Colorado's CNA training market has quietly split into two tracks: community college certificates that run $1,500 to $2,600 all-in, and private career-school programs where net prices climb past $22,000. Both paths lead to the same state certification exam, and the rankings below break down exactly where each program falls on that spectrum.
Across the fifteen ranked programs, in-state tuition at public colleges lands between roughly $2,300 and $9,900, while private institutes like Pima Medical report net prices above $22,000. Program lengths cluster between five and eight weeks, though some part-time and hybrid formats stretch across a semester.
That spread matters because federal financial aid rarely applies to short CNA certificates, making sticker price closer to real cost. Wage data from Denver-area employers currently averages around $19 per hour, which reshapes how quickly each tuition figure pays back.
Best CNA Schools in Colorado: 2027 Rankings
Choosing a CNA program is a big decision, and the schools below prove that affordability and strong outcomes can go hand in hand. Each offers a practical route to Colorado CNA certification and a foundation for nursing careers. Graduation rates shown are institution-wide, and program-level earnings data is not yet available for these CNA programs.
How we ranked these
- Affordability and net price
- Completion and graduation rates
- Program length and flexibility
- Accreditation and exam pass rates
- Original research on individual programs
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- In-house program catalog data
Technical College of the Rockies
#1Delta, CO · under $5,000/yr
Best for: Working students needing hybrid schedules
Technical College of the Rockies offers a state-approved Nurse Aide program in Delta with flexible online/hybrid or in-seat formats. The 127-hour, 6.5-credit curriculum includes hands-on clinical experience and prepares students for the Colorado CNA exam. Tuition is roughly $1,850 including books and testing fees, and grant and scholarship opportunities are available.
- 127-hour, 6.5-credit state-approved curriculum
- Hybrid cohorts: 8-week and 10-week accelerated options
- In-seat schedules with morning, midday, and evening blocks
- Tuition about $1,850 covers books and testing fees
- Grant and scholarship opportunities available
- Scrubs included in program cost
- Online/hybrid or in-seat delivery
- No federal financial aid; state grants may apply
Lamar Community College
#2Lamar, CO · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Best for: Border-state residents seeking tuition reciprocity
Lamar Community College provides a campus-based Nurse Aide Certificate that is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing and leads to the NNAAP exam. The short-term program packs 90 training hours into about 6 credits, and New Mexico and Kansas residents can attend at Colorado in-state tuition through reciprocity. Qualifying Colorado residents may also access Career Advance Colorado for tuition-free training.
- Colorado State Board of Nursing approved
- 6 credits; about 90 training hours
- Tuition reciprocity for New Mexico and Kansas residents
- Career Advance Colorado may cover tuition for qualifying students
- Includes NUA state testing fee of $150
- Short-term certificate, roughly 5 to 8 weeks
- Campus-based with hands-on clinical training
- Prepares for the Colorado NNAAP exam
Community College of Aurora
#3Aurora, CO · $9,000/yr
Best for: Denver-area students pursuing nursing degrees
Community College of Aurora's Nurse Aide Certificate is a 5-credit, campus-based program housed in the Health Science Department. Students complete clinical coursework, including at least 20 hours in long-term care, and can follow a direct pathway into CCA's Nursing AAS program. The program prepares graduates for the state certification exam and offers licensure guidance for practice in Colorado and beyond.
- 5-credit certificate within the Health Science Department
- At least 20 clinical hours in long-term care
- Prepares for the Colorado NNAAP exam
- Pathway into CCA's Nursing AAS program
- Campus-based with hands-on clinical practice
- Not eligible for federal financial aid
- Licensure guidance for practice in Colorado and other states
- Updated NUA 1001 and NUA 1070 coursework
Aims Community College
#4Greeley, CO · $11,000/yr
Aims Community College offers a 5-6 week Nurse Aide certificate at its Greeley, Fort Lupton, and Loveland campuses. The program combines classroom learning, labs, and a 30-hour clinical rotation, with day, evening, and hybrid options to fit working schedules. A partnership with Banner Health creates a direct workforce pipeline for northern Colorado, and tuition starts at $520 for in-district students.
- 5-6 week certificate; about 110 clock hours
- Includes 30-hour clinical rotation
- Tuition from $520 (in-district) to $2,570
- Day, evening, and hybrid options
- Offered at Greeley, Fort Lupton, and Loveland campuses
- Banner Health partnership for CNA workforce pipeline
- Minimum age 16; background and drug checks required
- Prepares for the Colorado certification exam
Red Rocks Community College
#5Lakewood, CO · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Red Rocks Community College delivers a 5-credit Nurse Aide certificate through a hybrid format with self-paced online work and on-campus labs at the Arvada campus. The program consistently posts high state exam pass rates and can often be fully covered by Colorado's CTE Grant for eligible residents. Clinical rotations take place in long-term care and hospital settings, and the college now ties the certificate into its Integrated Pathway in Nursing.
- 5-credit certificate; 107 minimum training hours
- Hybrid: self-paced online plus Arvada campus labs
- High state exam pass rate (94% four-quarter average)
- Colorado CTE Grant may cover tuition and fees
- Clinical rotations in long-term care and hospital settings
- Concurrent enrollment option for Wheat Ridge High School students
- Requires background check, drug screen, and immunizations
- C grade minimum in required NUA courses
Community College of Denver
#6Denver, CO · ~$9,000/yr (est.)
Community College of Denver's Nurse Aide program is a Colorado Board of Nursing-approved, 5-credit certificate offered in English and Spanish. Students can finish in as little as 7.5 weeks, with day, evening, and weekend classes at two Denver campuses, and the college also offers 4- and 15-week versions. The program includes hands-on clinical rotations and costs an estimated $1,532.
- 5-credit program; complete in as little as 7.5 weeks
- English and Spanish instruction options
- Day, evening, and weekend classes at two Denver campuses
- Estimated total cost around $1,532
- Offers 4-, 7-, and 15-week pacing options
- In-person clinical rotations included
- Scholarships available; not eligible for federal aid
- Approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing
Pueblo Community College
#7Pueblo, CO · ~$12,000/yr (est.)
Pueblo Community College offers two paths to CNA certification: a campus-based Certified Nurse Aid Health Care Skills course and a 5-credit Nursing Aide certificate with hybrid online and in-person options. Both are taught by experienced registered nurses and include hands-on clinical training, with open enrollment and multiple campus locations across southern Colorado. The programs are ACEN accredited and prepare graduates for state certification exams.
- Campus-based clinical training
- Department of Regulatory Agencies accredited
- Healthcare provider CPR required
- Minimum 77% grade required
- Multiple campus locations
- Hybrid online and in-person format
- 5-credit certificate with open enrollment
- High certification exam pass rates
- Simulation lab training with practicing RNs
- Requires background check and drug screening
- Immunizations and CPR mandatory
- Prepares for state certification exams
- Malpractice insurance required
Colorado Northwestern Community College
#8Rangely, CO · $12,000/yr (net price)
Colorado Northwestern Community College's Certified Nursing Aide program is a campus-based, 5-credit certificate in Rangely. The program includes classroom, lab, and clinical experience, and prepares students for the NATCEP exam. Financial aid may be available, and the program requires immunizations, a background check, and drug screening.
- 5-credit campus program in Rangely
- Includes hands-on lab and clinical experience
- Prepares for the NATCEP certification exam
- AHA BLS CPR certification required
- Background check and drug screen required
- COVID-19 vaccination required
- Financial aid may be available
- No online option; in-person only
Front Range Community College
#9Westminster, CO · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Front Range Community College's Nurse Aide Certificate can be completed in less than one semester at its Larimer and Westminster campuses. The program reports a 100% state exam pass rate and a 90% job placement rate, and uses simulation rooms with video recording for hands-on practice. Scholarships are available to help cover costs.
- 5 credits; complete in less than one semester
- Campus-based at Larimer and Westminster
- 100% state exam pass rate reported
- 90% job placement rate reported
- Simulation labs with video recording
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Includes patient care, medical regulations, and ethics
Arapahoe Community College
#10Littleton, CO · $12,000/yr
Arapahoe Community College offers a part-time, 6-credit Nurse Aide Certificate designed for working students. The program runs one semester, includes clinical placements, and costs about $1,200 for Colorado students eligible for the College Opportunity Fund. It is approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing and qualifies graduates for the NNAAP exam.
- 6-credit part-time certificate, one semester
- Cost about $1,200 for Colorado COF students
- Campus-based with clinical placements
- Approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing
- Qualifies for the NNAAP exam
- BLS from the American Heart Association required
- Background check, drug screen, and vaccines required
- Courses must be passed with a C or better
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora
#11Aurora, CO · $23,000/yr
Pima Medical Institute's Aurora campus offers a Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide certificate that can be completed in about six weeks. The hands-on program includes clinical externships, and federal Pell Grants and scholarships are available for eligible students. Graduates are eligible to sit for the CNA certification exam.
- About six weeks to complete
- On-campus training with clinical externship
- Eligible for the CNA certification exam
- Federal Pell Grants and scholarships available
- Accredited by ABHES
- Entry-level training in infection control and emergency procedures
- Career services and job placement assistance
Pima Medical Institute-Denver
#12Denver, CO · ~$22,000/yr (est.)
Pima Medical Institute's Denver campus provides a six-week Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide certificate with campus-based training and clinical externships. Students learn infection control, emergency procedures, and basic nursing care, with career services and job placement assistance available. The program requires a high school diploma or GED and offers federal aid options.
- Approximately six-week certificate
- Campus-based with clinical externships
- Hands-on labs and real-world training
- Federal Pell Grants and scholarships available
- High school diploma or GED required
- Career services and job placement assistance
- Eligible for the CNA certification exam
Colorado Mesa University
#13Grand Junction, CO · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Colorado Mesa University's Nurse Aide program is a five-week technical certificate offered year-round in Grand Junction. A 10:1 student-instructor ratio and 92 contact hours keep the training hands-on, and day and evening options accommodate different schedules. Apprenticeship grants may be available, and the certificate earns college credits toward future nursing degrees.
- Complete in five weeks; 92 minimum contact hours
- 10:1 student-instructor ratio
- Day and evening class options offered year-round
- Apprenticeship grant may be available
- Includes OSHA and HIPAA training
- Focus on geriatric care and safety
- Requires criminal background check; must be 16+
- College credits earned toward future nursing degrees
Emily Griffith Technical College
#14Denver, CO · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Emily Griffith Technical College's Nurse Assisting program is a part-time, state-approved certificate that takes 2-3 months to complete at its Denver campus. The $1,495 program includes daytime and evening options, and graduates are prepared for the state certification exam. Admission requires being 18 or older, passing background and drug checks, and holding a current BLS card.
- Part-time; complete in 2 to 3 months
- Cost $1,495 with daytime and evening options
- State Board of Nursing approved
- Must be 18+; pass background and drug checks
- Current BLS card and vaccinations required
- Courses: NUA 1001 and NUA 1070
- Located at the Denver Main Campus
- May have a waitlist; clinical hours vary
Pima Medical Institute-Colorado Springs
#15Colorado Springs, CO · $27,000/yr (net price)
Pima Medical Institute's Colorado Springs campus offers a six-week Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide certificate with hands-on training and clinical externships. The program covers infection control, emergency procedures, and patient care documentation, and graduates are eligible for the CNA exam. Financial aid and career services are available.
- Six-week certificate program
- On-campus training with clinical externships
- Eligible for the CNA certification exam
- Financial aid options available
- Career services and job placement assistance
- Training in infection control and emergency procedures
- Accredited by ABHES
How We Evaluated Colorado CNA Programs
We started with the question Colorado students ask most often: which CNA programs make the most financial sense for the price you actually pay? We looked at both institution-level and program-level data where available, because not all CNA completers follow the same path.
Why price and aid carry the most weight
We placed the heaviest weight on average net price after grants and scholarships, because published tuition rarely matches what students pay. We supplemented that with graduation rate and program outcome data from College Scorecard to see whether students tend to finish and find work after becoming a certified nursing assistant. Strong rankings required evidence of both affordability and completion.
How we set realistic expectations
A few limitations shape how you should read the rankings. Graduation rate is institution-wide, so it may not perfectly reflect a single CNA cohort's completion. Average net price is a campus average after aid, and individual awards vary widely. Earnings figures can differ depending on whether they measure one, two, or four years after completing a credential.
This methodology differs from a simple directory. Instead of listing Colorado CNA schools by location alone, we compare schools on the same available price, completion, and earnings metrics so you can weigh tradeoffs before enrolling.
Steps to Earn Your CNA Certification in Colorado
Colorado's CNA certification process is overseen by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and the Colorado Board of Nursing. Here is the path from prerequisite check to active registry status.
CNA Program Costs Across Colorado
Tuition is only part of the picture. Total out-of-pocket costs for a CNA program typically include the state certification exam fee, scrubs or uniforms, a criminal background check, drug screening, CPR certification, textbook and workbook purchases, and immunization records. The figures below reflect institution-wide averages and are drawn from U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard, 2024). Because net price is calculated across all programs at a given school, it is not a guaranteed CNA-specific figure. Actual program tuition for short-term certificates is often considerably lower than the institution-wide net price.
| School | City | Format | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price After Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical College of the Rockies | Delta | Campus / Hybrid | N/A | N/A | $3,796 |
| Emily Griffith Technical College | Denver | Campus | N/A | N/A | $7,197 |
| Community College of Aurora | Aurora | Campus | $4,470 | $17,070 | $8,656 |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood | Campus | $4,859 | $17,459 | $9,044 |
| Lamar Community College | Lamar | Campus | $4,550 | $7,260 | $9,161 |
| Community College of Denver | Denver | Campus | $5,058 | $17,658 | $9,450 |
| Aims Community College | Greeley | Campus | $3,410 | $11,786 | $11,463 |
| Arapahoe Community College | Littleton | Campus | $4,434 | $17,034 | $11,571 |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo | Campus | $5,049 | $17,649 | $12,045 |
| Colorado Northwestern Community College | Rangely | Campus | $4,594 | $7,304 | $12,131 |
| Front Range Community College | Westminster | Campus | $4,663 | $17,263 | $13,031 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | Campus | $9,927 | $25,124 | $15,103 |
| Pima Medical Institute, Denver | Denver | Campus | N/A | N/A | $22,034 |
| Pima Medical Institute, Aurora | Aurora | Hybrid | N/A | N/A | $23,255 |
| Pima Medical Institute, Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs | Campus | N/A | N/A | $26,848 |
Explore other Colorado related topics
Online and Hybrid CNA Training Options in Colorado
Fully remote certification sounds convenient, but Colorado draws a firm line: no Certified Nursing Assistant program, however it is marketed, skips the hands-on clinical component. The Colorado Board of Nursing requires at least 16 clinical hours performed in person at an approved facility, so "online CNA classes" always mean a hybrid structure rather than a screen-only path.
How Hybrid Programs Split the Work
In a typical hybrid format, students complete lecture and theory content online at their own pace, then report to campus or a partner facility for skills labs and supervised clinical rotations. Among our ranked schools, Technical College of the Rockies advertises an online/hybrid option alongside its in-seat format, and Pima Medical Institute-Aurora runs a structured hybrid track that pairs remote coursework with on-site labs and clinical externships. Other campus-based programs in the rankings, including Front Range, Arapahoe, and Pueblo Community College, keep instruction entirely in person.
Looking for a 4-Week Hybrid Option?
Searches for 4 week CNA programs in Colorado often lead to hybrid providers outside the traditional college system. Several smaller schools compress theory into two to four weeks of self-paced online study, then schedule the required lab hours and two clinical days in a tight in-person block. These accelerated hybrid formats exist and can work well for motivated students, but total hours, cost, and clinical scheduling vary by provider, so confirm details directly before enrolling.
Scholarships, WIOA Funding, and Free CNA Training in Colorado
Free CNA training in Colorado almost always comes with a string attached, whether that's a work commitment, an eligibility screening, or a limited enrollment window, so the real question isn't whether free programs exist but whether you qualify for one that fits your situation. Colorado currently counts around 15 no-cost CNA programs statewide, several concentrated in the Denver metro.
Denver's No-Cost Options
CrossPurpose runs a free six-month CNA program at three Denver-area locations, covering tuition, fees, textbooks, and required medical exams. If you're searching for free CNA classes in Denver, this is one of the more consistently available options. A free four-week program in Centennial, funded through employer sponsorship and grants, offers a faster timeline. Saint Joseph Hospital has offered a free two-week CNA track tied to hospital sponsorship. High-school-based free programs through CEC Early College and Vista Academy exist but are limited to enrolled juniors, seniors, or otherwise eligible students, not adult career-changers.
Employer-Sponsored Training
Many nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies across Colorado train CNAs for free in exchange for a six-to-twelve-month work commitment after certification. This earn while you learn nursing model suits candidates who want a guaranteed job waiting at the end. Contact facilities directly, since cohort availability shifts throughout the year.
WIOA Funding and Community College Support
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act can cover CNA training costs for eligible residents, but funding depends on income, employment status, and other barriers determined through screening. Start by contacting your local Workforce Center to confirm eligibility and approved programs. Community College of Denver's eight-week CNA program runs $1,532, with new cohorts in January, March, May, August, and October; check with the college and area healthcare foundations for current scholarship support.
What CNAs Earn Across Colorado's Metro Areas
How much can you expect to earn as a CNA in Colorado, and does your CNA salary change significantly depending on which city you work in?
Colorado's nursing assistant wages generally track above the national median, though pay varies meaningfully from one metro area to the next. Understanding these differences can help you decide where to train, where to apply, and whether pursuing CNA certification before nursing school makes financial sense for your situation.
National Baseline
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for nursing assistants was $39,530 as of 2024. Wages ranged from about $31,390 at the 10th percentile to $50,140 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the gap between entry-level and experienced or specialized CNAs.
Colorado Metro Snapshots
Colorado's major metro areas each present a slightly different wage picture. Key points to consider:
- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood: As the state's largest metro and healthcare hub, this area typically offers wages above the national median. Higher cost of living is a factor, but strong competition among employers, including major hospital systems, tends to push pay upward.
- Colorado Springs: This metro employed roughly 3,350 nursing assistants as of the most recent BLS data available. Wages here generally fall close to the statewide median, with demand driven by military-affiliated healthcare facilities and a growing senior population.
- Fort Collins: A smaller market, Fort Collins offers competitive wages partly due to the presence of regional medical centers and proximity to university-affiliated care settings.
- Pueblo and Grand Junction: These areas tend to have lower wage floors, reflecting lower cost of living. However, rural and semi-rural facilities sometimes offer shift differentials or sign-on bonuses to attract qualified CNAs.
Putting It in Perspective
Colorado's statewide median for nursing assistants generally exceeds the national figure, making the state a relatively favorable market for new CNAs. Pairing your CNA credential with experience in a high-demand metro like Denver or Colorado Springs can position you for wages at the upper end of the scale, especially as you gain seniority or pursue specialty certifications.
From CNA to RN: Career Advancement Pathways at Colorado Schools
Starting as a CNA in Colorado can be the first step toward becoming a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. Several Colorado community colleges offer structured bridge programs that let you build on your CNA training. Community College of Denver, for example, offers a CNA-to-LPN pathway and has introduced an LPN-to-BSN bridge, while Morgan Community College provides an LPN-to-RN bridge into its ADN program. To research demand in your area, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) for national nursing assistant projections under SOC 31-1131, and visit the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (cdle.colorado.gov) for state-level outlook data. The Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence (coloradonursingcenter.org) and your local community college advisor can help you map out prerequisites, financial aid options, and application timelines for bridge programs.
Your CNA Questions, Answered
Below are straightforward answers to the questions prospective CNA students in Colorado ask most often. If you need details on specific programs or costs, the sections above offer deeper breakdowns.