Montana is one of the least densely populated states in the USA, which means the population is spread out over a wider area. For this reason, it’s critical for the health of the state population that more healthcare providers are available in all areas, including certified nurse assistants (CNAs). For people interested in working in health care, becoming a CNA in Montana can be a great first step in a rewarding career.
The state of Montana requires CNAs to have a certification before gaining employment and its required that they remain registered with the Montana State Nursing Home Nurse Aide Registry. The job market is focused on high school graduates, but anyone with a clean bill of health and no criminal record may apply for CNA classes so long as they meet the prerequisites.
Montana CNA Certification Requirements
Not everyone can become a CNA in Montana, or even apply for their CNA certification. There are a few requirements that must be met before someone can take a CNA class. These include:
- Negative (recent within 6 months) TB test.
- Proof of immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Hep B)
- High school diploma or equivalent not essential but may be required depending on the institution.
- Passing an Adult Basic Education test
- Recent (within 6 months) physical health check.
Montana CNA Classes & Testing Costs
To gain a CNA certification in the state of Montana you must pass a state-approved course. These courses may vary slightly in required hours but must have a minimum of 75 hours that’s split between classroom hours (minimum of 50) and hands-on CNA classes (minimum of 25 hours). This combination of in-person and classroom learning is designed to make graduates ready to work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities and other medical facilities that employ nurse aides. Classes usually only takes 2-3 weeks.
Certification costs vary depending on your location and program. Typically, CNA classes in Montana are lower than in other states, averaging around $640. Certain employers, especially nursing homes, may offer their CNA classes in exchange for agreeing to work at their facility upon completing your certification. The examination itself costs around $97 for the basic, though this may rise if you need an oral rather than written exam and if other factors apply. If you are employed within 12 months of certification, your employer must pay for the classes. For a list of locations offering low-cost CNA classes in Montana, follow this link.
CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in Montana
If becoming a CNA in Montana is starting to sound like a good opportunity, we encourage you to check out the following programs to see if they’re a good fit for your current situation and schedule. Some of these locations may offer CNA classes as a part of becoming employed, while others may be tuition-based. Please contact them directly if you have questions on their curriculum or costs.
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| Training Program | City | Zip Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Center | Billings, MT | 59101 | 406-281-5000 |
| Montana State University Billings | Billings, MT | 59101 | 406-657-2011 |
| City College | Billings, MT | 59102 | 406-247-3000 |
| Eagle Cliff Manor | Billings, MT | 59105 | 406-245-9330 |
| SYNERGY HomeCare | Billings, MT | 59105 | 406-839-2390 |
| Aspen Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center | Billings, MT | 59102 | 406-656-8818 |
| Chapel Court | Billings, MT | 59102 | 406-655-5600 |
| Prioricare Staffing Solutions | Billings, MT | 59102 | 800-772-1395 |
| Stone Child College | Box Elder, MT | 59521 | 406-395-4875 |
| Montana State University | Bozeman, MT | 59717 | 406-994-0211 |
| Montana Tech | Butte, MT | 59701 | 800-445-8324 |
| Highlands College | Butte, MT | 59701 | 406-496-3707 |
| A Plus Health Care, Inc | Butte, MT | 59701 | 406-782-5900 |
| Benefis Health System | Great Falls, MT | 59405 | 406-455-5000 |
| Bitterroot College | Hamilton, MT | 59840 | 406-375-0100 |
| Big Horn County Memorial Hospital | Hardin, MT | 59034 | 406-665-2310 |
| Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell, MT | 59901 | 406-756-3822 |
| University of Montana | Missoula, MT | 59812 | 406-243-0211 |
| Hillside Health & Rehabilitation | Missoula, MT | 59803 | 406-251-5100 |
| Missoula College | Missoula, MT | 59802 | 406-243-7870 |
| Fort Peck Community College | Poplar, MT | 59255 | 406-768-6300 |
| St. Luke Community Healthcare | Ronan, MT | 59864 | 406-676-4441 |
| Broadwater Health Center | Townsend, MT | 59644 | 406-266-3186 |
CNA Programs in Billings, MT
Billings Clinic. One of the nice things about this program is that it offers a pay-as-you-go plan so you don’t need to foot the entire tuition bill if you’re managing your budget. Tuition is extremely reasonable, and they have locations in Manhattan and Hempstead, Long Island.
New Age Training. With a curriculum focused on preparing students to pass the Montana State (NYS) Nursing Home Nurse Aide Competency (CNA) Exam, the New Age Training Center is a great choice for CNA classes in NYC. The program is a total of 125 hours, and they claim to be the #1 CNA program Montana. Visit the website for a virtual tour and pricing information, including study materials, books, uniforms, and registration fees.
Access Careers. Access Careers offers a lot of flexibility in their CNA programs, with 5-week programs, 8-week programs, and weekend programs to help fit nearly any aspiring CNA’s schedule. Another attractive component of this program is the onsite job placement assistance they provide.
CNA Programs in Missoula, MT
Missoula College. The CNA program at Missoula college helps prepare trainees for providing direct care under a licensed nurse’s supervision. The course is a combination of theory and practical learning which will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake the state certification exam. Tuition for the program is around $850 which doesn’t include equipment or qualifying tests (immunization and background check) However, the exam fee is included.
Montana Tech. Students in Montana Tech can complete the program in the semester of their choice within one semester. Due to limited space, acceptance is on a first come/first serve basis.
The Lifelong Learning Center – MCPS Adult Education. This course consists of classroom instruction as well as hands-on learning. The subjects (such as anatomy, medical terminology, etc.) are covered by experienced instructors. This program includes classes and certification in CPR. Tuition is around $525 and does not cover textbooks and the fee to take the state certification exam.
CNA Programs in Helena, MT
Helena College of Montana. The CNA course at Helena College is a 75-hour long program, 48 of which are dedicated to theoretical knowledge and 27 to hands-on learning. Acceptance operates based on a first come/first serve. The tuition is $750 which must be paid in full within five business days before classes begin. It doesn’t include equipment (blood pressure cuff, scrubs, stethoscope, gait belt) that must be purchased by the student. A scholarship of $500 is awarded to one applicant every year.
Additional Montana CNA resources
The above information can likely get you started on your path to becoming a CNA in the state of Montana. The links below may also be helpful in your educational path or in your future career.
Montana Nurse Aide Registry
To contact the Montana Nurse Aide Registry, use the information below:
Montana Department of Public
Health & Human Services
Certification Bureau
2401 Colonial Drive,
Helena, MT 59620
Phone: (406) 444-4980
Fax: (406) 444-3456
Website
Out of State CNAs
In Montana, the process of transferring your CNA license is less troublesome than in the majority of other states. All you need is to fill in an application for interstate endorsement and submit copies of your Montana residency, proof of active residency in your previous state, and your valid ID. Your information will be processed by the registry and your name will be placed on it within fifteen working days. You will need to look for the update online.
Transferring your license does not cost anything and you can work up to a month (30 days) while your application is being processed. If charges of neglect/abuse are discovered, your application will not be approved by the registry.
CNA Renewal in Montana
In Montana renewal of your license is required every two years (24 months) and there is no fee required for it. Your application for renewal must be completed at least a month (30 days) before the expiration date; there is no grace period. You will also need to provide proof of paid-for employment in the past 24 months.
When your status is updated a verification can be printed online.
How Much Does a CNA Make in Montana?
CNA salary is dependent on several things, the two most important factors being the location and the institution where you are employed. In Montana the typical hourly salary for a CNA is $18.13 or a yearly salary of $37,710, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.