CNA Classes in Colorado

Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Range, Colorado is a state that boasts some of the country’s top-quality healthcare. Many of the retiree population are settling in this beautiful state due to the available quality of medical care and tax benefits. As a result, there is a large demand for certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

If you are considering earning your CNA license in Colorado there are a couple of things you may want to know. Colorado is one of the states that in order to work as a Certified Nurse Aide you must graduate and have passed a state-accredited program. The state will not allow you to work while you are in the CNA program, you must complete the program first. The program consists of two components, the classroom portion, and the clinical portion. However, there are some exceptions to this requirement for those who may have other licensures.

Some who have experience as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician, foreign nurses, or nursing students who have completed (5) credits of Nursing Fundamentals may apply for a temporary license. The license allows the candidate to work for four months legally while working at a patient’s home or in long-term care. The licensees must also have a clean background check.

Colorado CNA Certification Requirements

Here are some of the requirements in order to be approved for a CNA course. These include:

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age
• Passing a background check and fingerprint report
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proof of legal residency or citizenship
• Negative drug test
• Negative TB test
• Current immunization records
• Physical exam

Colorado CNA Programs & Testing Costs

The state-accredited nurse aide course in Colorado requires a total of 75 hours of clinical experience, lab and classroom time. Of the hours required, 59 of the hours are lecture-based, and classroom discussions. The remaining 16 hours will be for clinical instruction and more of a hands-on experience. Online programs in Colorado are not accepted and do not fulfill the requirements. Once having completed the required classes in the program, the next step is in passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination within one year of graduation in order to receive placement in the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry.

The costs of a certification course vary from $400 to $1400. Courses can be found at private facilities, various nursing homes, community colleges, and technical schools. Some of the high schools in Colorado offer programs to senior year students. Many of the programs offer tuition payment plans and other financial opportunities to help with costs. There are also Federally funded programs that will help in pro-rating and reimbursing those who seek CNA programs. Requirements to receive the Federal benefits are that you must work at a Medicare-funded facility within 12 months of certification. Please see this link for more options for CNA programs in Colorado.

CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Program Courses in Colorado

Becoming a CNA in Colorado has many opportunities. If you wish to explore more, please check out some of the program sites listed below for more of an idea as to the locations and variations in schedule. The links below will be of program sites that may offer employer-sponsored or full costs. If you have any questions, please do contact them directly.

CNA Programs in Aurora

Accent Learning Systems. You will find with this program they offer the course in a quick time period of 4 weeks. The program helps with the educational piece as well as helping with certification and job placement.

CNA Classes in Colorado Springs

Cheyenne Mountain Care. A Genesis owned company that offers programs and job placement. Genesis is a Medicare-funded facility that would help in meeting those requirements for tuition reimbursement from Federal Funds.

CNA Classes in Denver

Emily Griffith Technical College. Emily Griffith Technical College is a great way to enter the medical field as a CNA. There are convenient schedules available for coursework and also opportunities to continue your education if you decide to become a nurse or other healthcare worker.

Christian Living Communities. The Christian Living Communities site offers a great resource for scholarships for those looking to earn their CNA certification. Listing several of the recipients, this site is one to visit when considering budgeting for your course. 

Learn more about CNA classes in Denver.

CNA Programs in Westminster

Front Range Community College. The course is for less than one year. The college offers 5 credits from the course if you wish to continue on in the healthcare field. The classes will take place on the Larimer campus. Costs are listed, and there are plans available for tuition payment.

Additional Colorado CNA resources

Colorado Nurse Aide Registry
Colorado Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350,
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-2430

By using the NA online database you or an employer will be able to get the information that he or she needs concerning a particular nursing assistant without having to wait for days or weeks in order to obtain the result. The state has taken this important step in order to protect its citizens and to provide the best healthcare services and reliable up-to-date information.

Colorado CNA Certification Renewal

In Colorado, the renewal process of licensure is required every two years. 

Certifications for CNAs expire on January 31 of even-numbered years. Licenses need to be renewed in order to continue practicing.

Transferring Your CNA Certification to Colorado

Out of state CNAs can transfer their license for a Colorado CNA license as long as they meet the following requirements:

• Attended a state-approved program course
• No felony convictions
• An active certification
• Be in good standing on former states registry

How much does a CNA make in Colorado?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, a CNA average hourly rate is $16.57 an hour or average yearly income is $34,470 in the state of Colorado. This is an average rate that can vary depending on the location of the job or the need for the CNA. 

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