Jake Flannigan, NP
June 24, 2025
The Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) of Oklahoma act as essential care providers and support staff for the healthcare system. The supervision of nurses enables CNAs to provide assistance for activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing patients, feeding, and helping with mobility needs. The work of CNAs creates safe environments for patients while nurses can dedicate themselves to advanced care responsibilities.
El Reno, OK - Public 2-Year - cvtech.edu
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The Health Careers - CNA/AUA program at Canadian Valley Technology Center provides comprehensive training for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students can become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Advanced Unlicensed Assistants (AUA) through a rigorous curriculum covering medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and essential clinical skills. The program offers practical hands-on training with a minimum of 16 clinical hours in long-term care facilities, preparing students for critical healthcare roles. Designed for high school students and adults, the program provides multiple certification opportunities, including Long Term Care Aide and potential specializations like EKG Technician or Phlebotomy. Courses are available at Chickasha and Cowan campuses, totaling 480-960 clock hours depending on the specific track.
In-person clinical experience is required for CNA programs in Oklahoma but most programs provide classroom instruction through online or hybrid learning methods. Students enrolled in online CNA programs can complete theoretical coursework through remote learning platforms yet they must fulfill state requirements for in-person laboratory and clinical training hours. The hybrid learning approach supports students who need to balance work or family responsibilities because it allows flexible scheduling without losing hands-on training. Practical demonstrations and testing take place during scheduled in-person sessions although the majority of lectures, assignments, and discussions happen through online platforms.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Valley Technology Center |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | 16+, valid ID & SSN, cleared fingerprint/background check, required immunizations, enrolled in an approved CNA program |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Oklahoma State Department of Health, Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | 75-hour approved course with at least 16 supervised clinical hours |
| Exam and Application Fees | $35 knowledge test, $40 skills evaluation, paid to Prometric |
| Certification Exam | Pass both knowledge and skills tests within your eligibility window |
| Registry Activation Time | Registry updated within two business days of passing both exams |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years, complete eight hours of paid CNA work under RN/LPN supervision |
| License by Endorsement | Active out-of-state CNAs transfer via reciprocity without retesting |
The initial salary for Certified Nursing Assistants working in Oklahoma falls within the typical entry-level healthcare pay range. The annual salary range for CNAs in Oklahoma state ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 based on work location and professional experience. Health care providers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa typically pay their CNAs more due to the greater healthcare system requirements. Nursing homes along with hospitals, assisted living centers, and home health care agencies make up the primary workplaces where CNAs find employment. The employment prospects remain favorable because Oklahoma has an aging population that needs continued long-term care support.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Oklahoma | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,888 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.29 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$41,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,888 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$31,390 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~3,900 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Valley Technology Center |
| - |
The Certified Nursing Assistant certification in Oklahoma provides an excellent foundation for future healthcare career development. Many CNAs decide to continue their education for Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Registered Nursing (RN) certification after starting their careers. Several LPN and RN educational programs prefer hiring candidates with CNA experience since they demonstrate patient care knowledge. The state of Oklahoma provides accelerated nursing career development pathways for Certified Nursing Assistants who wish to advance their nursing careers. The healthcare sector offers additional training possibilities such as medication aide certifications and advanced unlicensed assistant programs that enable CNAs to take on expanded responsibilities in their work settings.
Additional Nursing Programs in Oklahoma
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