CNA Classes in Bennington, VT

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Bennington?

Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($200 combined (written + skills) through Excel Testing of Vermont, a D&SDT-Headmaster affiliate; the price is not split between the knowledge and skills components), the application/registry fee ($25 LNA initial license fee paid through OPR online services (biennial renewal is priced separately)), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Vermont typically falls around $800-$2,000 including tuition (often free at hospital and nursing home programs), background check, exam, and OPR license fee.

How to Become a CNA in Bennington, VT

1. 1

   Verify eligibility and choose an OPR-approved program

   You must be at least 16 years old. Vermont does not impose a high school diploma at the state level, but most approved programs do. The Board of Nursing under the Office of Professional Regulation maintains an approved program list spanning hospital systems (UVM Health Network, Porter Medical Center), Vermont Adult Career & Technical Ed sites, and several community colleges.

2. 2

   Complete an 80-hour Nurse Aide Training program

   Vermont's minimum curriculum is 80 hours combining classroom theory, supervised lab practice, and a clinical practicum of at least 20 hours in a licensed long-term care facility. Many programs run 90-144 total hours over 4 to 10 weeks. The state-mandated curriculum covers infection control, mental health, dementia care, restorative services, resident rights, and basic nursing skills.

3. 3

   Complete the VCIC fingerprint background check

   Submit a fingerprint-supported background check through the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) as part of your LNA application. The OPR will review state and federal results before issuing your license. Plan for 2-4 weeks for fingerprint results to be returned.

4. 4

   Pass the Excel Testing competency exam

   Schedule the written (or oral) knowledge test and the in-person skills evaluation through Excel Testing of Vermont. The knowledge test contains 60 multiple-choice items; the skills evaluation typically includes 5 randomly assigned tasks, always including hand hygiene. You must pass both portions within two years of completing training.

5. 5

   Apply for your LNA license through OPR Online Services

   Submit the LNA license application through sos.vermont.gov/nursing/apply-renew, upload your training certificate, Excel Testing score reports, and VCIC clearance, and pay the $80 biennial license fee. OPR typically processes complete applications within 2 to 4 weeks.

6. 6

   Get listed on the Vermont LNA Registry

   Once OPR approves your application, your LNA license number is published on the public OPR licensee lookup and added to Vermont's Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Division of Licensing and Protection. You may now legally work as an LNA in any Vermont healthcare setting.

7. 7

   Renew every two years with 400 hours of paid LNA work

   Vermont has one of the most stringent renewal work requirements in the country: you must complete at least 400 hours (about 50 days) of paid LNA practice in the 24 months prior to renewal. Renewal also requires a new background check and payment of the OPR renewal fee. Falling short of 400 hours means re-testing through Excel Testing.

Becoming a CNA in Vermont

Vermont is one of only a handful of states-along with New Hampshire and New York-that licenses its nurse aides at the state level. The Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) credential is regulated by the Vermont Board of Nursing operating under the Office of Professional Regulation in the Secretary of State's Office, headquartered at 89 Main Street in Montpelier.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Bennington