CNA Classes in Utah

Utah is the 11th least densely populated states in the US, with a lot of rural and well-distanced areas. This means there is a constant need for skilled medical professionals to cover various population centers. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) make up an essential part of this and working as a CNA is a great way to take the first step in your Utah healthcare journey.

The state of Utah requires prospective CNAs to undergo a state-approved Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). During training, they can work for up to 120 days. Completion of these CNA classes in Utah will allow the candidate to take the certification exam and begin their career as a CNA.

Utah CNA Certification Requirements

Eligibility to take CNA classes and work in Utah varies depending on the location and the institution. There is no state requirement for a GED or high school diploma, though it is recommended. Some requirements that exist across all state-approved courses include:

• Good reading and comprehension skills
• Be 16 years or older
• Pass a criminal background exam
• Proof of immunization and negative TB test
• Pass a physical exam

Utah CNA Classes & Testing Costs

To sit the examination and become a qualified CNA in Utah, you must first complete a state-approved NATCEP. The training is for three to six weeks. Completion of this course qualifies you for the examination, which must be taken within a year.

The cost of the examination is $75. The costs of the prerequisite training can vary greatly depending on the institution and where you are located. Contacting healthcare providers may allow you to arrange training in exchange for the promise to work at the institution after you pass the exam. An incomplete list of places that may offer training with employment options can be found here.

CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in Utah

If you are tempted by the sound of becoming a CNA in Utah, the following links will help you get started. These are some institutes that offer programs and CNA classes in Salt Lake City and other popular areas at different expense levels. Please contact the institutions themselves for further information on the program, curriculum, or costs.

CNA Classes in Salt Lake City, UT

Utah CNA Training Centers. This is a 100-hour course with 76 hours lab/classroom time and 24 hours clinical time. Tuition is $495and includes textbook, workbook, job placement assistance, and a discount on basic CPR training.

Salt Lake Community College. This is a comprehensive course that is split between clinical and classroom hours over 150 clock hours. Tuition is $354, and with additional costs within the college (books, application fee, student fee, and lab fees), the actual price payable is $521.50, not including costs not payable to the college.

Avalon Health Care. This course has a guaranteed job offer at the end by those who are accepted. It lasts 100 hours (76 class/24 clinical) and is available on an accelerated 3-week program. The cost is around $1000 per student if you turn down employment after training.

CNA Classes in St George, UT

Ridgeview CNA. Running for 12 weeks either on evenings or Saturdays, this course totals $550 including textbook, workbook, binder, and clinical fees. Tuition is due on the first day of class and a non-refundable $150 is payable as a class deposit. Contact for more info on 435-634-0710.

Dixie State University. This program offers college credit as well as paving the way to the CNA exam. It is open both to adult learners and high school students. Graduates of this program have a 98% pass rate for the state CNA exam. For more information, contact the following: email: [email protected], phone: 435-879-4810, fax: 435-879-4829.

CNA Classes in Ogden, UT

Ogden-Weber Technical College This program varies slightly in its requirements and price for high school age and adult applicants. High school student tuition is $185 and is eligible for scholarships. Adult cost and fees estimate $290, plus around $250 for materials. The total program, clinical and classroom, is 125 hours and is usually completed in 8-10 weeks altogether.

Additional Utah CNA resources

After the above links help you get started, make sure to keep a note of the following links to help you with your further education and career.

Utah Nurse Aide Registry

To contact the Utah Nurse Aide Registry, use the information below:

Nurse Aide Registry
550 East 300 South
Kaysville, UT 74037
PH: (801) 547-9947
FAX: (801) 593-2400
Website

Out of State CNAs

Active out-of-state CNAs can register to work in Utah by applying for reciprocity. The form and instructions can be found here. There is a $10 fee for this. If your state’s training is not equivalent to Utah’s, but you are registered, you may apply to take the examination directly without undergoing the training in Utah.

CNA Renewal in Utah

Once registered, your license is valid for two years and may be renewed so long as you have worked 200 paid hours during this. The form will be sent by mail 45 days before expiration to the most recent address the registry has on file.

How much does a CNA make in Utah?

Salary varies depending on where in the state and which institution you work with, with urban populations generally giving higher wages but having a higher cost of living in return. In Utah, the average wage for a starting CNA is $14.54/hr, or $30,240 per annum. Scientific research industries pay the most, while private and family care is generally the lowest paid. Experience and education add to your overall salary, and typically it rises every few years.

This vector image was made by Ali Zifan / Public domain