Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, in the Denver area is easier than you probably think. Like many people, you may assume that the program takes a long time to complete, but nothing could be further from the truth. Most Denver CNA programs only take a few weeks or months to complete, and they include all of the learning that you need to take and pass the state certification exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your CNA license and be able to apply for CNA jobs in Denver and throughout the entire state of Colorado.
Don't be overwhelmed while looking for CNA programs in Denver. Consider these six especially popular options to more quickly find one that's right for you:
Emily Griffith Technical College
From its location in downtown Denver, Emily Griffith Technical College offers a Nurse Assisting Program that meets Colorado OBRA certification requirements and is designed to help you take and pass the state certification exam. Approved by the State Board of Nursing, the program is 92 hours in length. The cost is approx. $933 at the time of this writing.
Community College of Denver
Also located downtown, the Community College of Denver, or CCD, offers an affordable and popular Nurse Aide Program. You can choose from four-, seven-, or 15-week-long versions of the program, depending on your scheduling needs. Upon graduating, you will be eligible to take the Colorado Nurse Assistant Certification Exam. Tuition for this five-credit program costs $1169.50 at the time of this writing. This doesn't include books and other costs and fees.
Pima Medical Institute
Yet another school that's located right in Denver offers a popular CNA program. Pima Medical Institute's Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide Program takes around six weeks to complete. During those six weeks, you will receive 130 hours of learning, which is broken up as follows: 52.5 hours theory, 37.5 hours lab, and 40 hours of clinical practice. The latter takes place at nearby nursing homes and other extended care facilities.
Red Rocks Community College
You're really in luck if you live in Denver, because this school is located within the city's boundaries and offers a very popular CNA program. Red Rocks' Nurse Aide program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. Upon graduating from the program, you will be able to take the state certification exam, which will enable you to get your license. The total cost of the program, including books, uniform, and other fees, is around $1,200 at the time of this writing.
Arapahoe Community College
If you live in or near Littleton, CO, which is about nine miles from downtown Denver, Arapahoe Community College's Nurse Aide Program may be right up your alley. This four-credit program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. It is split into theoretical and practical segments, which ensure that you have the knowledge and skills that you need to pass the exam and earn your certification. At around $2,000 at the time of this writing, the cost to complete this program is a little higher than others, but most reviews of the program are very positive.
Pickens Technical College
Over in Aurora, which is about 10 miles from downtown Denver, you'll find Pickens Technical College. This popular school offers a very respected Nurse Aide program. It costs approximately $1,314.52 at the time of this writing, and that includes tuition, books, program charges, student ID, and clinical charges. The total length of the program is 105 hours, with 30 of those hours taking place at local nursing homes, where you will receive clinical practice. The program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, and it arms you with the skills and knowledge that are needed to take and pass the state certification exam.
As you can see, it isn't too difficult to become a CNA in the Denver area. One of the most complicated parts of the process is finding the right program. There are tons of options, but don't rush into selecting one. Do plenty of research into the top contenders to ensure that the program that you select meets your scheduling needs and financial requirements. Before you know it, you'll be sitting for your exam and be closing in on becoming a CNA.
