CNA Classes & Programs in Idaho
- CNA Programs in Idaho: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Idaho?
- Idaho CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Idaho
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Idaho?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Idaho?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Idaho
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Idaho
- Idaho CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Idaho
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Idaho
- 2026 Updated List of Idaho Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are essential members of Idaho’s healthcare workforce, providing basic care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health settings. With growing demand for direct care workers across the state, Idaho CNA training offers a quick and practical path into healthcare that doesn’t require years of schooling.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Idaho’s official CNA training requirements
- Minimum hours and clinical mandates
- What you’ll study in CNA classes
- Typical program length, cost, and exam info
- How to choose the right Idaho CNA program
CNA Programs in Idaho: At-a-Glance
| Category | Idaho CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 120 total hours (80 classroom + 40 clinical) |
| Clinical requirement | Yes, supervised hands-on clinical training required |
| Certification exam | Idaho Nurse Aide Competency Exam via Prometric (written + skills) |
| State registry | Idaho CNA Registry |
| Typical program length | 4–12 weeks depending on schedule |
| Typical total cost | Varies; approx. $900–$1,200+ depending on school and materials |
| Average CNA Salary in Idaho | Approx. $32,000-$38,000 per year |
Why Become a CNA in Idaho?
Idaho's healthcare system has a steady need for trained direct care professionals, particularly as its rural communities and aging population increase demand for quality long-term care services. Becoming a CNA (sometimes referred to as “nurse aide”) in Idaho offers:
- Rapid entry into healthcare: Approved CNA training can be completed in just weeks.
- Workforce opportunities: CNAs are regularly hired in hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health.
- Foundation for career growth: CNA experience can support future training as an LPN or RN.
With relatively short training and clear certification steps, Idaho CNA classes remain one of the most accessible healthcare careers statewide.
Idaho CNA Training & Certification
To become certified as a CNA in Idaho, you must:
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program that meets the 120-hour minimum, including both classroom and clinical instruction.
- Pass the Idaho Nurse Aide Competency Exam (administered by Prometric), which includes both skills and written components.
- Be placed on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry to work legally as a CNA.
- Maintain certification by working at least 8 hours as a paid CNA within every two-year period to renew without retesting.
Passing the state exam verifies that you have the knowledge and skills to provide safe, basic care under supervision. Most schools include test preparation in their curriculum.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Idaho
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Basic nursing concepts, safety, infection control |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding assistance |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Taking and recording vitals |
| Communication & Professionalism | Interacting with patients and care teams |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on practice in a healthcare facility |
Idaho's CNA training requires supervised clinical experience as part of the 120-hour mandate, typically structured in local hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities after foundational classroom work.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Idaho?
Most Idaho CNA programs can be completed in about 4 to 12 weeks depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Programs with hybrid formats may spread classroom hours over a longer period, but all require in-person clinical hours.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Idaho?
While Idaho may offer hybrid CNA training where some classroom instruction is online, all clinical hours must be completed in person at approved healthcare settings. Fully online CNA certification programs do not meet Idaho's state requirements.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Idaho
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis-Clark State College |
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| North Idaho College |
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| College of Western Idaho |
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2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Idaho
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| College of Western Idaho |
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| College of Southern Idaho |
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| Idaho State University |
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Idaho CNA Employment and Wages
Idaho's average CNA salary is competitive with regional healthcare demand and cost of living considerations, especially in facilities with staffing needs across urban and rural areas.
CNA Salary in Idaho
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Idaho | 7,340 | $37,530 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Idaho
When comparing Idaho CNA classes, consider:
- State approval: Must meet the 120-hour requirement and qualify you to sit for the Prometric exam.
- Clinical placement: Ensure the program offers scheduled hands-on training at local healthcare facilities.
- Schedule flexibility: Day, evening, or hybrid options to fit work and life needs.
- Clear costs: Transparent tuition, materials, uniform needs, and exam fees.
Programs with strong employer connections and high pass rates on the CNA exam can improve job prospects after graduation.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Idaho
| Role | Training Time | Scope of Work | Typical Path |
| CNA | Weeks (approx. 4–12) | Basic patient care | Entry-level |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | 9–12 months | Clinic support, some clinical tasks | Outpatient focus |
| LPN | 1–2 years | Licensed practical nursing duties | Intermediate nursing |
| RN | 2–4 years | Full nursing scope | Registered nurse |
Idaho CNAs provide essential support and serve as a stepping stone to higher nursing roles with further education. To consider career advancement, check out CNA to RN programs, or consider nursing schools in Idaho.
2026 Updated List of Idaho Schools Offering CNA Classes
Coeur D'alene, ID
North Idaho College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for Idaho Nurse Aide registry.
- Combines online and in-person learning.
- Includes clinical experience locally.
- CPR certification provided.
- Customer Service in Health Care certification.
- Employer sponsorship opportunities available.
- Lab manual and guest speakers included.
- Ideal for pre-nursing students.
Idaho Falls, ID
College of Eastern Idaho
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 120-hour course length
- Campus-based program
- Includes clinical experience
- State exam preparation
- Quarterly start dates
- Textbook and fees included
- Background check required
- CPR certification needed
Lewiston, ID
Lewis-Clark State College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Located in Lewiston, Idaho.
- Traditional CNA courses available.
- Skills-only training option.
- In-person course format.
- 36 hours of skill training.
- Two attempts allowed for testing.
- Costs vary by pathway.
Nampa, ID
College of Western Idaho
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation
Campus Based - Website
- 12-week program length
- $945 program cost
- Certificate of completion
- CNA exam preparation
- Hands-on training included
- Patient care techniques
- Infection control training
- Foundational nursing skills
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12-week comprehensive CNA training
- Hybrid online and in-person
- Cost: $945
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Prepares for CNA certification exam
- Hands-on skills training included
- Located at Nampa Campus
Pocatello, ID
Idaho State University
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Course cost $850
- 120 total contact hours
- 88 classroom instruction hours
- 32 clinical experience hours
- Multiple schedule options available
- 12 to 20 week durations
- Daytime and evening classes
- Web supplemented options
Twin Falls, ID
College of Southern Idaho
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 88 classroom/lab hours
- 32 clinical experience hours
- Meets federal requirements
- Meets Idaho state requirements
- RN instructor-led training
- Qualifies for Idaho CNA exam
- Leads to Idaho CNA registry
- Immediate employment opportunities
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