Are you a certified nursing assistant (CNA) interested in new experiences and thinking about making a big move?
This article will be a great resource guide for moving from one state to another and knowing which states offer free CNA reciprocity (and which ones don’t). If you have an active certification in good standing, you can move among these states and work as a CNA without completing another state-approved course or retaking a test.
Becoming a CNA in Different States
Each state maintains a list of approved CNA programs. You may find a free CNA certification course near you that offers the theory component online. However, if you move to a new state, you may not have to retake a course or exam. Some states can recognize CNA certificates from other states if nursing assistants meet certain standard requirements.
There is also a difference between CNAs and medication aides, read more about those here.
What Does Free Reciprocity Mean?
Free reciprocity in this context means that certified nursing assistants can move to a state with free reciprocity and continue practicing without retaking tests or taking extra courses.
Each state maintains a list of approved CNA programs with curriculums that are designed to align with the state’s statutes and regulations. If you are wondering how to get a multi-state CNA license, what you need to be looking at is the reciprocity regulations of the state you are interested in.
The requirements for nurse aide reciprocity vary among states.
Applications to be listed on the CNA registry or for endorsement, background checks, and accompanying fees are common. Even among the states with free reciprocity, the required steps and circumstances differ. Make sure you know the requirements and the necessary steps in the state of your interest before you pack your bags.
We’ve compiled two lists to help you prepare: the first summarizing the requirements for the free reciprocity states and the second summarizing the fees and requirements for the others.
Furthermore, to help you decide which state might be best for you, learn about each state’s CNA-to-patient staffing ratios.
Free Reciprocity States for CNA Licenses
Depending on the destination, validating your credentials in another state can be fee-free. The following list shows the free reciprocity states.
Alabama
To transfer to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry and practice in this state, you must already have a contract to work in a nursing home, hospice, community mental health center, hospital, or home health agency. Alabama doesn’t have a reciprocity form for entering the CNA registry.
Georgia
To enter the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, complete the CNA reciprocity form and submit the required supporting documents. The application requires you to show proof of employment within two years under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Idaho
For Idaho to grant reciprocity, you must have a job offer or be living in the state. Moreover, there are some additional requirements you must submit with your reciprocity application:
- Submit your NATCEP course certificate or transcripts of completion of one semester in nursing school.
- Submit printed verification from your nurse aide registry stating you are active and without negative findings.
- All documents must be in PDF format. Photos or screenshots are not acceptable.
Iowa
A certified nursing assistant who wants to transfer to the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry must apply online.
Kentucky
To work in Kentucky, create an account for the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal and submit the State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) reciprocity application and supporting documentation; additional documentation may be requested. Furthermore, you must have active status in the state where you practiced.
Maine
In Maine, you must apply to the Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Workers.
- Complete the online application and send a PDF version.
- Send your current photo ID. Your name on the application must be identical to your government ID.
- Send verification from the states where you hold or have held a CNA certification.
Massachusetts
In order to apply for reciprocity in Massachusetts, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You must have a certification in another state and be in good standing.
- You cannot have obtained certification previously in Massachusetts.
- You must complete the reciprocity application.
Minnesota
If you are transferring to Minnesota, you need to be on the state nursing assistant registry before you can work.
- Complete the interstate endorsement form. Be sure to complete all the requirements, as a rejection due to an incomplete form can delay your process.
- Submit the form electronically by email.
Missouri
In Missouri, CNAs who have obtained certification in another state can apply for reciprocity. They must meet the following requirements:
- Upload your documents to verify your certification in another state.
- Complete the Reciprocity form and submit documents for verification.
Montana
To apply for the interstate endorsement in Montana, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to the BOUNDS portal, then create and activate your account.
- Complete the Interstate Endorsement application and enter your current CNA number.
New Mexico
For New Mexico reciprocity, you need to apply to the New Mexico Department of Health’s Division of Health Improvement and submit the required documentation:
- Complete the CNA reciprocity form
- Current CNA certification
- Driver’s license or photo ID
- Social Security card
- Contact numbers
- Mailing address
North Dakota
In North Dakota, you need to complete the Certified Nurse Aide application as well as request verification from the registries of all the states where you hold or have held a CNA license. Documentation regarding personal history and/or background may be requested. Applications are typically processed in three to five business days.
Ohio
For reciprocity in Ohio, complete the following steps:
- Complete the Nurse Aide Request for Reciprocity form.
- Attach a photocopy of your Social Security card and picture ID showing the correct spelling of your name and birthday.
Oklahoma
You can apply for reciprocity in Oklahoma with the Oklahoma Nurse Aide and Nontechnical Services Worker Registry. The application differs depending on whether you apply to work in long-term care (LTC) or as a home health aide (HHA). Although there is no fee for LTC, there is a fee of $15 for HHA applications.
Pennsylvania
If you have an active CNA license in good standing from another state, you can apply for reciprocity with Pennsylvania by enrolling on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. For guidance on the application process, check the reference guide here.
South Carolina
To work in South Carolina, apply to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. You need to be currently listed as active in another state’s nurse aide registry. For a quick reference on the application process, click here.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, go to the South Dakota Board of Nursing website for the CNA reciprocity application.
- You’ll need to print the employment verification form and have your current or previous employer fill it out.
- Complete the online application form and follow the instructions.
Virginia
If you have an active certification in good standing from another state, you can apply for reciprocity in Virginia by filling out the Nurse Aide application.
West Virginia
To transfer to work in West Virginia, enroll in the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry by completing the Registration by Reciprocity application with the required information.
States with an Application Fee
If you want to transfer your CNA certification to one of the following states, you must pay a fee to complete your reciprocity process.
Alaska
Complete the application for Certified Nurse Aide by Endorsement. The processing fee in Alaska is $75. Follow the application instructions to ensure you have all the documentation this state requires.
Arizona
To apply for endorsement as a CNA in Arizona, you must pay a fee of $50 and follow the required steps for the CNA Endorsement application.
Arkansas
For Arkansas, you must pay a processing fee of $25 and complete the Out of State AR Reciprocity Form 9110AR in order to enroll in the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry.
California
To apply for reciprocity in California, CNAs must complete the Certified Nurse Assistant Equivalency/Reciprocity application, meet all the requirements detailed here, and submit fingerprints for a background check, which costs $32.
Colorado
To transfer your certification to Colorado, you must pay a processing fee and meet all the requirements on the Nurse Aide Endorsement Application Checklist.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, CNAs must pay a $55 fee, meet the requirements, and fill out the online application to be placed on the Connecticut Nurse’s Aide Registry. Like in other states, your license must be active and in good standing.
Delaware
The reciprocity fee in Delaware is $30. Candidates must complete the Delaware Nurse Aide Application for Reciprocity and present the required documentation.
Florida
In Florida, CNA applicants must submit fingerprints using Livescan services, among other documentation. Fees for these procedures vary.
Hawaii
Hawaii charges a $27 processing fee. You need to have a CNA certification in good standing and complete all the requirements in the Hawaii Nurse Aide Testing/Out of State/Reciprocity Application Form.
Indiana
To apply to the Indiana Nurse Aide registry through reciprocity, a CNA must obtain the application from Ivy Tech and submit all the required documents. Furthermore, CNAs wanting to transfer to this state must take a written exam.
Illinois
To transfer to Illinois, you must pay a $25 processing fee, be active in the state registry where you were practicing, and fill out the Out-of-State Nurse Aide Application.
Kansas
In Kansas, candidates must take the KS Nurse Aide Test, pay a $20 application fee, and fill out the Interstate Application Form.
Louisiana
In Lousiana, Prometric manages the reciprocity applications. The application fee is $35. You must follow route eight of the reciprocity procedure.
Maryland
For Maryland, you must meet all the requirements from the Certified Nursing Assistant Certification Endorsement Checklist, pay the required fees, and have your fingerprints taken.
Michigan
To request reciprocity in Michigan, you must create a MILogin account, request access to MI-NATES, and pay a $40 fee through MI-NATES. CNAs from some states can’t apply in Michigan through reciprocity. The list of approved states is available on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry page.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, request the Reciprocity Application Form from the Mississippi National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) registry. The reciprocity fee is $26. You may also have to pay a retesting fee of $101 (if applicable).
Nebraska
To transfer your CNA certification to Nebraska, you must provide all the required documents, fill out the NA Interstate Endorsement Application, and complete a one-hour in-service on reporting abuse or neglect before you become active in this state.
Nevada
To apply for reciprocity in Nevada, you must complete the CNA Endorsement Form through the Nevada Nurse Portal. The processing fee is $50. Find other requirements here.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, you must complete the Universal Application for Endorsement and pay a fee of $63. You must complete all the required documentation.
New Jersey
To apply for reciprocity in New Jersey, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must submit documentation of your current CNA certification.
- You must not have criminal conviction records.
- You must choose one of two routes to reciprocity: reciprocity based on Continuing Education Units or reciprocity based on full-time employment. Route to reciprocity based on full-time employment will require you to pass the New Jersey clinical skills and written exams.
New York
For New York, apply to the New York State Department of Health. CNA reciprocity is processed through Prometric; fill out the forms and pay a $50 processing fee.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, to be listed on the CNA registry, you can apply for a training waiver by completing a state-approved nurse aide training program in another state or submitting a Reciprocity Application.
Oregon
The reciprocity processing fee in Oregon is $60. Like in other states, you must have CNA certification in good standing, create an account in the OSBN Nursing Portal, and follow the instructions.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, there is a $35 processing fee. You must complete the Nursing Assistant Endorsement Application and meet all the requirements.
Tennessee
To request reciprocity with Tennessee, the Tennessee State Testing Agency processes Out of State Registry Reciprocity Forms for a $20 fee. After completing the form and meeting all the requirements, the process typically lasts one week.
Texas
To transfer your CNA certification to work as a nurse aide in Texas, you need the following:
- Complete a criminal history check at the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records division (a fee is charged for the check).
- Submit an application through TULIP (Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal) and complete the request to enter the Nurse Aide Registry through reciprocity.
- If the state of your CNA certification doesn’t provide an expiration date, you must complete Form 5506-NAR (PDF).
Utah
Utah charges a reciprocity application fee of $50. You also must fill out the form and provide the required documents.
Vermont
Complete an online application and criminal background check to transfer your CNA certification to Vermont. Provide all the documents required and pay a processing fee of $25.
Washington
Washington charges a $25 processing fee. Applicants from other states must verify placement on a state OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Action) and pass a competency exam. Furthermore, CNAs must meet all the state requirements.
Wisconsin
To transfer to Wisconsin and be placed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, complete the WI CNA Reciprocity Form 9110Wi, submit all the required documents, and pay a $25 application fee.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, CNAs applying for certification by endorsement must pay a $120 fee and submit all the necessary documents.
Finding PRN CNA Jobs near Me
If you’re serious about moving to another state, a CNA travelers convention is an excellent opportunity to meet people who share the same interests and learn about the advantages and experiences of utilizing CNA reciprocity to work in other states.
Now that you know the requirements to apply for reciprocity in each state, you may want to know how to find PRN CNA jobs near you. Nursa is an open healthcare marketplace that connects clinicians with facilities around the US, making the process of finding a PRN job easier.
Working as a PRN CNA, you can choose where and when to work. Furthermore, PRN shifts come with higher hourly rates than the typical pay of a facility’s internal staff, allowing you to pursue dreams that you may have put off for years. Sign up with Nursa and start living the life you deserve.
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