Maria Delgado, RN
June 24, 2025
The CNA programs in Utah provide students with training to deliver fundamental patient care assistance while helping nurses in the state’s healthcare services. The healthcare team relies on CNAs to execute their responsibilities which include daily patient care, vital sign monitoring, and comfort maintenance. Under licensed nurse supervision CNAs provide care to patients while developing meaningful connections with the people they assist.
Saint George, UT - Public 4-Year - utahtech.edu
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Utah Tech University's Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Certificate provides a comprehensive pathway into healthcare, preparing students for diverse clinical settings like long-term care facilities, home health, and hospitals. The four-credit program combines state-of-the-art lab instruction, classroom learning, and hands-on clinical experiences. Students gain essential skills to pass the Utah State certification exam, developing critical communication techniques, infection control practices, and patient care abilities. This program offers an efficient entry point for those seeking a foundational healthcare career with immediate workforce potential.
The training duration for CNA programs in Utah ranges from several weeks to multiple months based on the program’s scheduling approach. Students learn through classroom teaching combined with mandatory clinical practice time. The standard training programs approved by Utah state demand more than 100 hours of combined theoretical teaching and practical training which includes classroom sessions and clinical practice sessions at healthcare facilities. The curriculum for nursing assistant training includes basic nursing care skills such as vital sign measurement, patient movement safety, infection control practices, communication methods, patient rights education, and personal care skills for bathing, dressing, and feeding.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Tech University |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16, valid photo ID & SSN, cleared state and FBI fingerprint background checks, required immunizations and physical exam |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Utah Department of Health – Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete a state-approved 75-hour Nurse Aide Training program, including a minimum of 16 supervised clinical hours |
| Fees | No state registry fee, competency exam fees (written/oral ~$30–50, skills ~$50) paid to the testing vendor |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the written or oral competency test and the five-skill practical evaluation within the eligibility period |
| Registry Activation Time | Exam results reported by vendor, added to the registry within five business days of passing both components |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years, complete at least eight hours of paid nurse-aide work under RN or LPN supervision, no renewal fee |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs with active, unencumbered certification apply via reciprocity, submit proof of credential and work history, and are added without retesting |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Utah receive a consistent wage range depending on their workplace and geographical area. The average Utah CNA salary reaches $16 per hour which translates to $33,000 yearly but entry-level staff and those in small towns receive $13-$15 while those working in large hospitals and Salt Lake City reach up to $18 per hour. Employers provide additional pay through shift differentials that reward workers who choose to work nights or weekends. The future career prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants in Utah remain positive. Healthcare stands as Utah’s rapidly expanding industry while the aging population drives sustained requirements for nursing assistants who work in nursing homes, home health agencies, and hospitals. The state’s employment projections demonstrate significant growth in this profession which enables new graduates to secure employment after earning their certification.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Utah | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $34,400 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.53 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$44,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $34,400 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$30,200 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~3,100 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Tech University |
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Nursing careers commonly start with CNA certification before individuals progress toward LPN or RN licensure. The standard career path for CNA-certified workers in Utah leads them to pursue LPN or RN licensure through additional education. The next steps in nursing education frequently require CNA certification from applicants who also demonstrate direct patient care experience. Health care organizations support professional development for their employees by providing financial aid for education as well as flexible work schedules to CNA students who pursue nursing programs. A structured system exists to guide CNAs who want to enroll in LPN or RN programs successfully. CNA training provides an excellent base which enables nurses to build their career path or pursue different healthcare roles.
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