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How to become a CNA as a 17 year old in dallas tx?
im a 17 year old girl who wants to become a neonatal nurse practitioner, and to start my career i want to enter the medical field and get my hands on experience asap.
4 answers
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Clarissa,
It's a good idea to start getting practical experience in the health sector early. To become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in Texas, you need to complete a training program (60 hours theory, 40 hours clinical) with a licensed training provider and pass a certification exam.
You find accredited providers here: https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/NF/credentialing/NATCEP/credtraining.cfm
You then apply on TULIP for your test, schedule your test and pass it: https://txhhs.my.site.com/TULIP/s/login/
Many training providers have a minimum age of 18, but some accept students as young as 16. One example is the Dallas Career Institute: https://cnaclassesindallas.com/dallas-career-institute/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/business/licensing-credentialing-regulation/long-term-care-credentialing/nurse-aide-registry/become-a-certified-nurse-aide-texas
https://cnaclassesindallas.com/
It's a good idea to start getting practical experience in the health sector early. To become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in Texas, you need to complete a training program (60 hours theory, 40 hours clinical) with a licensed training provider and pass a certification exam.
You find accredited providers here: https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/NF/credentialing/NATCEP/credtraining.cfm
You then apply on TULIP for your test, schedule your test and pass it: https://txhhs.my.site.com/TULIP/s/login/
Many training providers have a minimum age of 18, but some accept students as young as 16. One example is the Dallas Career Institute: https://cnaclassesindallas.com/dallas-career-institute/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hello,
Are you in a school with a health science department? Teachers may be able to help you locate a CNA program that will work for you. Check to see what age you have to be to enter a CNA program in your area.
Volunteering maybe an option also. Not sure if that’s available in your area.
Are you in a school with a health science department? Teachers may be able to help you locate a CNA program that will work for you. Check to see what age you have to be to enter a CNA program in your area.
Volunteering maybe an option also. Not sure if that’s available in your area.
Updated
Spring’s Answer
Step 1: Finish High School
You must have a high school diploma or GED before starting any training program .
Step 2: Choose Your Career Path
• Medical Assistant: Supports doctors with clinical and administrative tasks.
• Medication Aide: Works under RN/LPN to distribute medications in long‑term care facilities.
Step 3: Enroll in an Accredited Training Program
For Medical Assistant (MA):
• Dallas‑area schools (like Dallas Medical Assistant Program) allow enrollment at age 17 with parental consent .
• You’ll typically complete 150–200 hours of classroom, lab, and externship training .
• Must be CAAHEP/ABHES accredited to qualify for nationally recognized certification .
For Medication Aide:
• You must be 18+ years old, have a CNA license or one year of direct care experience, and complete 140 hours training .
• So, begin planning after your 18th birthday.
Step 4: Obtain Parental Consent & Enroll
• At age 17, you’ll need a parental/guardian signature to enroll in a program .
• Provide school transcript, photo ID, and proof of U.S. work eligibility .
Step 5: Complete Program & Externship
• Finish required classroom, lab, and clinical externship hours (often 100 hr classroom + 40–60 hr externship for MAs; 100+ hr classroom + 20 hr lab + 10 hr clinical for medication aides) .
Step 6: Apply & Take Certification Exam
For Medical Assistant:
• After graduation from an accredited program, you can take national certification exams such as:
• CMA (AAMA)
• CCMA (NHA)
• NCMA, RMA, etc. .
For Medication Aide:
• After training and meeting eligibility (CNA or experience), apply via TULIP for the Texas Medication Aide Certification Exam .
• Passing this 100-question exam grants your Texas Medication Aide permit .
Step 7: Get Your First Job
• Once certified, you can seek employment:
• Medical Assistants in clinics, hospitals, or private practices.
• Medication Aides in nursing/assisted living facilities.
• Dallas job market is strong—as programs like Central Health in Austin show high placement—and your certification boosts competitiveness .
Step 8: Maintain Your Certification & Plan Ahead
• Medical Assistant certifications: usually permanent, but optional continuing education may be required depending on the certifying agency .
• Medication Aide permit: renew annually; first renewal has no CE requirement, later renewals require 7 CE hours .
• After working for a while, consider advancing to CNA → LPN → RN or other healthcare roles.
You must have a high school diploma or GED before starting any training program .
Step 2: Choose Your Career Path
• Medical Assistant: Supports doctors with clinical and administrative tasks.
• Medication Aide: Works under RN/LPN to distribute medications in long‑term care facilities.
Step 3: Enroll in an Accredited Training Program
For Medical Assistant (MA):
• Dallas‑area schools (like Dallas Medical Assistant Program) allow enrollment at age 17 with parental consent .
• You’ll typically complete 150–200 hours of classroom, lab, and externship training .
• Must be CAAHEP/ABHES accredited to qualify for nationally recognized certification .
For Medication Aide:
• You must be 18+ years old, have a CNA license or one year of direct care experience, and complete 140 hours training .
• So, begin planning after your 18th birthday.
Step 4: Obtain Parental Consent & Enroll
• At age 17, you’ll need a parental/guardian signature to enroll in a program .
• Provide school transcript, photo ID, and proof of U.S. work eligibility .
Step 5: Complete Program & Externship
• Finish required classroom, lab, and clinical externship hours (often 100 hr classroom + 40–60 hr externship for MAs; 100+ hr classroom + 20 hr lab + 10 hr clinical for medication aides) .
Step 6: Apply & Take Certification Exam
For Medical Assistant:
• After graduation from an accredited program, you can take national certification exams such as:
• CMA (AAMA)
• CCMA (NHA)
• NCMA, RMA, etc. .
For Medication Aide:
• After training and meeting eligibility (CNA or experience), apply via TULIP for the Texas Medication Aide Certification Exam .
• Passing this 100-question exam grants your Texas Medication Aide permit .
Step 7: Get Your First Job
• Once certified, you can seek employment:
• Medical Assistants in clinics, hospitals, or private practices.
• Medication Aides in nursing/assisted living facilities.
• Dallas job market is strong—as programs like Central Health in Austin show high placement—and your certification boosts competitiveness .
Step 8: Maintain Your Certification & Plan Ahead
• Medical Assistant certifications: usually permanent, but optional continuing education may be required depending on the certifying agency .
• Medication Aide permit: renew annually; first renewal has no CE requirement, later renewals require 7 CE hours .
• After working for a while, consider advancing to CNA → LPN → RN or other healthcare roles.
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hello Clarissa, thank your question.
Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) at 17 in Dallas, Texas, is a commendable step toward your goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. Gaining hands-on healthcare experience early on will provide invaluable insights into patient care and the medical field.
Steps to Becoming a CNA at 17 in Texas
Verify Age and Educational Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a CNA program in Texas.
While a high school diploma is not mandated by the state, many training programs and employers prefer candidates with a diploma or equivalent.
h2hhealth.com
+1
legacycareerinstitute.com
+1
indeed.com
Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program
Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
These programs typically consist of 100 hours: 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical hands-on training.
registerednursing.org
+3
indeed.com
+3
hhs.texas.gov
+3
nursinghome411.org
Pass the State Competency Exam
After completing the training, you must pass a written and skills competency exam administered by Prometric.
The exam assesses your knowledge and practical skills in patient care.
registerednursing.org
Pass a Criminal Background Check
A clean criminal background is required to be listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
Certain convictions may disqualify you from certification.
legacycareerinstitute.com
+5
registerednursing.org
+5
alvincollege.edu
+5
indeed.com
Maintain Certification
To keep your certification active, you must work as a CNA for at least 24 hours every two years and complete 24 hours of continuing education.
nursinghome411.org
CNA Training Options in Dallas for 17-Year-Olds
Here are some training programs in Dallas that accept applicants as young as 16:
Legacy Career Institute
North Richland Hills, TX
Offers a state-approved CNA program with flexible scheduling and job placement assistance. Students aged 16-18 can enroll with parental consent.
legacycareerinstitute.com
Dallas College Continuing Education
Dallas, TX
Provides a comprehensive CNA program that includes classroom and clinical training, preparing students for the state exam.
dallascollege.edu
Heart to Heart Healthcare Training
Lewisville, TX
Offers both traditional and online CNA training options, including hands-on clinical experience.
h2hhealth.com
Collin College
McKinney, TX
Provides a CNA program with classroom instruction followed by clinical training at a licensed facility.
collin.edu
Tips for Success
Research Program Requirements: Each training program may have specific prerequisites, such as immunization records and CPR certification. Ensure you meet these before applying.
Prepare for the Exam: Utilize study guides and practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.
Gain Experience: Consider volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals to gain exposure to the medical environment.
Network: Connect with professionals in the field through internships or job fairs to build relationships and learn about potential job opportunities.
Embarking on the path to becoming a CNA at 17 is a proactive and commendable decision. It will provide you with essential experience and insights into patient care, laying a strong foundation for your future career as a neonatal nurse practitioner
Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) at 17 in Dallas, Texas, is a commendable step toward your goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. Gaining hands-on healthcare experience early on will provide invaluable insights into patient care and the medical field.
Steps to Becoming a CNA at 17 in Texas
Verify Age and Educational Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a CNA program in Texas.
While a high school diploma is not mandated by the state, many training programs and employers prefer candidates with a diploma or equivalent.
h2hhealth.com
+1
legacycareerinstitute.com
+1
indeed.com
Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program
Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
These programs typically consist of 100 hours: 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical hands-on training.
registerednursing.org
+3
indeed.com
+3
hhs.texas.gov
+3
nursinghome411.org
Pass the State Competency Exam
After completing the training, you must pass a written and skills competency exam administered by Prometric.
The exam assesses your knowledge and practical skills in patient care.
registerednursing.org
Pass a Criminal Background Check
A clean criminal background is required to be listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
Certain convictions may disqualify you from certification.
legacycareerinstitute.com
+5
registerednursing.org
+5
alvincollege.edu
+5
indeed.com
Maintain Certification
To keep your certification active, you must work as a CNA for at least 24 hours every two years and complete 24 hours of continuing education.
nursinghome411.org
CNA Training Options in Dallas for 17-Year-Olds
Here are some training programs in Dallas that accept applicants as young as 16:
Legacy Career Institute
North Richland Hills, TX
Offers a state-approved CNA program with flexible scheduling and job placement assistance. Students aged 16-18 can enroll with parental consent.
legacycareerinstitute.com
Dallas College Continuing Education
Dallas, TX
Provides a comprehensive CNA program that includes classroom and clinical training, preparing students for the state exam.
dallascollege.edu
Heart to Heart Healthcare Training
Lewisville, TX
Offers both traditional and online CNA training options, including hands-on clinical experience.
h2hhealth.com
Collin College
McKinney, TX
Provides a CNA program with classroom instruction followed by clinical training at a licensed facility.
collin.edu
Tips for Success
Research Program Requirements: Each training program may have specific prerequisites, such as immunization records and CPR certification. Ensure you meet these before applying.
Prepare for the Exam: Utilize study guides and practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.
Gain Experience: Consider volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals to gain exposure to the medical environment.
Network: Connect with professionals in the field through internships or job fairs to build relationships and learn about potential job opportunities.
Embarking on the path to becoming a CNA at 17 is a proactive and commendable decision. It will provide you with essential experience and insights into patient care, laying a strong foundation for your future career as a neonatal nurse practitioner
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