CNA Classes in Kentucky (Top Schools)

To be a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA), you must:

• Complete the Kentucky Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP)
• Register as a nurse aide at the Kentucky Medicaid

Although other states call a trained nurse aid “Certified Nurse Aide,” Kentucky prefers the term SRNA.

That’s because no certification will be awarded after a candidate finishes NATCEP; only registration.

Taking on an SRNA Training Program in Kentucky

The state and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) agreed to have KCTCS administer NATCEP.

With them solely leading the SRNA training, it ensures that you will receive a:

• Standard training that meets the requirements of the state and federal regulations
• High quality and effective education to provide direct patient care

To ensure that KCTCS will adhere to the standards, Kentucky Medicaid will assist with the oversight.

In the program, you will complete 75 hours of training, with at least 16 hours spent on supervised practical training.

Below is a list of KCTCS and secondary training providers.

Evaluating an SRNA Candidate

As mentioned, KCTCS is the sole administrator of NATCEP.

And so, they have the responsibility to oversee the “CEP” portion of NATCEP, better known as the Kentucky Nurse Aide Test (KNAT).

KNAT is a two-part evaluation.

• Part I – written test
• Part II – skills test

The written test is a 75-item test that assesses your knowledge.

Meanwhile, the skills test assesses your accuracy in performing nurse aide skills.

During the skills test, the examiner will ask you to demonstrate five skills, some of which will have critical steps.

On another note, you can opt for an oral test instead of a written one if you have limited literacy skills.

In an oral test, KCTCS will allow the following:

• Bringing a bilingual dictionary
• Reading the questions to you in a neutral manner

You will have to reach a certain score to pass the KNAT.

• Written – 52 out of 75, equivalent to 75%
• Skills – 70% accuracy, with the critical steps performed at 100%

If you pass, you will receive a written notice of the results from KCTCS.

Note that you only have three chances to secure a passing score.

Otherwise, you will have to undergo training again and start a new testing cycle.

KCTCS and Kentucky Medicaid have study guides that you can check out to increase your chances of passing.

Update: KNAT can now be taken online at any KCTCS testing location.

Online scheduling can be done by:

• Approved training facility
• Exam retakers

Visit the KCTCS website for more details.

Deadline for Taking KNAT

The following candidates will have the following the deadlines to take KNAT:

• Employed nurse aides (permanent) – within the first four months of employment
• Unemployed nurse aides (usually fresh graduates) – within 12 months of training completion

KNAT Test Fees

Regardless if this is your initial exam take or a retake, you will pay the following for each part of KNAT:

• Written – $40
• Oral – $55
• Skills only – $75

If You’re a Person with a Disability

KCTCS allows you to take KNAT in an alternate form if you have a disability deemed to affect your ability to take the exam.

To do this, you must submit a request to your KNAT coordinator at least two weeks before the test date.

If approved, they will indicate notes on the test papers and on the score sheets.

Gaining an SRNA Status

Passing KNAT means successfully completing the comprehensive evaluation.

And so, KCTCS will submit your information to Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry (KNAR) within 30 days.

This, along with the results of your nurse aide training from the training facility, will complete your status as an SRNA.

If you’re a nurse aide with a disability, it will be indicated on the registry.

There will be no charge shouldered on you to become registered.

Potential Salary

CNAs in Kentucky can expect job security with career opportunities.

One such opportunity you can receive is a highly competitive salary.

Of course, salary varies from person to person depending on several factors such as:

• Level of experience
• Skills proficiency
• Nature of work

The table below shows the salary information in some places in the state.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2023

CNA Schools by City

• Lexington
• Louisville