Is NAR the same as CNA

[BarnesTyler]

Im trying to get my CNA.Found a job as a Disablility support professional. The training im getting is a NAR nirsinf assistant registration. Is a Nursing Assistant Registration the same thing as a Certified Nursing Assistant? Before i attenwd training the forums on thos site said nar is the same as a cna. The trainer says its not. It goes as NAR, NAC, then CNA.

[pixiestudent2]

I have no idea what a NAR or a NAC is... I've never heard of that before.

What kind of place is offering that training?

Did you ask what the difference was?

[pixiestudent2]

Many employers will give you on the job training and give you whatever title they like, so if it an environment you'd like to work, I'd say go for it.

[krrbrr, ADN]

Here in WA state a NAR is just registered with the state as having received formal training. However, a NAC is required to work at most places as it shows you have taken and passed the state test. Sadly, no one really explained this to me either and it was quite confusing until I had called to speak with the states department of health! Technically, (here anyway) a NAR/NAC/CNA are the "same" but most places of employment require the NAC in order to work. CNA was the old terminology used instead of NAC (not clear on why they changed it), but people still refer to us as "CNA".

So... in order to gain employment you need to

1. attend a school, then apply to the DOH to become a NAR

2. apply to take the NAC state test

3. take the NAC state test

4. after passing, apply to the DOH to become a NAC

5. go get yourself a job! :) (you are now a CNA!)

[verene, MSN]

As the above poster mentioned - in WA state NAR means that you have gone through CNA training and this training is registered with the state, but you have yet to take your CNA/NAC license exam. You are a nursing assistant registered with the state, but not yet licensed by it. Most facilities will allow you to start working under NAR status. You then have 120 days from date of hire to covert (in WA; by taking exam and registering exam results with state) to NAC/CNA status. (NAC and CNA are the same essentially - the Health Department issues a Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC) license, but most employers still refer to position as Certified Nursing Assistant. (CNA)).

I started my current job under NAR status as I'd just completed CNA training when I was hired. I took and passed my CNA exam about 60 days after hire, and now have my NAC license. My job stayed the same.

[BarnesTyler]

ok great now i understand, thanks alot! well, wish me luck on this adventure!