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:
- CNA Classes Billings, MT
- CNA Classes Butte, MT
- CNA Classes Hamilton, MT
- CNA Classes Helena, MT
- CNA Classes Missoula, MT
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
https://www.umt.edu/
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
Don’t see Forsyth on the map!?!?!?
Forsyth programs are listed on the page – http://cnaclassesnearyou.com/montana-cna-requirements-state-approved-cna-programs/
Also, to answer your question – yes, not all cities are shown on this map.
It’s nice to see Baker on the map, you go Michele Smith
You actually don’t need to take a class.