CNA Classes in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe CNA Training - New Mexico

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 Santa Fe, New Mexico

About Santa Fe

Santa Fe, the capital city of New Mexico, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, this historic city boasts stunning adobe architecture, renowned art galleries, and a thriving culinary scene. For more information about Santa Fe, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Santa Fe, New Mexico

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, there are several local schools offering comprehensive nursing assistant programs and courses. Here are three notable options:

1. Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)
   • Program Description: SFCC offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate program designed to prepare students for the state CNA certification exam. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Location: 6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508
   • Program Page: SFCC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Northern New Mexico College
   • Program Description: Located just a short drive from Santa Fe, Northern New Mexico College provides a Nursing Assistant program that covers essential skills and knowledge required for the CNA role. The program combines theoretical learning with practical training.
   • Location: 921 Paseo De Onate, Española, NM 87532 (approximately 25 miles from Santa Fe)
   • Program Page: Northern New Mexico College Nursing Assistant Program
3. Pima Medical Institute – Albuquerque
   • Program Description: Though located in Albuquerque, Pima Medical Institute offers a well-regarded Nursing Assistant program that includes classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical practice. This program is ideal for those willing to commute.
   • Location: 4400 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 (approximately 60 miles from Santa Fe)
   • Program Page: Pima Medical Institute Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some key employers:

1. Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center
   • Description: This major healthcare facility provides a wide range of medical services and is a significant employer of nursing assistants in Santa Fe. They offer competitive salaries and benefits.
   • Location: 455 St Michaels Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505
   • Employment Opportunities: Christus St. Vincent Careers
2. The Montecito Santa Fe
   • Description: The Montecito is a luxury retirement community that offers assisted living and memory care services. They frequently hire CNAs to provide high-quality care to their residents.
   • Location: 500 Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
   • Employment Opportunities: The Montecito Santa Fe Careers
3. El Castillo Retirement Residences
   • Description: El Castillo is a continuing care retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. They employ CNAs to assist with daily living activities and medical care.
   • Location: 250 East Alameda Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
   • Employment Opportunities: El Castillo Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in New Mexico

To become a certified nursing assistant in New Mexico, you must meet specific certification requirements set by the New Mexico Department of Health. These include:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: This includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the CNA Competency Exam: Administered by Prometric, this exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
3. Undergo a Background Check: A criminal background check is required to ensure the safety of patients.

For detailed information on certification requirements, visit the New Mexico Department of Health.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a rewarding decision. With several local CNA training programs and abundant employment opportunities, you can start your journey towards a fulfilling healthcare career. Contact a school today to learn more about their nursing assistant courses and take the first step towards becoming a CNA.

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 New Mexico 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 Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in New Mexico, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in New Mexico, 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 Santa Fe is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out New Mexico CNA Salary info.