CNA Schools
CNA Classes in Meridian, Idaho
Meridian CNA Training - Idaho
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 Meridian, ID
If you’re considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Meridian, Idaho, you’re on the right path. CNAs play a vital role in healthcare by providing direct patient care and assisting nurses with daily tasks. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a change, becoming a CNA in Meridian can open doors to various job opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a CNA in Meridian, ID, including local CNA training programs, job opportunities, and state certification requirements.
About Meridian, ID
Meridian is one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho, located just west of the state capital, Boise. With its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and proximity to outdoor activities, Meridian has become a popular place to live and work. The city is known for its vibrant parks, such as Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, and attractions like The Village at Meridian, a popular shopping and dining destination. Learn more about the city on the official Meridian website.
CNA Training Programs in Meridian, ID
To become a CNA in Meridian, you need to complete a state-approved training program. Here are a few local options where you can start your journey:
- College of Western Idaho (CWI)
- Location: Nampa, ID (about 10 miles from Meridian)
- Program: CWI offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the Idaho CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical experience in a healthcare facility.
- Learn more: College of Western Idaho CNA Program
- Milan Institute
- Location: Boise, ID (approximately 12 miles from Meridian)
- Program: Milan Institute provides a Nursing Assistant program that focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to pass the CNA certification exam. The program includes hands-on training and clinical experience.
- Learn more: Milan Institute CNA Program
- Idaho State University – Meridian Health Science Center
- Location: Meridian, ID
- Program: Idaho State University’s Meridian campus offers a CNA course that includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical rotations. The program is designed to prepare students for the Idaho CNA certification exam.
- Learn more: Idaho State University CNA Program
CNA Employment Opportunities in Meridian
Once you’ve completed your CNA training and earned your certification, you’ll find many job opportunities in Meridian’s healthcare sector. Here are some of the top healthcare facilities in the area:
- St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center
- Location: Meridian, ID
- Description: St. Luke’s Meridian is part of the larger St. Luke’s Health System and offers a wide range of healthcare services. As one of the largest employers in the area, St. Luke’s often has openings for CNAs in various departments.
- Careers: St. Luke’s Meridian Careers
- Trinity Mission Health & Rehab of Meridian
- Location: Meridian, ID
- Description: Trinity Mission provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. CNAs play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of residents by assisting with daily living activities.
- Careers: Trinity Mission Careers
- Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village
- Location: Meridian, ID
- Description: Touchmark is a senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. CNAs are essential in providing personal care to residents in assisted living and memory care units.
- Careers: Touchmark Careers
CNA Certification Requirements in Idaho
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Idaho, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program: You must complete an Idaho Board of Nursing-approved CNA program, which includes classroom instruction and clinical practice.
Pass the CNA certification exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Idaho CNA certification exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
Register with the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the certification exam, you will be added to the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry, which is maintained by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. You must be listed in the registry to work as a CNA in Idaho.
For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry.
Get Started Today
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Meridian, ID, is a great way to start a fulfilling career in healthcare. With several local training programs and numerous employment opportunities, you can take the first step toward becoming a CNA today. Contact one of the schools listed above to begin your training and start your journey toward certification and employment.
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 Idaho 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 Meridian?
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 Meridian 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 Meridian 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 Meridian?
Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Idaho, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Idaho, 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 Meridian is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Idaho CNA Salary info.
