1. CNA Training in Colorado
This article posted at the CNA Certification and Training blog.
Colorado ranked third among the fastest growing states in
US, and offers many opportunities for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), as there is
increased demand from hospitals, assisted living centers, home health agencies, and a variety
of other healthcare facilities which claim a large number of CNAs.
For those who are interested to become CNA in Colorado, it is first necessary to have complete
a CNA training program that has been approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing and then
they pass the state’s certification exam through Pearson Vue.
There are more than 300 approved nurse aide training programs in the state that meet the
requirements of the State Board of Nursing and the federal regulations, and offered by many
schools, community colleges, vocational and technical schools, adult learning institutes and
medical institutions. Also, there's online distance learning and approved programs offered by
institutions that are charged with the cost of tuition for individuals seeking employment at that
particular facility.
CNA works under supervision of LPNs or RNs, and she / he is responsible for a wide array of
tasks in a variety of health care settings, like helping doctors with medical procedures, taking
vital signs, administering medications, record keeping, observing patients and noting changes
their behavior or condition, infection control, assisting patients with their bathing and grooming
needs, dressing, feeding, mobility, proper operating and maintaining medical equipment, etc.
Colorado CNA Training Programs and Requirements
The state of Colorado does not require a high school diploma or GED in order to enroll in
a CNA program, but a high school diploma or GED certification may be useful for succeed in
this field. Therefore, in order to gain entry into any of the approved CNA programs in Colorado,
applicants are required to submit an enrollment fee, which can range from $1000 to $2000.
These programs they usually last for 8 to 12 weeks, and applicants must be familiar with English
language and mathematics, have clean criminal record and a TB test report of last 6 months
and immunization's proof before admission to the program.
Every approved CNA training program by the Colorado Board of Nursing, covers at least 150
hours of training, with minimum 70 hours devoted to classroom instruction and 80 hours
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2. dedicated for clinical practice. The training courses will be taught by registered nurses who have
worked for at least 24 months and will fully equip the students with knowledge that cover topics
related with basic nursing skills, safety and emergency procedures, infection control, anatomy
and physiology, human body mechanics, basic nutrition, patient’s rights, communication skills
with patients, basic restorative services, etc.
Colorado CNA Certification Requirements
After completion of a training program, students need to qualify certification exam within 24
months to get licensed.
The certification exam has a two-hour written test with 70 multiple-choice questions
administered at testing centers of Pearson Vue, and a clinical exam which it asks the students
to perform any 5 random clinical tasks from a list of 25 essential skills under the supervision of
course instructors and registered nurses (RNs). A score of 75% or higher is required in order to
pass CNA evaluation.
If the examinee fails the tests after three tries will need to re-take the training courses. The
examination fee of written exam is $25 and of clinical test is $70. The fees has to be paid every
time, a test is taken.
After successfully passing the certification exam, Pearson Vue will notify the Colorado
Department of Regulatory Agencies, and the CNA can be entered into the Colorado Nurse Aide
Registry, it which maintains the records of certified nurse aides in the state. In order to ensure
employment, the status of a candidate should always be active in the registry. Therefore, the
license must be renewed every 24 months, and CNAs must have worked at least 8 hours during
the same period.
CNA Employment in Colorado (CO)
There is a high demand for certified nursing assistant in the state of Colorado, that is due to the
constantly increasing need for healthcare. This means that a CNA can expect exceptional job
stability and a variety of opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
The CNA salary in Colorado ranges from around $21,000 to $29,000 a year, but this amount is
largely influenced by the amount of education, training and work experience an employee has
acquired. Many employers prefer to hire a CNA who has at least a year of experience. Also, the
geographic location is a factor affecting the level of salary.
Possible places of employment in state include long term health care facilities, nursing homes,
rehabilitation centers, adult care centers, hospice centers, mental health facilities and hospitals
in the state, including the Colorado Acute Long Term Care Hospital, Colorado Children's
Hospital, Denver Health Medical Center and Memorial Hospital.
Colorado CNA Helpful Links
Nursing - American Red Cross
American Nurses Association
National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
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3. National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA)
Nurse Aide Employment Outlook 2010-2011
Colorado Board of Nursing
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
Colorado Nurse Aide Registry
Colorado Student Nurses' Association (CSNA)
Colorado Association of School Nurses
Pearson Vue
CNA Training in Colorado
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