Thomas Reed, RN
June 23, 2025
CNA training programs in Colorado provide brief educational programs that teach students to assist patients with basic care duties under registered nurse and licensed practical nurse supervision. The frontline healthcare workforce of Colorado depends on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to provide essential patient care in hospitals along with nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health settings. Nursing assistants assist patients with bathing as well as dressing, eating tasks, and record vital signs to report any patient condition changes.
Lamar, CO - Public 2-Year - lamarcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lamar Community College's Nurse Aide Certificate emerges as an accelerated pathway into healthcare, strategically designed for aspiring professionals seeking rapid entry into patient care roles. Students engage in comprehensive training that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical skills, preparing them for immediate certification and employment. The program's curriculum emphasizes practical competencies, focusing on essential patient interaction techniques, vital sign monitoring, and fundamental healthcare protocols. By prioritizing real-world application, the certificate ensures graduates are thoroughly equipped to provide compassionate, professional care across diverse medical environments. This concise yet robust program represents an efficient educational strategy for individuals committed to launching a meaningful healthcare career.
Pueblo, CO - Public 4-Year - pueblocc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pueblo Community College's Certified Nurse Aid program offers an intensive, comprehensive training pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals. Meticulously designed to equip students with essential clinical competencies, the program emphasizes practical skills through hands-on training and structured clinical experiences. Students delve into critical patient care techniques, medical documentation, safety protocols, and professional ethics. With Department of Regulatory Agencies accreditation, the program ensures rigorous educational standards. Key highlights include mandatory background checks, healthcare provider CPR certification, and strict academic requirements such as maintaining a minimum 77% grade. Graduates emerge well-prepared for immediate employment across diverse healthcare settings, positioned to launch successful careers in patient care and medical support roles.
Colorado students can enroll in online and hybrid CNA programs which provide flexible learning alternatives for those who prefer non-traditional classroom education. The hybrid format lets students study anatomy, infection control, and patient care principles through virtual classes and self-paced modules while completing most lecture and theory coursework online. CNA training in Colorado requires students to participate in face-to-face instruction sessions as part of their curriculum.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Community College |
|
|
| Pueblo Community College |
|
|
| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16 years old, complete a state-approved NATCEP, clear FBI/CBI fingerprint background checks, meet immunization and physical-exam requirements, and obtain BLS/CPR certification |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Colorado Board of Nursing under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) |
| Training Program | Complete a NATCEP of at least 75 hours total, including a minimum of 16 classroom hours and 16 supervised clinical hours |
| Fees | $145 combined exam fee, retest fees of $50 for knowledge and $95 for skills, $50 endorsement/reinstatement application fee |
| Exam | Pass the NNAAP within 24 months of application, either the written (70 questions) or oral (60+10 questions) knowledge test plus a five-skill practical evaluation |
| Registry Activation | Credentia submits passing results electronically and the Nurse Aide Registry is updated by the next business day |
| Renewal Requirements | Renew every two years by completing at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work under RN/LPN supervision in the prior 24 months |
| Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs apply online via the DORA portal, submit proof of active, unencumbered certification, complete fingerprinting, and pay a $50 fee without retesting |
Certified nurse aides in Colorado earn a steady income. CNA professionals in Colorado receive an average hourly wage of $18 in 2025 which translates to yearly compensation of $38,000. The starting pay for new CNAs usually ranges between $15-$17 per hour but experienced staff members working in hospitals earn above $20 per hour. CNAs working in Denver and other Front Range cities receive higher wages than those working in rural areas although some rural employers provide hiring incentives to hire staff.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Colorado | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $35,480 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $17.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$40,352 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $35,475 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$29,825 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 25% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~3,280 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Community College |
|
|
| Pueblo Community College |
|
|
Nurse aides can use their position to move toward higher nursing roles in their career. The majority of residents of colorado who start their healthcare journey as nurse aides go on to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs) after additional education. The direct patient care experience gained through CNA work provides excellent preparation for nursing school admission and several Colorado nursing programs require or favor candidates who have CNA experience. Additional education and licensing after being a CNA will allow someone to become either an LPN or RN. Several healthcare organizations collaborate with community colleges to establish official bridge programs which support CNA-to-LPN-to-RN career advancement. CNA professionals find it simpler to move up to nursing roles at higher levels because of these programs.
Additional Nursing Programs in Colorado
LEARN MORE
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
