Montana CNA Requirements and State Approved CNA Programs

Certified Nursing Assistants, known as CNAs, are entry-level healthcare workers. In general, CNAs are high school graduates who complete a formal, state-accredited training program that includes didactic instruction, hands-on lab work and clinical rotation in an off-site, licensed facility. After nurse aide students complete the training, they’re qualified to sit the state’s certification exam, which tests the students’ knowledge and abilities through a written exam and skills performance. Those who pass the exam are certified to work in long term care facilities. Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services manages the training, testing and certification of nurse assistants in the state.

CNA Classes in Montana:

Certification Requirements

Licensed nursing facilities cannot hire an individual to work as a nurse aide for more than four months on a full-time basis until the individual can competently provide nursing related services. The facility must verify that the individual completed an accredited training program and competency evaluation for placement on the nurse aide registry. Nurse aide students must complete the required training and certification within the four-month period. Failure to do so should result in termination or removal from providing direct care services to patients at the facility.

Employers can hire an out-of-state CNA after verifying that the prospective employee is still in active status on the old registry. However, the CNA must take active steps to transfer the certification to Montana’s registry. Nursing students, military-trained nurse assistants, and foreign nurses should contact the department to request permission to challenge the state certification exam, as long as they’ve met the specific training requirements.

Prerequisites to Training

Colleges, nursing homes, high schools and for-profit institutions all have their specific requirements for entry. As far as Montana’s educational requirements go, anyone with a clean bill of health and criminal background can become a CNA. However, many schools may prefer prospective nurse assistant students to possess a high school diploma. This requirement helps facilitators maintain the pace of the coursework and improves chances of students’ success on the state certification exam. For-profit training providers are most likely to accept students without a high school diploma or GED. Keep in mind that a diploma is useful after certification when you begin your job search. Employers are more likely to hire high school graduates.

Following are some other prerequisites to training:

  • Copy of high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Health physical no more than 6 months old
  • Proof of MMR, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, and Varicella immunization
  • Proof of PPD test – no more than 6 months old
  • Entrance test of Adult Basic Education
  • Clean criminal background

Montana Certified Nurse Aide Training Requirements

Montana’s nurse aide training curriculum requires a minimum 75 hours of instruction, including 25 hours of hands-on learning in a clinical setting. The training prepares students for their demanding role as part of a patient care team. In the classroom and lab, students learn the correct way to provide baths, feed patients, distribute trays, provide oral care, transfer patients, and position and turn them when needed. Training equips students with the necessary skills to work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies and specialized clinics.

The clinical rotation is a mandatory part of the program as it affords students the opportunity to work directly with patients, so they can adopt good and safe habits under the direction of the licensed nurse instructor. While some training providers offer a fast-track 2-week option, the majority of programs require a three-week commitment from day-time students. Whether the program is 75 hours long or 120 hours long, the goal is to prepare graduates for success on the state certification exam and immediate employment upon certification.

Cost of CNA Training Montana

For free nurse assistant classes in Montana, contact a local nursing home in your area to find out about sponsorship opportunities. According to the Association of Certified Nursing Assistants, training programs are not only free, but also give students lots of opportunities to practice their skills in a real-world setting. Nursing homes may also cover the costs of books, uniform, course materials and state certification. It also improves students’ chances of employment immediately following certification.

If you prefer immediate enrollment without extensive screening and waiting lists, you can enroll in a paid training program. Luckily, there are many affordable training options in Montana. From community colleges to vocational schools and private programs, the average cost of training is just $640, inclusive of textbooks, uniform and miscellaneous supplies. However, you should expect to pay extra for your criminal background check, drug screen, physical exam, TB test, immunization, and the state certification fee.

According to federal laws, your employer (a licensed health care facility) must pay for your training and state certification fee if you’re employed or receive employment within 12 months of certification.

Nurse Aide Testing

Montana’s nurse assistant competency evaluation, administered by the D&S Diversified Technology, is similar to the exams issued by most other states. The two-part exam comprises of a written knowledge test and manual skill tests. Nurse aide candidates must provide proof of completing an accredited training program before taking the test. In order to qualify for inclusion on the registry, candidates must pass both components of the evaluation and meet other requirements as outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The written test comprises of 72 multiple-choice questions, which you must complete in 90 minutes or less. Students will record their answers on paper or via electronic means –depending on the test site. There’s an oral (audio) option available for candidates who are not 100 percent comfortable with written English. If you wish to take the oral option, you must request it at the time of application and take the test at an online test site.

For the skills test, you’ll have to demonstrate your hand washing skills along with 4 other skills selected at random. The nurse aide evaluator will rate your performance of the skills and assign a score. You must achieve 80 percent or more on the skills exam to pass the test.

Exam Costs

  • Written exam or retest – $20
  • Oral exam or retest – $31
  • Skills test of retest – $77
  • Priority fax service – $5
  • Reschedule fee – $20
  • Cancelation fee – $20
  • Test review fee – $25
  • No show – no refund

Walk with the following items on exam day:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam
  • Government-issued ID and social security card
  • Sharpened No. 2 pencils and eraser (for paper tests)

Out-of-State CNAs

Montana’s process for transferring a CNA license is easier than most other states.

  • Fill out the application for interstate endorsement
  • Submit copies of your ID, Montana residency, and proof of active residency in your former state
  • The registry will process your application and place your name on the registry within 15 working days – you must check for the update online
  • There is no fee for the transfer
  • You can work for a period of 30 days while the registry processes the application

Note: The registry will not approve the application if they find charges of abuse or neglect.

Renewal

You must renew your registry every 24 months.

  • Complete the application for renewal at least 30 days before your registration expires
  • Provide proof of at least 8 hours of paid employment within the 24-month period
  • There is no cost for renewal
  • There is no grace period to renew your application
  • Once the registry updates your status, you can print your verification online at www.dphhs.mt.gov/cna

Contact the Registry:

Montana Nurse Aide Registry

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services Certification Bureau

2401 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT 59620

Phone: (406) 444-4980

Fax: (406) 444-3456

State Approved CNA Training Programs in Montana

Anaconda, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Community Hospital of Anaconda

401 W. Pennsylvania Street, Anaconda, Anaconda, MT 59711

406 563-8500

Baker, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Fallon Medical Complex

202 South 4th Street West, Baker, MT 59313

406 778-5185

Belgrade, MT Freestanding CNA programs:

CNA, ETC

400 Hale Bopp Ave, Belgrade, MT 59714

406 208-1271

Bigfork, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Lake View Care Center

1050 Grand Drive, Bigfork, MT 59911

(406) 837-5041

Big Sandy, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Big Sandy Medical Center

166 Montana Ave-Big Sandy, Big Sandy, MT 59520

406 378-2189

Big Timber, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Pioneer Medical Center

301 West 7th Avenue, Big Timber, MT 59011

(406) 932-4603

Billings, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Billings Clinic

2800 10th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59107

406 238-2500

Billings Health and Rehab Community

2115 Central Avenue, Billings, MT 59102

406 656-6500

Eagle Cliff Manor

1415 Yellowstone River Road, Billings, MT 59105

406 245-9330

St John’s Lutheran Ministeries

3940 Rimrock Road, Billings, MT 59102

406 655-5600

Valley Health Care Center

1807 24th Street West, Billings, MT 59102

406 656-5010

Billings, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

City College at MSU Billings

1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101

406 657-2011

Browning, MT Community Colleges offering CNA programs:

Blackfeet Community College

504 Southeast Boundary Street, Browning, MT 59417

(406) 338-5441

Butte, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Copper Ridge Health and Rehab Center

3251 NETTIE STREET, Butte, MT 59701

406 723-3225

Butte, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

University of Montana COT

32 Campus Drive, Butte, MT 59701

406 243-2763

Highlands College

1300 W. Park Street, Butte, MT 59701

1-800-445-8324

Chester, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Liberty Medical Center

315 West Madison Avenue, Chester, MT 59522

(406) 759-5181

Chinook, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sweet Memorial Nursing Home

PO Box 1149, Chinook, MT 59523

(406) 357-2549

Choteau, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Teton Nursing Home

24 Main Ave. North P.O. Box 317, Choteau, MT 59422

406 466-5338

Circle, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

McCone County Health Center

605 Sullivan Avenue, Circle, MT 59215

(406) 485-3381

Clancy, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Elkhorn Health and Rehab

474 Highway 282, Clancy, MT 59634

(406) 933-8311

Columbia Falls, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Montana Veteran’s Home

400 Veterans Dr, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

406 892-3256

Conrad, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Pondera Medical Center

805 Sunset Boulevard, Conrad, MT 59425

(406) 271-3211

Cut Bank, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Glacier Care Center

707 3rd Street Southeast, Cut Bank, MT 59427

(406) 873-5600

Halona Medical Services

318 6th Ave SE, Cut Bank MT 59427

406-781-7083

Dillon, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Kindred Nursing and Rehab

200 Oregon Street, Dillon, MT 59725

(406) 683-5105

Elder, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Stone Child College

8294 Upper Box Elder Rd, Elder, MT 59521

406 395-4875

Ennis, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Madison Valley Manor

PO Box 335, Ennis, MT 59729

406 682-7271

Forsyth, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Rosebud Health Care

383 North 17th Avenue, Forsyth, MT 59327

(406) 346-2161

Fort Benton, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Missouri River Medical Center Nursing Home

1501 Saint Charles St, Fort Benton, MT 59442

(406)622-3331

Glasgow, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Home Care Services

334 West Court Street, Glasgow, MT

406 228-4200

Valley View Home

1225 Perry Lane, Glasgow, MT 59230

406 228-2461

Glendive, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Dawson Community College

300 College Drive, Glendive, MT 59330

406 377-3396

Great Falls, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Benefis Health Care

1101 26th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405

406 455-5000

Hamilton, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Bitterroot College, University of Montana

103 South 9th Street

Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 375-0100

Fax: (406) 375-0200

bc@umontana.edu

https://www.umt.edu/bitterroot-college/offer/health/pg-cna.php

 

The Discovery Care Center

601 North 10th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840

406 363-2273

Valley View Estates Health Care Center

225 North Eighth Street, Hamilton, MT 59840

406 363-1144

Hamilton, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Bitterroot College

274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, MT 59840

(406) 375-0100

Hardin, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Big Horn County Hospital

17 MILES, Hardin, MT 59034

406 665-2310

Harlem, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Aaniiih Nakoda College

P.O. Box 159, Harlem, MT 59526

406 353-2607

Havre, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Northern Montana Care Center

30-13th Street P.O Box 1231, Havre, MT 59501

406 265-2211

Helena, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Helena College

1115 North Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59601

406 444-6800

Helena, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Aspen Gardens Assisted Living

13 Bumblebee Court, Helena, MT 59601

(406) 457-0092

Jordan, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Garfield County Health Center Nursing Home

332 LEAVITT AVE, Jordan, MT 59337

406 557-2500

Kalispell, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Flathead Valley Community College

777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, Kalispell, MT 59901

406 756-3906

Kalispell, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Heritage Place

171 Heritage Way, Kalispell, MT 59901

406 755-0800

Immanuel Lutheran Home

185 Crestline Avenue, Kalispell, MT 59901

406 752-9622

Laurel, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Laurel Health and Rehabilitation

820 3rd Avenue, Laurel, MT 59044

406 628-8251

Lewistown, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Central Montana Skilled Nursing Center

408 Wendell Ave, Lewistown, MT 59457

406 535-7711

Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center

800 Casino Creek Drive, Lewistown, MT 59457

406 538-7451

Libby, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Libby Healthcare

Libby Care Center 308 East Third Street, Libby, MT 59923

406 293-6285

Livingston, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Livingston Health and Rehabilitation

510 South 14th Street, Livingston, MT 59047

406 222-0672

Malta, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Phillips County Medical Center

311 8th Avenue East, Malta, MT 59538

406 654-1100

 

Miles City, MT Freestanding CNA programs:

Heart and Hands Training

5336 Valley Dr. East, Miles City, MT 59301

406 234-1747

Miles City, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Miles Community College

2715 Dickinson Street, Miles City, MT 59301

406 874-6100

Missoula, MT Freestanding CNA programs:

Dickinson Lifelong Learning Center

310 South Curtis Street, Missoula, MT 59801

406 542-4015

Missoula, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Missoula College

32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59801

406 243-2763

Missoula, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Village Health Care Center

2651 South Ave West, Missoula, MT 59804

406 728-9162

Pablo, MT Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Salish-Kootenai College

58138 US Hwy 93, Pablo, MT 59855

406 275-4800

Phillipsburg, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Granite County Medical Center

Sansome street, Philipsburg, MT 59858

(406) 859-3271

Plains, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Clark Fork Valley Hospital

110 Kruger Road, Plains, MT 59859,

(406) 826-4800

Plentywood, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home

440 West Laurel Avenue, Plentywood, MT 59254

406 765-3700

Polson, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Polson Health and Rehab

Nine 14th Ave W, Polson, MT 59860

(406) 883-4378

Red Lodge, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Cedar Wood Villa

One South Oakes, Red Lodge, MT 59068

406 446-2525

Ronan, MT Freestanding CNA programs:

Kickinghorse Jobs Corps Center

33091 Mollmann Pass Trl, Ronan, MT 59864

406 644-2217

Ronan, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

St Luke Community Nursing Home

107 6th Avenue Southwest, Ronan, MT 59864

406 676-2900

Scobey, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Daniels Memorial Hospital

105 5th Avenue East, Scobey, MT 59263

406 487-2296

Shelby, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Marias Care Center

640 Park Avenue, Box 915, Shelby, MT 59474

406 434-3200

Sheridan, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Ruby Valley Hospital

220 East Crofoot Street, Sheridan, MT 59749

(406) 842-5453

Tobacco Root Mountain Care Center

326 Madison Street, Sheridan, MT 59749

(406) 842-5600

Sidney, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sidney Health Center

216 14th Avenue Southwest #100, Sidney, MT 59270

(406) 488-2184

Superior, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Mineral Community Hospital

208 6th Ave. East, Superior, MT 59872

406 822-4841

White Sulphur Springs, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Mountain View Medical Center

16 West Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, MT

406 547-3321

Wibaux, MT Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Wibaux County Nursing Home

712 Wibaux St S, Wibaux, MT 59353

406 796-2429

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