CNA Training in Idaho

The population in Idaho has grown since the last census was taken. A growing population indicates that there will be a demand for more healthcare workers to accommodate the growing needs. As is the case in many other U.S. states, there will be an increase in the number of job openings for qualified workers in healthcare fields in the coming years. One of the quickest ways to begin or continue a career in the medical industry is by becoming a nurse. CNA certification leads to job opportunities as well as for the chance for advancement in the profession.

There are a few different routes to becoming a CNA in Idaho. If an individual has completed at least one semester of an accredited nursing school and has an official transcript to demonstrate that they have completed a basic nursing course, they may attempt to take the CNA certification exam. If an individual chooses to take the exam without completing a state-approved course, they must submit their transcripts and request and if the Idaho CNA Registry approves the request then the individual will receive a letter granting them permission to take the exam.

Anyone who has not completed any prior nursing courses is required to complete a state-approved CNA training course. In Idaho CNA training courses must be at least 120 total hours in length. 80 of the hours are spent in classroom instruction and 40 of the hours are spent in clinical instruction. After completing an approved CNA training course individuals are then eligible to take the state CNA certification examination.

The CNA certification exam is made up of two parts: a written portion and a skills portion. The written portion contains about fifty multiple choice questions that cover medical knowledge, patient care scenarios, and basic reading comprehension. The skills portion tests for competency on basic skills required of a CNA. The test taker is asked to demonstrate at least five randomly selected skills for an examiner. After an individual passes both parts of the CNA exam they will be placed on Idaho’s Nurse Aid Registry which qualifies them to work in any long-term care facility in the state.

Some of the CNA state-approved certification training programs in Idaho are listed below:

Eastern Idaho Technical College located in Idaho Falls, Idaho offers a CNA certification training program. Students must be at least 16 years old to enter the program. After completion of the program students are eligible to take the certification test on site and students will also be eligible to continue on with the college’s practical nursing degree program.

North Idaho College located in Post Falls, Idaho offers a five credit CNA certification training program. The program is made up of four hours of classroom lecture and four hours of lab time each week. The course is a competency-based program that focuses on students gaining knowledge and learning the skills necessary to become a CNA.

The College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho offers a CNA certification program that lasts eight weeks. It contains 80 hours spent in the classroom and 40 hours of hands-on and clinical experience. Classes take place each semester with varying schedules. Class sizes are limited so that personalized instruction and help can be given.

The College of Western Idaho with locations in Boise, Nampa, and Payette offers a CNA certification training program. The course is offered during a variety of dates and times located at the three locations. The class lasts for 24 weeks total. Twenty-two of the weeks are spent in the classroom and the last two weeks are spent in clinical experience. Individuals must show proof of health insurance of sign a waiver before enrolling in the course.