CNA Classes in Salida, Colorado

Salida CNA Training - Colorado

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Salida, Colorado

Are you considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Salida, Colorado? This rewarding profession offers numerous opportunities to make a difference in the lives of patients while working in various healthcare settings. This guide will help you navigate the process of becoming a CNA in Salida, including information on local CNA training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Salida

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Salida, Colorado, is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts scene. As the largest city in Chaffee County, Salida offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. For more information about the city, visit the official Salida website.

CNA Training Programs in Salida, Colorado

Here are some local schools offering Nursing Assistant programs in or near Salida:

1. Colorado Mountain College – Salida Campus
   • Program Description: Colorado Mountain College offers a comprehensive CNA program that equips students with the skills needed for success in the healthcare field. The program includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience.
   • Location: Salida, CO
   • Program Page: Colorado Mountain College CNA Program
2. Pueblo Community College – Fremont Campus
   • Program Description: Located approximately 50 miles from Salida, Pueblo Community College’s Fremont Campus provides a robust CNA training program. The curriculum covers essential nursing assistant skills and includes both theoretical and practical components.
   • Location: Cañon City, CO
   • Program Page: Pueblo Community College CNA Program
3. Trinidad State College – Valley Campus
   • Program Description: About 70 miles from Salida, Trinidad State College’s Valley Campus offers a CNA program designed to prepare students for the state certification exam. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical practice.
   • Location: Alamosa, CO
   • Program Page: Trinidad State College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Salida

Once you have completed your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities in Salida where you can seek employment:

1. Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center
   • Description: Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center is a leading healthcare facility in Salida, offering a wide range of medical services. The center frequently has openings for CNAs and other healthcare professionals.
   • Location: Salida, CO
   • Employment Opportunities Page: Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center Careers
2. Columbine Manor Care Center
   • Description: Columbine Manor Care Center is a skilled nursing facility providing long-term care and rehabilitation services. They often hire CNAs to support their staff in delivering high-quality patient care.
   • Location: Salida, CO
   • Employment Opportunities Page: Columbine Manor Care Center Careers
3. Salida Hospital District
   • Description: The Salida Hospital District encompasses various healthcare services and facilities in the area. CNAs are in demand to assist with patient care across different departments.
   • Location: Salida, CO
   • Employment Opportunities Page: Salida Hospital District Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Colorado

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Colorado, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a CNA training program approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: Successfully pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes both a written and skills test.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the certification process.
4. Application for Certification: Submit an application for CNA certification to the Colorado Board of Nursing.

For more detailed information, visit the Colorado Board of Nursing and the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Salida, Colorado, is a commendable choice that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Start your journey today by contacting a local CNA training program and taking the first step towards a rewarding career.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Colorado may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Salida?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Salida usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Salida will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Salida?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Colorado, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Colorado, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Salida is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Colorado CNA Salary info.