Certified nurse assistants (CNAs) are critical support staff for healthcare facilities of all kinds. If you choose to work in this in-demand field, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities when it comes to job growth, salary, and the opportunity to make a difference. However, while you can become a CNA in about 6 weeks through our training program, you will need to renew your license periodically in order to stay active in the state of Texas. To make this process less intimidating, here is a step-by-step guide to how to renew your CNA license in Texas.
Why Is CNA License Renewal Important?
Allowing your license to lapse could have serious consequences for your chosen career. Here are some of the most important reasons to stay on top of your license renewal:
Legal Requirements
The state of Texas requires you to renew your CNA license once every 24 months. Failure to do so could result in the loss of your job, or difficulty finding employment in other healthcare settings throughout the state.
Industry Expertise
In addition, the state of Texas requires you to complete a certain number of education hours before you renew your license. Doing so ensures that you are on top of the latest advances in your field and enables you to offer top-notch care.
Continued Employment
Your place of employment will more than likely require you to hold current certification in order to work. Keeping up your license enables you to keep up your employment.
Requirements For CNA License Renewal
Before you begin the process of renewing your CNA license, you need to make sure you meet the requirements. Here are some of the most important:
Active License
Your license in Texas will not have an expiration date, but you will need to verify your employment every 2 years. Alternatively, you can renew your license if you have a license that has been inactive for LESS THAN 24 months. Otherwise, instead of renewing your license, you will need to take the licensing tests again.
Continuing Education
You will need to complete 24 hours of continuing education focused on recent industry practices and related healthcare practices.
Work Experience
According to federal requirements, you need to have work experience of at least 8 paid hours in the last 2 years.
Steps to CNA License Renewal
Once you know how to renew your CNA license, you need to take specific steps to complete the process in Texas. Here is a look at exactly how to go about the process:
Review your renewal dates
You will need to renew your license within 24 months of its issuance. Make sure you know when the deadline is so you can complete the process in time.
Gather the required documents
In order to renew your CNA license in Texas, you will need to gather specific documents before you begin filling out forms. Here are the documents you should collect:
- Proof of completed continuing education ours
- Proof of work experience
- Any other requested documents
Contact the Nurse Aide Registry
Once you have the required documents, you can reach out to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Nurse Aide Registry to confirm your continued employment.
Submit your renewal application
You will need to fill out and submit renewal forms through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission‘s Nurse Aide Registry. These documents should be completed online through the HHSC’s online credentialing program, TULIP. Any fees you need to pay will be required at this time as well.
Wait for your renewal to process
Do not wait until the last minute to renew your CNA license in Texas. You will need to wait for your renewal to go through. You can periodically check the status of your renewal online to see how things are progressing.
Maintain lines of communication
Once you receive your renewal, let your employer know that you have renewed your status as a certified CNA in the state of Texas. Also make sure that the HHSC and any other relevant regulatory bodies have your contact information so that you can receive important communications from them when necessary.
Learning how to renew a CNA license isn’t difficult, and neither is training to become a CNA. Through Careers Unlimited’s CNA classes, you can complete your training in about 6 weeks. That means that you could be working as a CNA in just a couple of months. There are few more efficient ways to change your life and achieve a career you can be proud of. Contact us today to learn more about all of the courses we have available! You could also train as a patient care technician, take a hybrid phlebotomy course, become a network support specialist, or learn how to be a clinical medical assistant. The choice is yours!
