CNA Classes & Programs in Montana
- CNA Programs in Montana: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Montana?
- Montana CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Montana
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Montana?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Montana?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Montana
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Montana
- Montana CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Montana
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Montana
- 2026 Updated List of Montana Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Montana’s Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a critical role in the state’s healthcare system, especially in long-term care, rural hospitals, and community-based health facilities. In a largely rural state with limited access to healthcare services in many regions, CNAs often serve as the frontline caregivers supporting patients’ daily needs and overall well-being.
Montana CNA training offers a quick and relatively inexpensive path into healthcare, with programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment while meeting the state’s clear regulatory standards.
In this guide, you’ll learn about:
- Montana’s CNA training and certification requirements
- Required classroom and clinical hours
- What CNA classes in Montana focus on
- Typical timelines and program costs
- How to evaluate and select a Montana-approved CNA program
CNA Programs in Montana: At-a-Glance
| Category | Montana CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 75 hours (classroom + clinical) |
| Clinical requirement | Yes, supervised clinical training required |
| Certification exam | Montana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation |
| State registry | Montana Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | Approx. 3–8 weeks |
| Typical total cost | $700–$1,500 depending on provider |
| Average CNA Salary in Montana | About $31,000–$42,000 annually (varies by region and setting) |
Why Become a CNA in Montana?
Montana faces unique healthcare workforce challenges due to its geography and aging population. Long-term care facilities, critical access hospitals, and home health agencies consistently seek trained CNAs (sometimes called “nurse aides”) who can provide reliable hands-on care in both urban hubs and remote communities.
For many residents, CNA training provides:
- A fast entry point into healthcare employment
- Opportunities close to home, even in rural areas
- A pathway into nursing programs offered through Montana colleges
- Flexible scheduling options in long-term care and home health
With healthcare employers spread across the state, CNA training can open doors to stable employment without requiring long-term schooling.
Montana CNA Training & Certification
The process for becoming a CNA in Montana follows a straightforward state pathway:
- Complete a Montana-approved CNA training program with at least 75 total hours, including classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
- Pass the Montana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which includes:
- A written or oral knowledge examination
- A hands-on clinical skills assessment
- Be listed on the Montana Nurse Aide Registry, which is required to work legally as a CNA in the state.
- Maintain active registry status, typically by meeting employment requirements during each renewal period.
CNA certification verifies that a CNA has met Montana's standards for patient safety, infection control, and basic nursing care under supervision.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Montana
Montana CNA programs are designed to prepare students for real-world caregiving, often emphasizing adaptability due to the diverse settings in which graduates may work.
Key Instructional Areas in Montana CNA Classes
| Focus Area | Skills & Knowledge Developed |
| Care Foundations | Safety practices, resident rights, infection prevention |
| Daily Living Support | Bathing, grooming, feeding, mobility assistance |
| Health Observation | Taking vital signs and reporting changes |
| Professional Interaction | Communication with patients and healthcare teams |
| Clinical Practice | Supervised hands-on care in healthcare facilities |
Clinical Training Expectations
- Supervised clinical experience is required and included in the 75-hour minimum
- Clinical training usually occurs in nursing homes, hospitals, or assisted living facilities
- Students practice bedside care, transfers, and documentation with instructor oversight
Clinical hours must be completed in person and are essential for exam eligibility.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Montana?
Most Montana CNA programs can be completed in approximately 3 to 8 weeks.
The exact timeline depends on:
- Full-time versus part-time enrollment
- Day or evening class schedules
- Timing and availability of clinical placements
Accelerated programs are often available for students seeking the shortest route into employment.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Montana?
Montana does not allow fully online CNA certification programs, though online components may be utilized.
- Some schools may offer hybrid options with online coursework for theory
- All clinical skills labs and hands-on training must be completed in person
- In-person clinical experience is required to qualify for the certification exam and registry listing
Prospective students should verify that any online component is paired with approved in-person training.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Montana
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Flathead Valley Community College |
|
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| Highlands College of Montana Tech |
|
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| Montana Technological University |
|
|
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Montana
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Flathead Valley Community College |
|
|
| Highlands College of Montana Tech |
|
|
| Montana Technological University |
|
|
Montana CNA Employment and Wages
CNA salaries in Montana vary by location and employer type, with higher wages often found in hospitals, specialty units, and areas offering staffing incentives.
CNA Salary in Montana
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Montana | 4,800 | $39,300 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Montana
Because clinical access can vary by region, choosing the right CNA program in Montana requires careful consideration.
Program Essentials:
- State approval and eligibility for the Montana competency exam
- Guaranteed, school-arranged clinical placements
- Clear explanation of total program hours and expectations
- Transparent tuition and supply costs
Additional Factors to Weigh:
- Travel distance to clinical sites
- Class scheduling flexibility, especially in rural areas
- Instructor experience in long-term care or hospital settings
- Job placement assistance or employer partnerships
Programs that clearly outline their clinical logistics and timelines tend to offer smoother paths to certification.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Montana
| Role | Training Time | Scope of Practice | Credential |
| CNA | ~3–8 weeks | Basic patient care and ADLs | State registry |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | ~9–12 months | Clinical & administrative tasks | Certificate |
| LPN | ~12–18 months | Nursing care and medications | State license |
| RN | ~2–4 years | Full nursing responsibilities | State license |
CNA training remains one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to begin hands-on healthcare work in Montana. For those who wish to advance, exploring Montana nursing schools and researching CNA to RN programs is a great starting point.
2026 Updated List of Montana Schools Offering CNA Classes
Box Elder, MT
Stone Child College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 4-week summer program
- Daytime campus classes
- State certification exam
- Hands-on patient care training
- Limited to 10 students
- Application and interview required
- Prepares for multiple healthcare settings
- Mandatory class attendance
Butte, MT
Highlands College of Montana Tech
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Program cost $1,450.
- Hybrid format with online modules.
- Two-day weekend skills lab.
- 25 hours clinical practicum.
- Approved by Montana DPHHS.
- Eligible for state certification.
- Age requirement 16 or older.
- Valid government ID needed.
Montana Technological University
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online and in-person training
- 25 hours clinical experience
- $1,450 total program cost
- Certification preparation
- Multiple start dates annually
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Assistant Program (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Program cost $1,450.
- Hybrid format with online modules.
- Hands-on skills lab included.
- 25 hours clinical practicum.
- Approved by Montana DPHHS.
- Eligible for state certification.
- Attend mandatory information session.
- Valid government ID required.
Kalispell, MT
Flathead Valley Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide (C.N.A.) Course
Campus Based - Website
- 105-hour intensive course.
- Hands-on clinical training.
- State-approved C.N.A. test.
- C.N.A. certificate upon completion.
- Work in long-term care facilities.
- Background check required.
- Immunizations required.
- Basic medical terminology covered.
Missoula, MT
The University of Montana
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Self-paced training course.
- Prepares for Montana CNA exam.
- Approved by Montana DPHHS.
- In-person campus program.
- Serves diverse healthcare settings.
- Includes long-term care training.
- Covers home care and hospice.
- Prepares for acute care roles.
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