Top Online CNA Classes in Utah
CNAs can significantly impact a person’s recovery just by caring for them. Make a difference in someone’s life and enroll in online CNA classes in Utah.
Whether you are guiding someone through a long journey of recovery or caring for an elderly person with a range of needs, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in healthcare.
Pursuing a career as a CNA can be a gateway to rewarding work in nursing or other branches of healthcare. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts overall CNA employment will grow by 4 percent through the next eight years, with about 209,400 jobs for nursing assistants and orderlies expected each year.
Most of these job openings are the result of the need to replace workers who either transfer into other occupations or leave the labor force altogether.
If you’re ready to begin your coursework for CNA certification in Utah online, we’ve compiled some resources that will help. To get started, here are three quality colleges in Utah that offer affordable and flexible CNA programs.
Inside Utah’s Standout Online CNA Classes
If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare, consider obtaining CNA certification in Utah online. Explore these three colleges that offer top-notch nursing assistant programs, designed to equip you for the next chapter of your life.
Each school offers affordable tuition, financial support, job placement services, and online and in-person classes.
Davis Technical College
At Davis Technical College (DTC), you’ll acquire valuable skills as a nursing assistant, including learning how to record vital signs, perform therapeutic services, and provide personalized care.
Upon completion of this three-credit, two-month program, you can take the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry State Certification exam to become a certified nursing assistant in Utah. The DTC program has a 97% licensure rate and 100% placement rate, making it an excellent choice to earn your CNA certification in Utah online.
High school juniors, seniors, and adult students can apply. High school students receive free tuition but may need to pay $179 for fees and course materials. Adult student tuition is $615.
DTC provides scholarships based on financial need and career goals. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Snow College
The nursing assistant program at Snow College can also help you earn your CNA certification in Utah online and prepare you to take the Utah Nursing Assistant State Exams.
The semester-long program, also offered in a hybrid format, will teach you to monitor vitals including blood pressure, pulse, respirations, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose. You’ll also learn CPR and how to care for patients, including feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, and helping them use the bathroom.
Once you complete the program and pass the state exam, you’ll be able to apply for entry-level positions in nursing care facilities, general medical and surgical hospitals, private clinics, and assisted living facilities, among others.
Tuition is $255, plus $25 in student fees. Books and other course materials are an additional $145.
Snow College offers resources for a number of scholarships for both in-state and out-of-state students, first-year students, and honor students.
Southwest Technical College
The nursing assistant program at Southwest Technical College (STC) introduces students to patient care. You’ll need to complete multiple hours of hands-on clinical experience, as well as assist patients and residents with meals, hygiene, and mobility needs. You’ll also need to take vital signs, all under the supervision of a nurse.
The program has a 94% graduation rate, a 76% graduate placement rate, and a 100% licensure rate, according to the school’s website.
Upon completion, you’ll earn the Southwest Technical College Certificate of Program Proficiency. The program prepares you for both written and skills evaluations, so you can sit for the state certification exam through the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR). STC offers on-campus job placement services and local employment opportunities.
You can apply for various scholarships through STC, including the Southwest Tech Scholarship, the Technical Education Scholarship, and the June Thorley PITU Scholarship, or check online for additional resources and funding for CNA students.
How to Become a CNA in Utah Online
To become a certified nursing assistant, you’ll need to meet specific requirements set by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR). That includes passing a background check, graduating from an approved program, and passing a certification exam.
Step 1: Meet Basic Background Requirements
To obtain certification as a nursing assistant in Utah, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including passing a criminal background check, drug test, and physical exam. You will also need to provide proof of immunizations and a current negative tuberculosis test and pass a physical exam.
Most programs also require you to be at least 16 years old to enroll. High school juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply.
Step 2: Graduate from an Approved CNA Program
To obtain CNA certification in Utah online, you’ll need to graduate from a CNA training program approved by UNAR.
UNAR mandates programs instruct students about a patient’s rights, infection prevention and control, basic safety measures and emergencies, and positioning and ambulation, among other areas of study.
Clinical training is required, meaning you’ll need to work in a healthcare facility, such as a nursing home or hospital, under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Step 3: Take the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program Competency Examination (NNAAP)
The NNAAP is a key competency evaluation exam for all CNAs. The CNA exam consists of written and oral tests to measure your knowledge and skills and includes a clinical test with a trained evaluator to demonstrate your mastery of specific duties and tasks.
Completing this exam allows a state to add your name to the state nurse aide registry, which assures employers that you’ve met federal and state requirements to work as a CNA.
Some states may mandate additional assessments. Utah, for instance, requires you to take the UNAR State Certification Exam.
Step 4: Start Working as a CNA
At this point, you can start applying for jobs. Keep in mind that most employers also require background checks and on-the-job training before they allow you to work directly with patients.
As a CNA, you can work in various settings including hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics.
Generally, you’re responsible for caring for patients in their daily lives. That means feeding, bathing, and grooming. Occasionally, you’ll need to monitor vital signs and administer medication.
Step 5: Renew Your CNA License Periodically
Most states require CNAs to periodically renew their licenses, including Utah. This ensures that CNAs are up to date with the latest training and that they maintain their qualifications.
In Utah, you’re required to renew your license every two years. During the renewal period, you’ll need to complete a certain number of education hours and undergo another background check.
To apply for renewal, you’ll need to visit the Utah Department of Health and Human Services website.
Salary and Career Prospects for CNAs in Utah
The job market for CNAs in Utah is thriving with a projected 2.9 percent rise in employment, according to BLS data. While financial constraints have compelled some nursing homes to reduce staffing or close their doors, there are increasing opportunities at in-home and community-based facilities, thanks to changes in patient preferences and federal and state funding.
BLS data from May 2023 showed CNAs in Utah earn a mean annual wage of $37,630, translating to an hourly rate of $18.09. This figure is only marginally lower than the national estimates for nursing assistants by about $1,980 a year.
Wage estimates vary by geographic location. For instance, CNAs in Salt Lake City make a median annual wage of $34,820, with some reaching $40,610. Meanwhile, in Logan, the median annual wage stands at $28,100, with some earning $36,140.
In St. George, nursing assistants earn salaries between $25,590 and $40,150, with a median annual wage of $32,540.
The chart below lists percentile wage estimates for nursing assistants in various cities within Utah.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | $28,030 | $35,760 | $45,940 |
| Utah | $27,470 | $33,200 | $39,150 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $23,610 | $28,100 | $36,140 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $27,830 | $33,510 | $37,970 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $27,020 | $31,060 | $37,180 |
| St. George, UT | $25,590 | $32,540 | $40,150 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $28,330 | $34,820 | $40,610 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
| Area | New Jobs (2020-2030) | Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 115,300 | 8.3% | 187,000 |
| Utah | 2,700 | 21.1% | 1,980 |
Source: Projections Central
Answering Your Questions About Online CNA Classes in Utah
You may still have concerns about the process of earning your nursing assistant certification in Utah. Keep reading to find out more about CNA training centers, how much a CNA program costs, and how long it takes to earn your certification.
Are there designated CNA training centers in Utah?
Yes! Utah CNA Centers, for instance, offers fast-paced in-person and online classes at affordable prices. Additionally, the center boasts flexible schedules and high certification exam pass rates.
You can attend classes at five different locations with daytime, evening, or weekend schedules.
The program also offers a 24-hour externship with long-term care facilities, many of which depend on students to fill open positions.
Another training center is the Ridgeview CNA program in St. Geroge. This program can prepare you with the skills, knowledge and required hours to take the state certification test. The course costs $700 and includes textbooks, workbooks, binders, and both class and clinical instruction.
Are there free CNA classes in Utah?
Although most programs require you to pay a fee, there are some colleges that offer tuition-free nursing assistant programs for current junior and senior high school students over the age of 16. However, you may need to pay for books and other materials.
You should also consider asking your employer to sponsor your training. Some employers may cover your training costs or reimburse you if you agree to continue working for them after your certification.
Local nursing homes and healthcare facilities may also offer free CNA programs in your area, and you can find a nursing program that fits your budget by applying for scholarships and financial aid.
Can I get my CNA online in Utah?
While many CNA programs in Utah include online courses, they also incorporate essential in-person classes for hands-on lab work. Students are also required to complete a clinical component to gain practical experience. Some programs offer flexibility by providing in-person courses during evenings and weekends. For example, Utah CNA Centers conducts training at multiple locations, including Salt Lake City, Orem, Clearfield, West Jordan, and Logan.
How long is an approved CNA program in Utah?
The time it takes to complete CNA training depends on the program you enroll in. For instance, Utah Tech University offers a CNA program that takes three months to complete.
In contrast, Mountainland Technical College’s Nurse Assistant program can take up to 16 months of full-time study.
How much does it cost to take CNA classes in Utah?
Tuition costs vary depending on the specific CNA program you choose. In general, these costs can range between $200 to $800 or more.
Salt Lake Technical College, for instance, offers a comprehensive nursing assistant program that costs around $405 to complete. This total includes tuition at $270, $24 in student fees, and an additional $25 lab fee. Textbooks are an additional $86.
You may also consider financial aid to pay for your CNA program.
What is required to be a CNA in Utah?
You’ll need to complete a background check, provide immunization records, and pass a drug test to enroll in a state-approved CNA program. Once you graduate, you’ll need to take and pass both a national and state certification exam.
