CNA Classes in New Hampshire (Top Schools)

In New Hampshire, Certified Nursing Assistants are called Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs).

And it’s the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBN) that oversees the regulations for LNAs.

Typically, you can be an LNA if you meet the following conditions:

• Complete a state-approved LNA training program
• Pass the competency evaluation exam
• Undergo a criminal background check

But that’s not the only licensing path you can follow.

Interestingly enough, you can also earn a license and be added to the Nurse Aide Registry (NAR) either by:

• Comparable education
• Endorsement

Taking on an LNA Training Program in New Hampshire

The NHBN only allows LNA training programs to be offered by approved training facilities.

In this way, you can receive an education that complies with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.

How long the program will be is dependent on the training facilities’ curriculum.

Nevertheless, these training facilities should offer a minimum of 100 hours of training per NHBN’s requirement.

After completing the program, you’ll have the competency to provide basic patient care to residents.

To help you choose the training facility that’s right for you, here’s a list of state-approved LNA training facilities.

Evaluating an LNA Candidate

As an LNA candidate, you have three ways to acquire a license in New Hampshire.

Namely, LNA License by:

• Competency evaluation
• Comparable education
• Endorsement

You can apply for any one of them online through the New Hampshire Online Licensing web page.

Also, no matter the licensing path, you will still pay NHBN the following fees for your application:

• Initial application fee – $35
• Criminal background check – $48.25

Now, let’s discuss each licensing path in detail below.

LNA License by Competency Evaluation

To be eligible for a license, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• LNA Education Certificate from the state-approved training facility
• Official competency evaluation exam (CEE) results from the testing facility
• Criminal background check from the Department of Safety – State Police Division

The Competency Evaluation Exam

Unlike other states, many testing centers administer the CEE in New Hampshire.

Here are the testing services and agencies approved by NHBN:

• Clinical Career Training, LLC
• Lakes Region Community College
• Northwoods Center for Continuing Education
• Excel Testing

You may have to inquire at each testing center for the exam specifics.

But usually, it has two components: a knowledge test and a manual skill test.

The knowledge test will be a multiple-choice question, in written or in an oral format.

Meanwhile, the manual skill test evaluates your nursing assistant skills by having you demonstrate a set of tasks.

You have to pass both tests to earn your LNA license.

More detailed information about the CEE will be listed in the Candidate’s Handbook provided by the testing center.

LNA License by Comparable Education

Typically, this licensing path applies to Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses.

To be considered, you’ll have to submit these requirements:

• Proof of completing a Nursing Fundamentals course from the nursing school within five years of application, either a/an:
  • Official transcript
  • Letter from the nursing program
• Criminal background check from the Department of Safety – State Police Division

LNA License by Endorsement

This licensing path applies to LNAs under reciprocity.

This, of course, is provided that you have an active status and are in good standing at another state’s NAR.

If you do, then you can be endorsed for an LNA license and to the registry by submitting the following:

• Copy of your LNA/CNA license from another state
• LNA Audit – Contact hour documentation form, which you can download at NHBN’s website
• Verification of license, to be sent to the NH Office Of Professional Licensure and Certification
• Criminal background check from the Department of Safety – State Police Division

Note that the LNA Audit is basically continuing education (CE) documentation.

It serves as proof that your nursing assistant’s knowledge and skills are current to serve the residents of New Hampshire well.

You must complete 24 contact hours of CE within two years before the license application.

Submitting to a Criminal Background Check

In-state and out-of-state LNA applicants have different steps to follow when it comes to criminal background checks (CBC).

CBC for LNAs includes criminal history and fingerprints to be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

So if you’re an in-state LNA applicant:

• Go to the NH Department of Safety – Criminal Records Portal: https://services.dos.nh.gov/chri/cpo/ to schedule your appointment
• Select your profession or board
• Pay the CBC fee of $48.25

On the other hand, if you’re an out-of-state LNA applicant:

• Get your fingerprints checked at any approved background check facilities in your state
• Fill in Section 1 of the Criminal Record Authorization Form, which you can download at NHBN’s website
• Pay the CBC fee of $48.25

NHBN accepts both livescan or fingerprint cards for CBC.

But do note that livescan is only acceptable if the fingerprints are also scanned onto a card.

For payment, make the check or money order payable to the State of NH – Criminal Records.

Further, you should submit all requirements to this address:

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
7 Eagle Square
Concord, NH 03301

Potential Salary

This profession is ideal for those who like to take care of people, letting patients live comfortably and stably.

That’s why such a noble profession needs equal compensation.

Currently, an LNA working in New Hampshire can receive an average salary of $32,163 a year.

Below you’ll find the salary information per city across the state.

Regional Salary

CNA Schools by City

• Manchester3 Schools