If you are interested in serving the needs of others while also entering into a health care career, choosing to become a nurse assistant in the state of Idaho is a great way to get started. Community colleges, technical schools and other organizations offer free CNA Training or low cost nurse assistant programs through the federal Workforce Development programs. For students who may be going through financial difficulties but still want to become a health care career professional, these free or discounted courses provide the opportunity to work towards a meaningful career. Colleges throughout Idaho have established specialized Workforce Development programs to provide training in several areas of key importance to area employers including health care services. You will need to inquire with the Idaho Department of Labor or individual campuses to learn more information about the many Workforce Development programs throughout the state. here are a few WIA Approved colleges that can provide you with Free CNA Training in Idaho:
Idaho Care Givers Academy – 820 N. Linder | Meridian ID | 208-249-4911
Elmore Medical Center – 895 North 6th East | Mtn. Home ID | 83647 | 208-580-2684
Lake Pend Oreille School Dist #84 – 901 Triangle Dr | Sandpoint ID | 83864 | (208) 263-2184
Discovery Care Center of Salmon – 600 Shanafelt St | Salmon ID | 83967 | 208-756-8391
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Free CNA Training Opportunities:
The College of Western Idaho’s Workforce Development division offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Preparation Course. This course aims to enhance your job skills and equip you with new career skills by offering high-quality, short-term training. By completing this course, you can earn the necessary certificates to pursue your desired career.
CNA Certification Guidelines
In Idaho, all individuals seeking to become certified nursing assistants must meet course requirements prior to sitting for the state certification exam. It is important for prospective students to understand these requirements before entering into a program.
In Idaho, all approved certified nursing assistant training programs must provide students with comprehensive instruction on the requirements to work in all types of licensed health care facilities including nursing homes, home health agencies, hospices, hospitals, and intermediate care facilities.
Training programs are a minimum of 120 hours in length and are comprised of lecture, laboratory, and at minimum 40 hours of clinical experience in an approved clinical setting. At least sixteen (16) hours of classroom instruction are required before direct involvement with a facility resident. The concepts and skills must include the following topics: Communication, interpersonal skills, infection control, safety & emergency procedures, promoting residents’ independence and respecting residents’ rights.
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 Idaho Nurse Aide Registry.
A person transferring from another state must not provide care in a facility until being placed on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry. A nurse aide’s employment eligibility status will be determined by the training provided by that state’s instructional program. These individuals must complete the nurse aide registry out-of-state application to meet the determine eligibility for reciprocity.
CNA Training in Idaho
Individuals can become certified nursing assistants in the state of Idaho only after successful completion of state-approved studies and certification exam at an approved testing site. Training programs adequately prepare students to take this exam. All programs are 120 hours and range from 8 weeks to a full semester in length. The cost of these programs is between $500 and $900, but there are some long-term care facilities that provide free or low-cost training programs. Scholarships, payment plans, and student loans are generally available at colleges and technical schools. Some locations that offer free training sometimes offer students arrangements to receive compensation. Below is a list of approved CNA programs in the state of ID:
College of Southern Idaho – 315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls, Idaho 83303
The 8-week CNA program at College of Southern Idaho consists of approximately 120 hours of instruction which includes 80 hours in the classroom and 40 hours of clinical experience. Course of study includes instruction in basic nursing skills, personal care skills, mental health and social service needs, basic restorative services and patient rights. Estimated cost of the program is $620 including books and exams. Additional course related supplies will need to be purchased by student. For more information on this program, call (208) 733-9554.
Lewis-Clark State College – 1920 3rd Ave. North, Lewiston, ID 83501 | (208) 792-5272.
The Lewis-Clark State College CNA program is a 10-week course that requires 80 hours of instruct, 8 hours in CPR training and 40 hours of clinical rotation at an approved facility. The cost of the program is $535 plus additional fees for textbooks and other course-related supplies.
North Idaho College – 1000 West Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814
The Nursing Assistant training at North Idaho College is an 8-week program that meets Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm for 30 classroom sessions. The cost of this program is $625 with additional fees required for books and other course related supplies. Students must complete the TB test within the last ten months and 1 MMR or Rubella Titer prior to admission into the program. For more information on this program, call (208) 769-3333.
Idaho State University – 921 South 8th Ave., Pocatello, ID 83209
The CNA program at Idaho State University requires 129 hours of classroom instruction, CPR training, and clinical experience. This is a one-year program with an estimated total cost of $585 including textbooks and equipment fees. Additional course-related materials including uniform will need to be purchased by the student. call (208) 282-2475.
Region 2 Academy – P.O. Box 1414, Lewiston, ID 83501 | (208) 962-3901.
The Region 2 Academy CNA course includes a minimum of 20 hours of skills practice and an additional 40 hours minimum of clinical experience in a local healthcare facility including hospitals and/or nursing homes. Course completers are qualified to write the state exam to qualify to be listed on the registry as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Employment opportunities for CNAs primarily include hospitals; home care and long-term care facilities. The cost for this program includes the cost for supplies, which include uniform, watch, liability insurance, immunizations and background check.
College of Western Idaho – 2407 Caldwell Boulevard Nampa, ID 83651-1515 | (208) 562-3000
The CNA program of the College of Western Idaho includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical experience. Once training is successfully completed, you will be eligible to take the Idaho State Nurse Aide exam to attain the status of Certified Nursing Assistant. The course is offered at convenient times during the day, weekend and evening hours. Total estimated cost of the program is $775. Additional fees for course-related supplies including textbooks, immunizations, and uniforms are not included.
COLLEGE REVIEWS.
North Idaho College – The teachers are very professional and helpful, always ready to answer any question that you may have. The staff are terrific and are willing to help you succeed.
College of Western Idaho – I love the flexibility and price of this school. Students at this college are also willing to help one another succeed. It’s just so great!
CNA SALARY INFORMATION – IDAHO.
The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in Idaho is $29,000. The salary can differ on the basis of the employer, work experience and location.
Companies located in the city pay more to their workers compared to workers in the rural areas, where the cost of living is quite low.
There are many state hospitals and clinics in Idaho that check your certification and then decide on the salary to give you. To earn a high pay, you must be certified from a reputable training facility such as Red Cross.
CNA TRAINING FAQs.
How long does it take to get CNA license in mail? If you have recently applied for license, you will have to wait 4-6 weeks for your state’s nursing board to process your application, after which you should receive your license number by mail.
Is CNA considered a nurse? Both CNA and Nurses work in the same industry BUT a registered nurse works at higher levels while a CNA works in nursing homes and provides basic patient care.
What jobs can I get? With a CNA license, you are certified to work at assisted living facilities, long term care facilities, doctor offices and clinics and hospitals too.
Is CNA training difficult?
CNA training can be time-consuming depending on your pace so if you’re attending full-time, you are likely to spend between 75 and 180 hours studying and learning new skills and knowledge.
Is the CNA test multiple-choice?
The written test comprises of 60 multiple-choice questions which will have to be completed within a 2-hour time limit.
What are CNAs not allowed to do?
CNAs are not allowed to perform procedures such as enemas and rectal temperatures or instillation of any fluid through tubing.