved tester. Both portions must be passed within 24 months of training completion. Headmaster provides up to three attempts before a candidate must repeat the full NATCEP.

6. 6

   Get listed on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry

   After Headmaster submits passing results to the HCA Division of Health Improvement, your name is placed on the New Mexico Certified Nurse Aide Registry. Verification is publicly searchable at nm.tmutest.com/search. There is no state registry fee, and once active you may begin paid CNA work in any HCA-licensed long-term care or hospital setting in New Mexico.

7. 7

   Renew every two years with at least 8 paid hours of work

   New Mexico CNAs must perform at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work under licensed nurse supervision within every 24-month renewal cycle. Renewal is processed through the TMU portal at no cost. CNAs whose certification lapses can be reinstated by completing an HCA-approved refresher course and retaking the competency exam, or by submitting documentation of recent qualifying paid nurse aide work.

Becoming a CNA in New Mexico

New Mexico's CNA workforce is regulated by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), which absorbed responsibilities formerly handled by the New Mexico Department of Health, and the Division of Health Improvement now operates the Certified Nurse Aide Registry. The HCA recently transitioned its testing and registry vendor from Prometric to D&SDT-Headmaster, consolidating training program approval, exam scheduling, and renewal into the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal at nm.tmutest.com.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Hobbs