Certified Nursing Assistant

What Will I Learn?

An ABE (Adult Basic Education) class is tailored to provide foundational education to adult learners who may need to improve their basic skills in subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics. In the context of our CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) ABE class, the curriculum is designed to offer essential education and skills training for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. It's geared towards adult learners who may require additional support or instruction in this field.

Students will learn about human anatomy and physiology, observing patients, basic patient care principles, patients' legal rights, tracking and reporting patient information, and safety protocols. 

Description

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course prepares the student to provide hands on personal care in numerous settings, such as a hospital, long-term care, assisted living, home health or hospice. The course meets the Federal and Idaho State requirements for the training of CNAs. The class consists of 88 hours of classroom/lab and 32 hours of clinical experience led by an RN instructor. Opportunities abound for immediate employment and it is a great foundation for many other health care professions, such as nursing, radiology technologist and surgical technologist.

Additional costs:

• Textbook: $54.50
• BLS CPR Certification: $15 (If not already certified)
• American DataBank Registration: $12
• Tests: Manual Skills: $65.00, Written: $50.00

Cost may vary on the following:

• Scrubs
• Analog wristwatch with a second hand
• Closed toed shoes
• 3-Ring binder and pen
• Drug Screen
• Background check
• TB test 
• Influenza vaccine
• Covid vaccine

Admission Requirements

With new requirements being requested by our industry partners, we are now requesting the following to be completed by students prior to enrolling in a CNA course:

• Student will need to create an account with American DataBank and purchase CSI Tracking Package (12 months - $12) and Background Check ($50 + additional fee for county).
  • Step-by-Step Instructions on how to set up American DataBank Account
• Immunizations required for program are: TB Test, Flu Vaccine, Covid Vaccine. 
  • Covid and Flu exemption forms can be found through American DataBank
• Immunizations will be uploaded to American DataBank as well as electronically signing a drug consent form.
• 7-Panel Drug Screen will need to be completed (Preferred Physician's Immediate Care Center)
• Step-by-Step print out guide for CNA admission

Once pre-admission requirements are completed, the student will be contacted by one of the following HSHS office staff with registration instructions:

• Lee Ann Erickson
  • leeannerickson@csi.edu
  • 208-732-6700
• Rae Jean Larsen
  • rlarsen@csi.edu
  • 208-732-6701
• Matilda Wolfe
  • mmwolfe@csi.edu
  • 208-732-6702

 

Walk Away With

Upon successful completion of the course, students become eligible to undertake both the skills and written exams, leading to placement on the Idaho CNA registry.

The Manual Skills Test comprises the performance of 5 to 7 randomly assigned procedures that nursing assistants have learned during their training. This test typically takes approximately one hour to complete and involves working with a partner. During 30 minutes of the test, students act as CNAs, while for the remaining 30 minutes, they assume the role of the patient. Upon completion, nursing assistants receive immediate feedback on whether they have passed or failed. The test may be retaken up to three times.

The Written Skills Test is usually scheduled on a bi-monthly basis at the CSI testing center, located in the Meyerhoffer building. Registration prior to the exam is mandatory, and interested individuals can obtain registration information from the HSHS front office. Lasting approximately 90 minutes, this test assesses the nursing assisting knowledge of the candidates. It can be taken in written or oral form, conducted in English. Similarly, this test can also be retaken up to three times.

The Idaho Health & Welfare maintains a Registry of all CNAs. To maintain active status on the Registry, individuals must be employed as nursing assistants at least once during each 2-year period. Before the expiration date indicated on the Registry, a renewal application is typically mailed to the nursing assistant. The next expiration date is determined based on the most recent or current employment date. Nursing assistants who have been unemployed for more than two years must undergo manual skills and written competency testing again to regain active status on the Registry.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone interested in or currently working in a hospital, clinical, or long-term care facilities needing to be certified.

This course is specifically for ABE Students.

Explore Your Career Options

If you are interested in learning about career opportunities in the Magic Valley take a look below.

• Explore Your Career Options

If you are interested in learning more about our Work-Based Learning Center resources explore your options below.

• Work-Based Learning Center Resources

Instructor Bio