CNA Classes & Programs in Colorado
- CNA Programs in Colorado: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Colorado?
- Colorado CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Colorado
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Colorado?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Colorado?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Colorado
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Colorado
- Colorado CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Colorado
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Colorado
- 2026 Updated List of Colorado Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also called nurse aides in Colorado, are essential members of the state’s healthcare workforce. They provide direct patient care and support in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and home health settings, helping meet the needs of Colorado’s diverse and growing population, including many older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions.
This page is your comprehensive guide to CNA training and certification in Colorado. It covers training requirements, certification steps, clinical experience, program selection tips, and how CNAs compare to other healthcare roles.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What Colorado’s official CNA training standards are
- How CNA certification works in Colorado
- What coursework and clinical experience include
- Whether online or hybrid training is allowed
- How to choose the right CNA program in Colorado
CNA Programs in Colorado: At-a-Glance
| Category | Colorado CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 75 total hours minimum (classroom + clinical) |
| Clinical requirement | In-person supervised clinical practice required |
| Certification exam | National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia |
| State registry | Colorado Nurse Aide Registry (Colorado Board of Nursing) |
| Typical program length | Between 3–12 weeks, depending on format and scheduling |
| Typical total cost | Varies by provider, often $600–$2,000+ |
| Average CNA salary in Colorado | Approx. $37,000–$45,000 annually |
Why Become a CNA in Colorado?
Colorado's healthcare system is experiencing sustained demand for qualified CNAs as communities expand and the population ages. Nursing assistants, also known as nurse aides, serve as vital patient caregivers, helping with daily living tasks, monitoring safety, and communicating with medical teams, work that is essential in long-term care, rehabilitation, and acute care settings.
According to workforce data, CNAs in Colorado can find steady opportunities in both urban centers, such as Denver and Colorado Springs, and in rural communities where healthcare staffing is especially critical. With relatively short training requirements compared to other healthcare careers, becoming a CNA allows individuals to enter the workforce quickly while gaining valuable clinical experience that supports future advancement.
Colorado CNA Training & Certification
In Colorado, CNA certification is overseen by the Colorado Board of Nursing. To become a certified nurse aide:
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program that meets Colorado's minimum requirements, including classroom instruction and supervised clinical hours.
- Apply to take the NNAAP certification exam through Colorado's testing provider (Credentia).
- Pass both parts of the exam: the written (or oral) knowledge test and the hands-on skills evaluation to demonstrate competency.
- Once you've passed the exam, your name is added to the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry, which employers use to verify certification.
Completing these steps makes you eligible for CNA employment throughout Colorado. Maintaining active status on the registry typically requires following renewal requirements set by the Board of Nursing.
Learn more about CNA certification.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Colorado
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Basic patient care, safety, infection control |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting assistance |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Taking and recording vital signs |
| Communication & Professionalism | Patient interaction, teamwork, ethics |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on practice in real settings |
Most Colorado CNA programs combine classroom instruction with lab simulation and supervised clinical experience in healthcare facilities such as skilled nursing homes or assisted living centers. Clinical training gives students real-world practice under supervision and is a required part of the minimum training hours.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Colorado?
Because Colorado's minimum training requirement is relatively modest (about 75 hours total), many programs can be completed in 3–12 weeks, depending on whether students attend full-time, part-time, or accelerated schedules. Programs at community colleges or technical schools may run longer if they include additional coursework for credit.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Colorado?
There are no fully online CNA programs for certification eligibility in Colorado. All CNA training must include in-person classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice before you can sit for the certification exam.
Some schools offer hybrid formats where theoretical coursework is delivered online, but all hands-on skills labs and clinical experiences must be completed in person at approved healthcare sites.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Colorado
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mesa University |
|
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| Aims Community College |
|
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| Emily Griffith Technical College |
|
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2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Colorado
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Griffith Technical College |
| - |
| Aims Community College |
|
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| Community College of Aurora |
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Colorado CNA Employment and Wages
Salaries for CNAs in Colorado are generally competitive with regional standards and reflect differences by location, employer type, and experience. Many hospital and long-term care employers offer shift differentials and benefits in addition to hourly pay.
CNA Salary in Colorado
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Colorado | 20,880 | $44,950 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Colorado
When comparing CNA programs in Colorado, look for the following:
- State approval: Ensure the course is approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing so graduates are eligible to take the certification exam.
- Clinical placement opportunities: Strong partnerships with real-world healthcare facilities provide better hands-on experience.
- Flexible scheduling: Choose programs that fit your schedule, such as evenings, weekends, or accelerated formats.
- Transparent tuition & costs: Confirm what's included (books, lab fees, uniforms, exam registration).
- Career support: Some programs offer job placement help or connections to local employers.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Colorado
Understanding how CNA training fits with other healthcare roles can help you plan your career path.
| Role | Education & Training | Scope of Practice | Common Colorado Work Settings |
| CNA | ~75 hours state-approved training | Basic patient care and daily living support | Nursing homes, hospitals, clinics |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | Certificate/diploma (~9–12 months) | Clinical procedures + administrative tasks | Outpatient clinics, physician offices |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | ~12–18 months | Direct nursing care under supervision | Long-term care, acute care |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Associate/Bachelor's degree (2–4 yrs) | Full nursing practice + leadership | Hospitals, public health, specialty care |
CNA certification is a quick and efficient entry point into healthcare, while LPN and RN roles offer expanded clinical responsibilities and career advancement. To advance from a CNA career, check out CNA to RN programs or research nursing schools in Colorado.
2026 Updated List of Colorado Schools Offering CNA Classes
Aurora, CO
Community College of Aurora
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 5-credit certificate program.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Prepares for state certification.
- Includes clinical coursework.
- Teaches basic nursing skills.
- Covers safety and emergency care.
- Focuses on patient rights.
- Not eligible for financial aid.
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant /Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program.
- On campus delivery.
- Approximately 6 weeks.
- Entry-level position training.
- Covers infection control.
- Teaches emergency procedures.
- Includes basic nursing skills.
- Focuses on communication skills.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program.
- On-campus delivery.
- Approximately six weeks.
- Entry-level training.
- Clinical skills focus.
- Infection control topics.
- Emergency procedures covered.
- Basic nursing skills taught.
Colorado Springs, CO
Pima Medical Institute-Colorado Springs
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant /Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program.
- On-campus delivery.
- Approximately six weeks.
- Entry-level training.
- Hands-on learning.
- Clinical externships included.
- Covers infection control.
- Teaches basic nursing skills.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide Certificate Program
Campus Based - Website
- Six-week certificate program.
- On-campus delivery method.
- Hands-on training from start.
- Clinical externships included.
- Eligible for CNA examination.
- Entry-level healthcare career preparation.
- Infection control training.
- Emergency procedures covered.
Delta, CO
Technical College of the Rockies
- Certificate/Diploma - TCR Nursing Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 127-hour program length.
- 6.5-credit course.
- Online/hybrid format available.
- In-seat format available.
- Prepares for Colorado CNA exam.
- Includes clinical experience.
- Tuition estimate $1,850.91.
- Covers books and testing fees.
Denver, CO
Community College of Denver
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 7.5 week completion time
- Colorado state-approved program
- Hands-on clinical rotations
- English and Spanish options
- Two Denver campus locations
- 5-credit certificate program
- State certification exam eligibility
- Campus-based program format
Emily Griffith Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assisting
Campus Based - Website
- Part-time 2-3 months.
- Cost $1,495.
- In-person at Main Campus.
- Daytime and evening options.
- State Board of Nursing approved.
- Prepares for state certification exam.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Pass criminal background check.
Pima Medical Institute-Denver
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant /Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 6-week program length.
- On-campus delivery method.
- Certificate program type.
- Eligible for CNA exam.
- Hands-on training included.
- Clinical externships available.
- Covers infection control.
- Teaches basic nursing skills.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program.
- Approximately six weeks.
- Campus-based learning.
- Hands-on training.
- Real-world labs.
- Patient care skills.
- Infection control focus.
- Emergency procedures training.
Grand Junction, CO
Colorado Mesa University
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Five-week program completion.
- Campus-based instruction.
- State certification exam eligibility.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Day and evening class options.
- 10:1 student-instructor ratio.
- Minimum 92 contact hours.
- Criminal background check required.
Greeley, CO
Aims Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 5-6 week program length.
- 5 credit certificate program.
- Campus-based with hybrid options.
- Tuition from $520 to $2,570.
- 30-hour clinical rotation included.
- Prepares for Colorado certification exam.
- Minimum age requirement: 16 years.
- Day and evening program options.
Lakewood, CO
Red Rocks Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- 5 total credit hours.
- Open enrollment available.
- Placement scores required.
- Background check needed.
- Immunization records required.
- Physician's statement needed.
- Drug screen mandatory.
Lamar, CO
Lamar Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based healthcare training
- Entry-level patient care skills
- Practical professional certification
- Short-term certificate program
- Career-focused healthcare education
Littleton, CO
Arapahoe Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- One-semester part-time program.
- Prepares for CNA certification.
- 6 credit hours total.
- Campus-based with clinical experience.
- Cost approximately $1200 for COF students.
- Additional fees for uniforms and travel.
- Requires criminal background check.
- Vaccination documentation needed.
Pueblo, CO
Pueblo Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aid Health Care Skills
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based clinical training
- Department of Regulatory Agencies accredited
- Comprehensive patient care skills
- Requires background check
- Healthcare provider CPR required
- Minimum 77% grade required
- Immunizations mandatory
- Multiple campus locations
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online and in-person format.
- 5-credit certificate program.
- High certification exam pass rates.
- Open enrollment with no selective admissions.
- Requires high school diploma or GED.
- Hands-on training in simulation labs.
- Background check and drug screening required.
- Immunizations and CPR training mandatory.
Rangely, CO
Colorado Northwestern Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Five college credits.
- Includes clinical experience.
- Prepares for NATCEP exam.
- Basic nursing skills covered.
- Personal care training.
- Safety and emergency care.
- Requires immunization records.
Westminster, CO
Front Range Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 5-credit certificate program.
- Less than one semester.
- Campus-based at Larimer and Westminster.
- Prepares for CNA certification exam.
- 100% exam pass rate.
- 90% job placement rate.
- Hands-on skills lab training.
- Simulation rooms with video recording.
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