Nurse aide students  in Colorado must complete a training program that is accredited by the Colorado Board of Nursing.  The student must then take the required licensing examination to posses CNA certification in Colorado.

Working as a CNA can offer any candidates  job security, self-fulfillment and great health benefits. Additionally, the wages for a CNA are competitive and the need for applicants to fill these positions in Colorado is  high due to the vast increase in population statewide.

In order to attend a course for certified nurse aide training in Colorado, you must take and pass both a criminal history report through the local police department and also be cleared by a physician to be infectious disease free and physically capable to perform nursing aide job skills.

The schools that provide training are located throughout the state at designated colleges, training centers, hospitals and many other establishments.   Courses will cover a number of areas over a period of several weeks. It will include 107 hours of in-class training, and at least 16 hours of clinical training obtaining hands-on experience. You can start training as early as high school as it is not necessary to have a diploma or GED to attend.

Typical subjects taught are the monitoring and  recording of vital signs, medical terminology, patient safety, patient rights, and how to recognize and report changes in the residents’ health and mental well-being. Truly comprehensive programs will cover the basics of  feeding, clothing and bathing patients, dealing with emergencies, safety precautions and  proper methods of interacting with mentally disabled patients.

The NNAAP examination can be attempted with a Pearson Vue training center at the end of the program.   This test is offered at many different test sites approved by the Board of Nursing throughout Colorado.   You must pay a fee of $95 in order to take the test,   this test  is made up of a 70 question written test and then  is followed by a skills exam. You will have 2 hours to finish the written test and you will be given an additional 25 minutes for the skills portion. Testing scores will be sent to you in the form of mail. You will need to get all 5 skills right in order to pass the skills portion and the written portion is graded by electronics with a a pass or fail score.

The growth rate for  Colorado CNA careers is projected to rise almost 20 percent during the upcoming decade according to  the Colorado Department of Labor. These statistics fall highly in the favor of CNA candidates. The CNA salary each year for this position statewide averages $26,300, and opportunities for wage increases come with experience and additional certifications in medical skills.

If you are a student in financial distress and are looking for financial assistance for your Colorado CNA classes take a look at our article involving free CNA training.