CNA Classes in Oklahoma | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

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CNA Classes in Oklahoma

Start your healthcare career in the Sooner State. Oklahoma offers accessible CNA training with strong job growth projections—CNA jobs are expected to increase 11% by 2026 with over 23,000 positions statewide.

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Training Hours

$55

State Exam Fee

$34,900

Median Salary

4-6 Wks

Program Length

Become a CNA in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's healthcare sector is experiencing remarkable growth, creating abundant job opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants across the state. With over 23,000 CNA positions currently filled and projections showing an 11% increase by 2026, qualified caregivers are in high demand throughout Oklahoma's diverse healthcare facilities—from major metropolitan areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa to rural communities statewide.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) manages CNA certification through the Nurse Aide Registry. Oklahoma uniquely recognizes six different types of Certified Nurse Aide: Long-Term Care Aide (LTC), Home Health Aide (HHA), Developmentally Disabled Direct Care Aide (DDCA), Residential Care Aide (RCA), Adult Day Care Aide (ADCA), and Certified Medication Aide (CMA). The Long-Term Care Aide classification is most comparable to the standard CNA credential in other states. Exams are administered through three approved testing agencies: Prometric, D&SDT-Headmaster, and the Health Certification Project (HCP). Training is available at state technology centers, community colleges, and many nursing facilities that offer free training with employment commitments.

Quick Facts

Regulatory Body OSDH

Exam Providers Prometric, D&S, HCP

Training Hours 75 minimum

Clinical Hours 16 minimum

Exam Fee $55 (Prometric)

LTC Renewal Fee No fee

Renewal Period 24 months

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Compare training programs across Oklahoma, from Oklahoma City to Tulsa to Lawton. Review costs, schedules, and start your certification journey.

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How to Become a CNA in Oklahoma

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and join the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry

Complete State-Approved Training

Enroll in an OSDH-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) with at least 75 hours of instruction. Programs include approximately 53 hours of classroom training, 8 hours of skills lab, and a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical practice under an RN or LPN. You must be at least 16 years old. Before any direct resident contact, you must complete 16 hours covering communication, infection control, safety procedures, resident rights, and promoting independence. Programs are available at Oklahoma CareerTech centers, community colleges like Tulsa Community College and Rose State College, and many nursing facilities offering free training with work commitments. Programs typically cost $450-$1,300 and take 4-6 weeks to complete, with some accelerated options in 2-3 weeks.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing training, take the CNA competency exam through one of three approved testing agencies: Prometric, D&SDT-Headmaster, or the Health Certification Project (HCP). The exam has two parts: a written/oral knowledge test (70-75 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes) and a clinical skills evaluation (3-5 randomly selected skills performed before an evaluator). Prometric exam fees are $25 for written, $25 for oral, and $30 for clinical ($55 combined for written + skills). You must score at least 75% on the written exam and demonstrate competency on all skills. You have up to three attempts within 24 months of training completion. Apply online through Prometric (recommended) or submit paper applications. Once approved, you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter to schedule your exam.

Get Listed on the Registry

Upon passing both exam components, the testing provider reports your results to OSDH and your name is added to the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry within 30 days—no separate application is required. Your certification status will show as Active, authorizing you to work as a CNA in licensed facilities throughout Oklahoma. Employers must verify your registry status before hiring. Note: Oklahoma allows a 4-month training period where you can work as a nurse aide trainee while enrolled in an approved program, but you may only perform skills for which you've been trained and found proficient by your instructor. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of initial listing. Long-Term Care Aides can renew online at no cost; other aide types require a $10 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Oklahoma

The timeline to become a CNA in Oklahoma typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks for most programs. The state-mandated 75-hour training program can be completed in various formats to fit your schedule. Some accelerated full-time programs finish in as little as 2-3 weeks with intensive daily instruction. Part-time evening or weekend classes may take 6-8 weeks. Oklahoma CareerTech centers and community colleges offer flexible scheduling options. After completing training, the exam application processing takes up to 30 days to receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter. Once you have your ATT, you can schedule your competency exam at an approved testing site. If testing through Prometric, you receive instant results on the written portion and can access your clinical results within one day. After passing both portions, it takes up to 30 days for your name to appear on the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry. Most students complete the entire process from enrollment to registry listing within 6-10 weeks.

CNA training costs in Oklahoma typically range from $450 to $1,300 depending on the program. Oklahoma CareerTech centers often offer competitive pricing, while programs like the American Red Cross may be at the higher end around $1,300. In addition to tuition, budget for the $55 state exam fee (if using Prometric: $25 written + $30 clinical), CPR certification if not included ($30-$60), scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), and textbooks if not provided. However, Oklahoma offers excellent ways to reduce or eliminate costs. Many nursing homes and long-term care facilities provide free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment—these employer-sponsored programs are common throughout the state. Under federal OBRA regulations, if you're hired by a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility within 12 months of completing training, your employer must reimburse your training and testing costs. Additionally, some facilities offer paid training where you earn wages while learning. Financial aid may be available at community colleges for eligible students.

Oklahoma uniquely recognizes six different types of Certified Nurse Aide through the OSDH Nurse Aide Registry: Long-Term Care Aide (LTC) is the standard certification comparable to "CNA" in other states, requiring 75 hours of training and qualifying you to work in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. Home Health Aide (HHA) also requires 75 hours and qualifies you for in-home care settings. Developmentally Disabled Direct Care Aide (DDCA) requires 75 hours for working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Residential Care Aide (RCA) and Adult Day Care Aide (ADCA) require fewer training hours and have specific work settings. Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is an advanced certification requiring additional training after earning your initial CNA, allowing you to administer medications in long-term care. If you already hold one type of certification, Oklahoma offers a "deeming" process where you can qualify for additional certifications with just 16 hours of population-specific training rather than completing the full curriculum again.

The Oklahoma CNA competency exam consists of two parts and may be taken through Prometric, D&SDT-Headmaster, or the Health Certification Project (HCP). The written (knowledge) exam contains 70-75 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes. Content areas include: Basic Nursing Skills (patient care, bathing, grooming, feeding), Safety and Emergency Procedures (including the Heimlich maneuver), Infection Control, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Resident Rights, and Promoting Independence. You must score at least 75% to pass. An oral version is available for candidates who need accommodation. The clinical skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate 3-5 randomly selected tasks from a standardized list before an evaluator. Common skills include hand washing (always tested), measuring vital signs, transferring patients using a gait belt, positioning, and personal care tasks. Each skill must be performed accurately following all key steps. If testing with Prometric, you'll receive instant feedback on the written portion; clinical results are typically available within one day online.

Oklahoma accepts CNA reciprocity for nurse aides certified in other U.S. states who are in good standing with no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. To transfer your certification, complete the Oklahoma Reciprocity Application (ODH Form 735) available from the OSDH Nurse Aide Registry. You must include proof of identity (government-issued photo ID), Social Security documentation, and an Affidavit of Lawful Presence (Oklahoma requires verification of citizenship or legal immigration status). Your current state registry must verify your active certification directly to Oklahoma. The reciprocity fee is $15 for most aide types (LTC reciprocity may be free). Submit your application by mail or email to NAR@health.ok.gov. Processing time is typically a few weeks. If your out-of-state certification has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retest. If expired more than three years, retraining and testing are required. Once approved, your name will be added to the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry. Contact the Registry at (405) 426-8150 for status updates.

CNA Certification Renewal in Oklahoma

Oklahoma CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months to maintain active status on the Nurse Aide Registry. Long-Term Care Aides (the most common CNA type) can renew online at no cost—one of the most affordable renewal processes in the country. Other aide types (HHA, DDCA, RCA, ADCA) require a mailed application with a $10 fee.

To qualify for renewal, you must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services within your 24-month certification period. Private duty work without a supervising physician or nurse does not count toward this requirement. Acceptable employment verification includes an administrator/supervisor signature on the renewal form, a pay stub, or a W-2. Oklahoma also requires an Affidavit of Lawful Presence for all renewals. Additionally, OSDH requires a performance review of every nurse aide at least once every 12 months and 2 hours of in-service training specific to your job assignment each month. If your certification expires for more than two years, you must retest. If expired more than three years, full retraining and testing are required.

Renewal Requirements

Work at least 8 paid hours in nursing services within 24 months
LTC aides renew online at no cost; other types require $10 fee
Submit employment verification (signature, paystub, or W-2)
Complete Affidavit of Lawful Presence
Annual performance review required by employer
2 hours monthly in-service training specific to job assignment

Career Outlook in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's healthcare sector offers strong job growth and diverse opportunities for CNAs

Competitive Wages

Oklahoma CNAs earn a median salary of $34,900/year ($16.78/hour). Higher wages available in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Lawton. Hospital-based CNAs earn more ($41,241 average).

Diverse Work Settings

300+ nursing homes, 60+ assisted living centers, 50+ adult day care facilities, and 10 veterans nursing facilities. Oklahoma City hosts 5,100 CNA jobs; Tulsa provides 4,800 positions.

Strong Job Growth

CNA jobs projected to grow 11% by 2026. Over 23,000 positions statewide. Many facilities offer sign-on bonuses due to high demand. Benefits often include tuition reimbursement.

CNA Requirements in Neighboring States

Explore certification requirements in nearby states

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Official Resources

Access official links and contact information for Oklahoma CNA certification

OSDH Nurse Aide Registry

Official state agency for CNA certification, training program approval, and registry maintenance.

Visit Website

Prometric Testing

Primary exam administrator for Oklahoma CNA competency exams. Schedule and manage your test.

Visit Prometric

Health Certification Project

Oklahoma CareerTech testing center for nurse aide certification exams.

Visit HCP

D&SDT-Headmaster

Alternative exam provider for Oklahoma Home Health Aide and Long-Term Care Aide testing.

Visit Headmaster

Registry Contact

OSDH Nurse Aide Registry
PO Box 268816, Oklahoma City, OK 73126

Call: (405) 426-8150

Email Support

Contact the Nurse Aide Registry for questions about certification, renewal, or reciprocity.

NAR@health.ok.gov