CNA Certification in Utah: Certificate Info and Requirements

Certified nurse aide (CNA) training programs are primarily offered by 2-year colleges in Utah. These programs combine classroom, clinical and laboratory training. Some programs offer evening courses, and students may also gain CPR training. Many programs prepare students for certification exams. In some cases, students may get to participate in an externship.

Bridgerland Applied Technology College

Students interested in entering Bridgerland's CNA training program are required to have proof of CPR registration when they register. Study topics may include record keeping, communication skills, staff relations and basic care. Once the program is completed, students may take the state certification exams. Bridgerland has a 94 percent exam pass rate, one of the highest in Utah.

Dixie State University

Dixie State University's nursing assistant program is comprised of 70 hours of instruction in the classroom and lab, in addition to 24 hours of clinical instruction. The program prepares about 200 students per semester to take the state certification exams. Students are directed to take the written test at an authorized testing site. The skills test, on the other hand, is taken on the Dixie State campus. Graduates of this program will gain a variety of professional skills, such as an understanding of HIPAA guidelines, the ability to utilize proper safety control procedures and ability to comply with patient rights.

Mountainland Applied Technology College

Mountainland offers an accelerated CNA training program comprised of 88 hours of classroom and lab-based instruction. The program is only offered to adult students who have at least a high school diploma or GED. Topics of study may include anatomy, nutrition, body mechanics, resident rights and infection control. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to take the state certification exams, the fees for which are not included in the program tuition.

Ogden-Weber Tech College

Ogden-Weber offers a one and a half-month nursing assistant program comprised of 86 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of clinical experience. Students may choose to do their externships in a variety of professional settings, such as rehab clinics, nursing homes and care centers. At the end of the program, students may sit for the state's written certification exam and skills exam. Both exams are taken on the campus of Ogden-Weber Tech College.

Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake Community College administers a certified nursing assistant program is comprised of 122 hours of coursework and lab-based instruction in a variety of areas that explore the physiological, emotional and mental needs of patients. In order to gain entry into this program, students will need to provide either transcripts or sufficient scores on a basic skills assessment. Students must also take a CPR course before they can complete the program. Once completed, they should be prepared to sit for the state certification exams.

Snow College

Snow College offers a 125-hour program comprised of classroom instruction, clinical experience and laboratory. In addition, there is a six-hour course dedicated to preparing for the NA exams. The program is offered in eight different locations, including Richfield, Delta, Ephraim and Wayne. Students are required to achieve a score of at least 80 percent in the course in order to sit for the state certification written and skills exams.

Southwest Applied Technology Center

Southwest's nursing assistant program is administered through its health science department and comprises 90 hours of coursework, at least 24 hours of clinical work at a nursing facility and hospital, CPR certification (for those who don't already have it) and/or a certification exam. Students must pass an exam before they can be certified with the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) and begin formal employment.

Tooele Applied Technology College

Toole's CNA program covers a variety of topics, such as medical terminology, patient assistance and general professional skills. Students are taught basic proficiencies in a diverse array of specific tasks, such as dress patients, taking patient pulse rates, measuring blood pressure and setting up medical equipment. Completion of this program is contingent on students successfully passing a proficiency exam administered by Tooele.

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College

Unitah's nursing assistant program is comprised of 66 hours of theoretical instruction and 24 hours of clinical work. Specific areas of proficiency that this program focuses on include personal care skills, restorative services, social service needs, residents' rights and care for the mentally impaired. High school seniors or recent high school graduates may apply to waive certain fees associated with the program. Courses may be taken either during the day or at night.