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How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Utah

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(found 55 schools, updated in November 2017)

Employment opportunities in Utah for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) are excellent due to the increase in the state’s aging population. The Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) is the state agency that oversees the state Certified Nursing Assistant process. The agency approves CNA training programs, monitors test sites, maintains the UNAR, certifies nursing assistants who meet CNA certification requirements and processes certification renewals. Utah has developed a clear and efficient process for becoming a CNA. In the following sections, the certification process is reviewed step-by-step.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • 6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Utah
  • How to Keep CNA Certification Active
  • Job Outlook and Salary for CNAs in Utah
  • Becoming a CNA in Bordering States

6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Utah

There are steps that individuals should take to become a CNA in Utah. Following is a description of the basic steps, beginning with choosing the right path to certification to renewing certification.

Step 1: Review the Routes to Certification

Utah offers several paths to nurse aide certification, so the first step is reviewing each option.

A New CNA

Certification requirements for a new nurse aide require completing a state-approved CNA program and taking and passing a state competency evaluation exam. There are other paths for individuals who meet certain requirements.

Nursing Students

Nursing students who can provide a transcript showing they successfully completed and passed a fundamentals of nursing class within the last two years can become a CNA by passing the Utah state exam for nursing assistant certification. Any nursing students who do not pass the state exam within three attempts will have to complete a CNA training program. Here is the application form for certification testing waiver.

Nurse from Other States

If a nurse from any state has an expired license but is in good standing with that state’s nursing board, a training waiver can be requested. The individual will have to take the state exam and pass within one attempt. Otherwise, the individual will have to train and retest.

CNAs from Other States

Out of state nursing assistants can apply for certification by reciprocity in Utah if their certification in the other state is active and unencumbered. If the out of state certification is expired, the individual must complete a state-approved training program in Utah and take the state exam.

Step 2: Select a CNA Training Program

For those who must complete a training program and/or take the state competency exam, the remaining steps apply. Utah state law requires a CNA training program to consist of a minimum of 100 hours of educations. The 100 training hours includes 24 hours of clinical training in a long-term facility. There are 55 CNA programs in Utah offered at a variety of educational facilities that include colleges, technology colleges, academies, allied health schools, universities, hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. There are also a number of CNA training programs offered only to high school students. The program data is updated in November 2017.

Local CNA Classes in Utah by City

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

CityUtah CNA Program ProviderAddressPhone
BlandingUtah State University Eastern - Blanding
usueastern.edu
639 West 100 South(435) 678-2201
BountifulLife Care CNA Bountiful
lifecarecenterofbountiful.com
460 West 2600 South(801) 589-2597
BountifulNursing Education Center
www.cnacareers.com
74 East 500 South(801) 386-2474
BountifulViewmont High School (High School Students Only)
website
120 West 1000 North(801) 402-4314
Cedar CitySouthwest Applied Technology College
stech.edu
757 West 800 South(435) 586-2899
Cedar HillsRocky Mountain Healthcare Academy
www.rockymountainha.com
Cedar Hills, 9152 Silver Lake Drive(801) 850-3249
CenterfieldMission at Community Rehab Center
website
10 West 400 South(435) 528-7246
ClearfieldUtah CNA Training Centers LLC
www.utahcnacenters.com
377A South State Street(801) 990-9333
Colorado City, ArizonaMohave Community College in Arizona
www.mohave.edu
P.O. Box 980(928) 681-5660
IvinsSouthern Utah CNA
www.southernutcna.com
160 North 200 East(757) 773-6578
KaysvilleAllied Healthcare Certifications Center
website
275 West 200 North(801) 856-4421
KaysvilleDavis Applied Technology College C.N.A.
www.davistech.edu
550 East 300 South(801) 593-2353
KaysvilleDavis High School (High School Students Only)
website
325 South Main Street(530) 757-5400
LaytonNorthridge High School (High School Students Only)
website
2430 North Hill Field Road(801) 402-8655
LehiMountainland Applied Technology College
mtec.edu
2301 West Ashton Boulevard(801) 753-4156
LoganBridgerland Applied Technology College
btech.edu
1301 North 600 West(435) 753-6780
LoganStevens-Henager College
www.stevenshenager.edu
755 South Main Street(435) 792-6970
LoganUtah CNA Training Centers LLC
www.utahcnacenters.com
1115 North 200 East, Suite 140(801) 990-9333
MidvaleccCNA
www.cccna.com
7200 South State Street(801) 599-4780
MilfordMilford Memorial Hospital
website
850 North Main Street(435) 387-2411
MoabUtah State University Moab
moab.usu.edu
125 West 200 South(435) 260-2353
MurrayMurray High School (High School Students Only)
website
5440 South State Street(801) 264-7460
MurrayStevens Henagar College
www.stevenshenager.edu
383 West Vine Street(801) 281-7600
MurrayUtah CNA Training Centers LLC
www.utahcnacenters.com
5280 South Commerce Drive, Suite E100(801) 990-9333
OgdenOgden High School (High School Students Only)
ogdenhigh.ogdensd.org
2828 Harrison Boulevard(801) 737-8737
OgdenOgden-Weber Applied Technology College
www.owatc.edu
200 North Washington Boulevard(801) 612-4179
OremOrchard CNA of Northern Utah
www.orchardcna.com
766 South 400 East(801) 358-2102
OremUtah CNA Training Centers LLC
www.utahcnacenters.com
270 West Center Street, Suite 266(801) 990-9333
PanguitchGarfield Memorial Hospital
intermountainhealthcare.org
200 North 400 East Street(435) 676-8811
PaysonArrowhead CNA Training of Payson
www.arrowheadcna.com
55 South Professional Way(801) 361-2995
Plain CityFremont High School (High School Students Only)
fremont.wsd.net
1900 North 4700 West(801) 452-4000
Pleasant ViewWeber High School (High School Students Only)
weber.wsd.net
430 Weber High Drive(801) 476-3700
PricePinnacle Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
pinnaclenursing.com
1340 East 300 North(435) 637-9213
PriceUtah State University Eastern
usueastern.edu
451 East 400 North(435) 613-5295
RichfieldSnow College
www.snow.edu
800 West 200 South(435) 896-9754
RooseveltUintah Basin Technical College
www.ubtech.edu
1100 East Lagoon Street, Suite 124(435) 722-6973
RoyRoy High School (High School Students Only)
roy.wsd.net
2250 West 4800 South(801) 476-3600
Salt Lake CityAvalon Healthcare - Woodland Park Care Center
www.avalonhealthcare.com
3855 South 700 East(385) 209-6900
Salt Lake CityCaresource Campus of Caring1624 East 4500 South(801) 266-7200
Salt Lake CityCommunity Nursing Services Academy
www.cns-cares.org
2830 South Redwood Road, Suite A(801) 233-6100
Salt Lake CityGranite Technical Institute (High School Students Only)
website
2500 South State Street(801) 646-4339
Salt Lake CityLife Care Center CNA
lifecarecenterofbountiful.com
1201 East 4500 South(801) 589-2597
Salt Lake CitySalt Lake City School District - Career and Technical Center (High School Students Only)
www.slcschools.org
1633 Edison Street(801) 481-4946
Salt Lake CityUtah CNA Training Centers LLC
www.utahcnacenters.com
1135 South West Temple(801) 990-9333
SandyCanyons Technical Education Center (High School Students Only)825 East 9085 South(801) 256-5739
South OgdenBonneville High School
bonneville.wsd.net
251 East 4800 South(801) 866-7250
St. GeorgeDixie Applied Technology College
www.dixietech.edu
1506 South(435) 647-8400
St. GeorgeDixie State University
dixie.edu
225 South University Avenue(435) 879-4810
St. GeorgeRidgeview CNA
www.ridgeviewcna.com
919 South Main Street(435) 634-0710
St. GeorgeSt. George CNA
www.stgeorgecnaonline.com
1490 East Foremaster Drive(435) 619-3447
SyracuseSyracuse High School (High School Students Only)
website
665 South 2000 West(801) 402-7900
TooeleTooele Applied Technology College
tooeletech.edu
88 South Tooele Boulevard(435) 248-1800
TooeleTooele School District - Tooele Community Learning Center (High School Students Only)
website
211 South Tooele Boulevard(435) 833-8700
West JordanJordan School District (High School Students Only)9301 South Wights Fort Road(801) 256-5980
West JordanSalt Lake Community College - Jordan Campus
www.slcc.edu
3491 Wights Fort Road(801) 957-6362

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Free Training

Federal and state laws allow individuals to work in Medicare/Medicaid funded nursing homes and other long-term care facilities while employed. The law requires earning certification as a nursing assistant within 120 days. The law also requires their employer to cover training costs, so this is one way to get free training.

Another way to get free training is to find employment within 12 months of becoming a CNA at a Medicare/Medicaid funded nursing facility. The employer will reimburse the student for training costs. The CNA must work at least three months at the facility and an average of 20 hours per week to qualify for reimbursement.

Tuition and Fees

The costs of training include program tuition and fees, uniforms, textbooks, medical supplies and test fees. A program charges tuition, but that may or may not include items like uniforms and textbooks. For example, the Allied Health Care Certifications Center charges $400 (subject to change) for a month-long program. It includes tuition, textbook, clinical instruction and CNA exam preparation. The student also pays additional amounts for the testing fee, supplies and uniforms.

The Salt Lake Community College’s 150-hour daytime CNA training program takes approximately one semester to complete and costs an estimated $540 (subject to change). The amount includes an application fee, tuition, student fees, lab fees and books and supplies. Students will still need to buy scrubs.

Financial aid may be available to students through workforce training funds, scholarships and grants. It is important to meet with financial aid staff at the school to explore funding opportunities.

Step 3: Meet Prerequisites for School and Program Entrance

Prerequisites are conditions that individuals must meet in order to register for a CNA training program in Utah. They include:

  • Be at least 16 years old (school may require an older age)
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Provide proof of a negative TB test
  • Pass a drug test
  • Provide proof of immunizations
  • Pass a health exam
  • Meet school admission requirements
Each school and program in Utah can add additional requirements beyond the minimum prerequisites. For example, a school may require the student to get a minimum score on English and math basic skills assessment tests or to turn 18 years old by the time they are expected to take the competency exam.

Step 4: Complete a CNA Training Program

While attending CNA classes in Utah, students master the knowledge and skills typically needed to provide high quality services to residents and patients. The program also prepares the student to take the Utah state certification or competency evaluation exam.

What to Learn

The knowledge and skills taught in CNA courses include the following:

  • Critical criteria that are part of every skill, i.e. infection control, safety, communication and residents’ rights, recognizing and reporting abnormalities
  • Handwashing skills
  • Taking and recording vital signs, i.e. blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse, temperature, etc.
  • Catheter care
  • Preventing pressure ulcers
  • Changing linens in an occupied bed
  • Measure and record fluids, i.e. fluid intake, urine output, etc.
  • Measure and record height and weight
  • Apply an anti-embolism stocking
  • Moving, positioning and ambulating residents
  • Feeding and nutrition
  • Grooming, hygiene and personal care

Step 5: Take the Utah State Certification Exam

Only the CNA training course instructor can provide exam applications to nursing assistant students. The exam application is sent to the UNAR with testing fees. Once fees are paid, the applicant can schedule a test date online through Testmaster Universe within one year of completing training. The state certification exam consists of two parts.

Skills Exam

This part of the Utah CNA exam requires the ability to successfully complete five randomly selected skills, utilize proper handwashing skills, measure and record a set of vital signs and verbalize beginning and ending procedures.

Written Exam

The written exam has 100 multiple-choice questions. Individuals must get a minimum score of 75 percent for passing. Here is one sample test that give a good idea of the type of questions asked.

Test Sites

Test sites are located around the state at universities, colleges, technical colleges and community colleges. Utah administers its own CNA tests. Individuals are allowed three attempts to pass both parts of the state exam.

Step 6: Get Name Placed on UNAR

The names of candidates who pass the state CNA exam are placed on the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR). The testing site will submit the names to the UNAR after candidates successfully passes the competency exam.

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How to Keep CNA Certification Active

CNA certification in Utah is valid for two years. To maintain an active certification, a licensed nurse (LPN or RN) must provide verification the Certified Nursing Assistant worked at least 200 paid hours in nursing or in performing nursing related duties while under the supervision of a licensed nurse. If a nursing assistant cannot meet the 200-hour work requirement, he or she gets one attempt to take and pass the state CNA exam. If an individual worked for an employer who does not have a licensed nurse to verify the 200 hours, the CNA will have to retest within 12 months of the expiration date of certification before certification renewal is allowed.

Lapsed Certification

If a certification is lapsed (expired) for less than six months, the nursing assistant can follow the same renewal process as a person with an unexpired certification. If the certification is expired for more than six months but less than 12 months, the nursing assistant must retake the competency evaluation exam to renew certification. If the certification has been expired for more than 12 months, the nursing assistant must retrain and retest.

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Job Outlook and Salary for CNAs in Utah

Only a certified nursing assistant can work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and hospitals, and for home health agencies. The average annual salary for a Utah CNA, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $24,910 or $11.98 per hour. The Utah jobs growth projection for 2014-2024 is 33.3 percent, so employment opportunities are excellent for CNAs. | See Job Openings

CNA Salaries in Utah

UT CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
Utah979011.98249101.39.7811.6814.92203402430031030
Central Utah nonmetropolitan area19010.44217206.97.919.8414.16164502046029460
Eastern Utah nonmetropolitan area48012.80266301.810.1512.6515.96211202630033190
Logan, UT-ID44011.33235702.58.9511.2114.38186102331029920
Ogden-Clearfield, UT189011.11231001.69.1911.0013.87191102288028850
Provo-Orem, UT156011.59241102.39.6611.3214.42201002355029990
Salt Lake City, UT415012.69263902.210.1912.6115.29212002623031810
St. George, UT87011.43237601.89.6711.3014.21201202351029550

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Becoming a CNA in Bordering States

  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Idaho
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • Wyoming

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