Certified Nursing Assistants are critical to the delivery of care in the growing health care sector. If you’re considering a career in nursing, working as a CNA is an important first step that will provide some insight into the workings of the medical sector. The exposure to patients will also help you to determine what aspect of healthcare will be most rewarding. CNAs work closely with patients to meet their physical and emotional needs and ensure their comfort. They perform specific tasks under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. These tasks may include but are not limited to wound care, supplying and emptying bedpans, shaving patients and combing their hair, assisting with baths and dressing, answering call lights, assisting with restorative treatments, and moving patients from the bed to the wheelchair.
Nursing assistants work primarily in long-term care facilities, but they may also work in patients’ homes, hospitals, clinics, and hospice facilities. The oversight of nursing assistants falls under the jurisdiction of the Colorado Board of Nursing. Certification requires completion of an approved CNA program and passage of the Nurse Aide Exam. The Board of Nursing may deny licensure if you have a history of a felony conviction. Check with the Board before enrolling in a CNA class.
Red Rocks Community College
The nursing assistant program at Red Rocks Community College leads to a Certificate after completing 5 credit hours of coursework. The program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, so graduates will be eligible to take the state certification exam to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. Students will learn how to perform fundamental skills including basic nursing skills, communication skills, and personal care skills. Other topics include safety and emergency care, principles of asepsis, ethical behaviors, patient rights, principles of mental health, OSHA and HIPAA regulations, and cultural sensitivity. The clinical rotation will give students the opportunity to apply skills gained in patient care.
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older
- Demonstrate achievement of college-level English
- Obtain a student ID number to enroll in classes
- Provide proof of Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Certification
- Complete a background check and drug test
- Complete Statement of Health Care Provider that includes flu shot, TB test, and vaccinations
- Attend an orientation for new students
Tuition costs $144.55 per credit hour. Additional costs include textbook, CPR card, vaccinations, TB test, background check, drug test, scrubs, and uniform patch. Job placement assistance is available for all students.
Website: https://www.rrcc.edu/nurse-aide
Address: 13300 W. 6th Ave. Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 303-914-6600
Compass Nursing Arts
Compass Nursing Arts offers a state-approved nursing assistant program to prepare students for employment in long-term care. The curriculum includes classroom theory and practical experiences in a simulated lab and skilled nursing facility. It requires completion of 85 hours of theory and practical and exceeds the state-required minimum. The school offers several schedules for students’ convenience. The day class meets from 8:30 am to 2:15 pm for 10 class sessions or 9 in-class sessions plus 8.25 hours online. Students must have a computer or smart phone for the hybrid option. The online hybrid evening class meets 3 evenings a week for 9 in-class sessions and 8.25 hours online. The evening sessions are from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm. The final option is a full day class that meets from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm for 7 sessions. There is no hybrid option for the full day class. Classes include three shifts for the clinical practice. Shifts are 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm for the evening sessions or 6:00 am to 2:00 pm for the day class. Graduates have the option to take the state test at Compass’ approved test site.
- Must be able to speak and write English
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete a background check – applicants with a misdemeanor or felony should notify an administer before registration
- Complete the required drug screen
- Documentation of flu vaccine and negative TB test or chest x-ray
Tuition for the program is $1,075 and includes textbook, skills videos, open lab practice, background check, drug screen, and lab supplies. A deposit of $350 is required to register.
Website: https://www.compasscna.com/
Address: 108 West Baseline Road, Lafayette, Colorado 80026
Phone: 303-484-9650
Community College of Denver
The Community College of Denver prepares students for a career as a certified nurse aide in just four weeks. The instruction will include theory, lab, and practical activities at a clinical site. Theory will cover fundamental nursing skills, communication and interpersonal relationships, nutrition, personal care, infection control, range of motion exercises, patient rights, laws and ethics, safety and emergency procedures, and the role and responsibilities of the nurse aide. The program requires participation in a clinical rotation comprising of 30 hours of direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse instructor. Students who successfully complete the required 5 credits will be eligible to take the Colorado Nurse Aide Certification Exam. Day, night, and weekend schedules are available to accommodate students. The day and evening programs can be completed in 7 weeks and the weekend program is 15 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application online
- Complete the nurse aide application after enrolling in the college
- Provide TB test results
- Provide proof of current flu vaccine
- Take the CCPT test and obtain the minimum scores or higher – LADI – 67, PADI – 001, MAT 050, READ – 76, WRES – 2. A waiver for all parts of the test is available for applicants who provide SAT or ACT scores
Tuition and fees cost $1,103.22 for Colorado residents and includes the COF stipend deduction. It must be paid in full upon acceptance to the program. Other associated costs include background check, immunization, gait belt, NNAAP Exam, scrubs, and textbook and workbook. The program is not eligible for financial aid.
Website: https://www.ccd.edu/program/nurse-aide
Address: 1111 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 303-556-2600
Emily Griffith Technical College
Emily Griffith Technical College prepares students to take the certification exam in just 8 weeks. The curriculum meets the Colorado OBRA certification requirements and operates with the approval from the State Board of Nursing. IT will include theory and practical instruction in the role of the nurse aide, restorative treatments, nutrition, personal care and grooming, infection control, range of motion, Alzheimer’s care, communication and interpersonal relationships, safety and emergency procedures, and basic nursing skills. The College offers low tuition rates, flexible day and evening schedules, and hands-on practice in the school’s modern lab.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed online application for admission
- Attend the New Student orientation
- Take and pass a reading test
- Provide a copy of government issued identification
- Complete a Colorado Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check – students with disqualifying background checks will not be admitted to the clinical phase of the program
- Provide a copy of negative TB test – not more than one year old
- Provide documentation of current flu shot
Tuition for Colorado residents is $801. Additional costs include textbook, watch with second hand, uniform, TB test, and State Board testing fees.
Website: https://www.emilygriffith.edu/nurse-assisting
Address: 1860 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (720) 423-4700
APLMED Academy INC
The CNA program at APLMED Academy is conducted in a hospitals atmosphere on campus followed by clinical rotations in a skilled nursing facility. The unpaid externship will give students the opportunity to develop real-world skills and will be directed by a licensed nurse instructor. Graduates will receive a CNA certificate, which will confirm their eligibility to sit for the Nurse Aide Certification Exam. Classroom theory will cover medical terminology, introduction to health care assistant nursing, basic anatomy and physiology, signs and symptoms of common diseases, patient safety, measuring and recording vital signs, infection control, transport and positioning, home health care, range of motion exercises, and state board exam review. Through the skills labs and clinical externship, students will learn how to assist with the activities of daily living, perform personal hygiene tasks such as emptying bed pans, travel to the bathroom, showers, and dressing, provide adjunct care, ensure patient comfort, answer call lights, and measure and record vital signs. Morning and evening schedules are available. The morning classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Have a high school diploma, GED or college transcripts
- Provide a copy of government issued photo ID and social security card
- Provide records of current immunizations
- Submit a negative TB test report – must have been taken within the past 12 months
- Have up-to-date flu vaccine – seasonal only
- Submit a completed application and registration fee
The cost of the program is $990. It includes the cost for tuition and registration fee. Additional expenses include textbook, workbook, uniform, gait belt, watch with second hand, stethoscope, state exam fee, and other supplies.
Website: https://aplmed.com/certified-nursing-assistant-cna-denver-co/
Address: 2600 S Parker Rd Bld 6-300, Aurora CO, 80014
Phone: (303) 752 0000
Fax: (303) 997 1075