If you are interested in pursuing CNA training in the state of Colorado, there are a few free cna training options available via nursing homes and other long-term residential health centers often provide nursing assistant training programs at little or no cost. These programs are often accompanied with promise of hire upon successful completion of the program. To learn which locations offer free training in Colorado, students should first check with nursing homes and other long-term residential facilities to inquire about work-based programs. We have included a few options below where you can check if you meet the requirements to receive free training:
Updates:
Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado – 1460 Garden of the Gods Road Colorado Springs, CO 80907
The Goodwill Industry is reaching out to help people on the Welfare-to-work programs. They have started to offer a CNA training course that will help put people to work. If you currently are a Welfare-to-Work individual, you might want to consider applying to be accepted to their next training program. You will not need to pay any tuition or fees for your training. The training will provide you with the instruction and hands on experience required in the state before sitting for the NA certification exam. The hands on clinical experience will be provided through Goodwill Daycare and other specialty care services. For more info you can either visit them on the address above or call (719) 635-4483.
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Through Nursing Homes:
Mountain Meadows Nursing Center – 2277 East Drive-Monte Vista, Colorado 81144
The Mountain Meadows Nursing Center is said to be one of the healthcare facilities in Colorado that will pay for individuals to receive nursing assistant training so that they can become certified nursing assistants. They do this for individuals only if they meet all their employment requirements for CNAs. They will not pay for an individual to train to become a CNA if they are going to work somewhere other than Mountain Meadows Nursing Center when they first receive their training and pass the certification test.
Other Nursing Centers you can approach:
Please note the following nursing homes do not necessarily have training options but generally most homes do facilitate this as they are always in need of new employees.
St. Vincent Hospital Nurse Aide Training Program – 822 W. 4th Street | Leadville | CO | 80461
Front Range Community Boulder – 3645 W. 112th Avenue | Westminster CO | 80031 | 3034045155
Columbine Health Systems – 802 West Drake Road, Suite 145 | Fort Collins CO | 80526 | 9704946462
CNA Training Center, llc – 2845 North 15th street | Grand Junction CO | 81506 | 9702450022
CNA Certification Guidelines
Colorado has a mandatory Nurse Aide Practice Act, which means that no one may practice as a Certified Nurse Aide without obtaining certification. Certification within 4 months of obtaining employment as a nurse aide is required to practice in a nursing home or a home health agency. Certification is required prior to obtaining employment in a nursing pool or registry; there is no 4 month allowance to obtain the certification. There are two ways to become certified: by examination and by endorsement.
Training programs require a minimum of 75 hours of training comprised of lecture, laboratory, and a minimum 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in an approved setting. A newly trained nurse aide candidate taking the examination for the first time must successfully pass both parts of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination within one (1) year of successfully completing a training program in order to be placed on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry.
Certification through examination:
There are a couple of ways in which you can get certified to work as a CNA in CO this is either through going to an approved training program in Colorado or if you have taking the course in another state you will be required to take the CNA exam. You should also note that if you have gone to classes in another state it is probably a good idea to brush up on all the requirements in CO since it is possible that some states have different laws.
Certification through Reciprocity:
You can also get certified in Colorado if you are already a certified nursing assistant in another state and would like to transfer that, this process is termed as reciprocity and it requires that you have an active license to work as a CNA in the other state and that you have no background record of physical/ mental abuse to patients.
Before they approve you to work as a CNA in Colorado the nursing board will liaise with the previous state nursing board to make sure you are in good terms with them and a criminal background check will be performed.
CNA TRAINING FAQs.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Colorado?
Students need to complete an 80-hour state-approved training program that includes instruction, they must pass both sections of the CNA certification exam.
How do you get your CNA license back after it expires?
If you don’t renew your CNA license before it expires, you might need to pay a delinquency fee in order to renew it. If it has been expired for a long time, you will need to apply for a new CNA license and take the certification exam again.
How do I go about becoming a CNA?
There are specific requirements to follow in order to become a CNA in Colorado. First, earn your high school diploma or GED. Next, complete a state-approved CNA training program. Thirdly, complete an in-person clinical training and finally, pass a state-approved CNA Certification Exam.
What does a CNA do?
CNAs perform various duties and tasks on a daily basis. Some of these duties include: turning or moving patients, bathing patients, feeding patients, checking vitals, answering patient calls and much more.
How much do CNAs make in Colorado per hour?
A Certified Nursing Assistant in Colorado earns approximately $15 per hour depending on their years of experience in the field.
CNA Training in Colorado
Individuals can become a certified nursing assistant in the state of Colorado upon successful completion of state-approved course work and certification exam at an approved testing site. Training programs will adequately prepare students to sit for this exam. All programs are a minimum of 75 hours and range from 4 weeks to a full semester in length. The cost of these programs is between $300 and $1700, though some long-term care facilities offer free training programs. Payment plans are available colleges and technical schools. In some locations that offer free training, students may receive salary during the clinical portion of the program with an established commitment to ongoing work in that facility. Below is a list of approved CNA programs in the state of Colorado:
Colorado CNA Programs
Pikes Peak Community College – 5675 S. Academy Blvd-Colorado Springs, CO 80906
This college offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree where an individual actually trains in several career areas including as certified nursing assistants. The program prepares students for other allied health professions including Phlebotomy. Are you out of work and eligible for help to pay for college under WIA benefits? If so, drop by the financial aid office at the community college to find out how and if your benefits can be used for this type of training.
Trinidad State Junior College – 1011 Main Street, Alamosa, Colorado 81102
The CNA program at Trinidad State Junior College is a one-semester 9.5 credit program comprised of both classroom hours and clinical experience. The cost of the program is estimated at $1594 with additional fees for textbooks, supplies and certification. For additional information on this program, call (719) 846-5011.
Arapahoe Community College – 5900 South Santa Fe Dr. A2325, Littleton, CO 80160
The CNA program at Arapahoe Community College is a 6-credit-hour program that requires 72 hours of clinical experience in a hospital, skilled care or hospice facility. Clinical assignments will be distributed by the program director during the first week of classes. The cost of the program is $372 plus additional fees for textbooks, supplies and certification. Successful completion of the program ensures the opportunity to pursue certification with the State Board of Nursing. Call 303.797.5637.
South Denver School of Nursing Arts – 7853 E. Arapahoe Court, Suite 3300, Centennial, CO 80112
The South Denver School of Nursing Arts CNA program offers classes that start monthly and are offered mornings and evenings. The program provides 104 hours of instruction including 24 hours of clinical experience. Class size is limited to 10 students and the school offers an in-facility State Board Exam. The tuition package includes BLS (Basic Life Support) and First Aide Certification, textbook, background check, drug screen, uniform, and materials fee. State Board exam fee is an additional $95. For more information on this program, call (303) 945-4203
Community College of Denver – 1111 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado | 80204-2026 | (303) 365-8300
The Community College of Denver offers a 4 credit CNA program classes in January, March, May, August and October. The program length is 7 weeks with classes meeting 2 evenings a week; from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm or 1 day per week from 9:00 to 4:45. Clinical rotations are for 2 weekends Saturday and Sundays from 6:00 am – 4:45 pm (40 hrs total). The estimated total cost is $1195 inclusive of tuition, textbooks, supplies, certification, and other program-related fees.
Red Rocks Community College – 13300 W Sixth Ave, Lakewood, Colorado 80229-1255
The Red Rocks Community College offers a CNA program that requires a minimum of 107 hours of training. Several options for courses exist to include: afternoon or evening classes during the week, accelerated Monday through Thursday days, or the weekend option of Friday night and all day Saturday. 8 hour clinical’s are offered with shifts scheduled outside of classroom hours and may be conducted any day of the week. The estimated cost of the program is $859 with additional fees required for course-related supplies. For further info, call 303.914.6600.
CNA SALARY INFORMATION – COLORADO:
A typical salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in Colorado ranges between $28,606 and $35,654. Salary ranges can vary widely between cities depending on important factors such as additional skills and number of years spent in your profession.