Olivia Chen, NP
June 23, 2025
Montana uses Certified Nursing Assistant training programs as its main entry path for healthcare professionals. CNAs assist nurses while providing better patient care at hospitals together with long-term care facilities, home health services, and clinics. The patients receive assistance with bathing, dressing, and eating tasks and CNA staff monitor vital signs and provide emotional support. The healthcare system of Montana depends heavily on Certified Nursing Assistants because they function as vital members of healthcare teams.
Butte, MT - Public 4-Year - mtech.edu
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Montana Technological University's Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Certificate program offers a hybrid learning model, blending online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. Students complete 25 hours of hands-on clinical experience, gaining skills for roles in assisted living, long-term care, and acute settings. The program costs $1,450 and prepares for Montana state certification, with multiple start dates for flexibility. No entrance exams are required for this certificate-level program.
Students in Montana usually study CNA program classroom material through online or combined online and in-person classes. The flexible learning methods help working professionals together with students who face barriers to traditional classroom learning. Every CNA candidate must perform hands-on clinical training in person since state regulations demand supervised patient contact before obtaining certification. The hybrid learning approach allows students to complete online lectures alongside required clinical practice at nearby healthcare facilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Technological University |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a DPHHS-approved CNA training program (or challenge exam), hold valid photo ID and SSN, clear fingerprint-based background and meet required health/immunization screenings |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Quality Assurance Division – Certified Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | State-approved curriculum with both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice (minimum 75 hours total) |
| Fees | Knowledge exam $20, oral exam $31 (if needed), skills exam $77, no state application or renewal fee |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the written (or oral) test and the five-skill hands-on evaluation within six months of training, with up to three attempts |
| Registry Activation Time | Certification issued and your name added to the registry about 10–14 days after you submit the post-exam application |
| Renewal Requirements | Biennial renewal by demonstrating paid CNA work in the prior 24 months, free online renewal |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs apply via the BOUNDS portal for Interstate Endorsement, with proof of active, unencumbered certification, no fee or retesting required |
Montana Certified Nursing Assistants find stable employment combined with salaries that surpass the national average rates. As of 2025, CNAs across Montana receive approximately $23 to $24 per hour based on their location, work experience, and their employer. Full-time workers in this field typically earn between $45,000 and $50,000 each year. Workers in urban settings along with hospital facilities receive higher pay rates which sometimes includes benefits for night or weekend work hours. Montana faces ongoing demand for Certified Nursing Assistants because the state needs more professionals to deliver long-term care and home health services. The demand for skilled caregivers remains high in rural communities which provides CNA job seekers with exceptional employment prospects. The stable career outlook alongside various advancement opportunities makes CNA certification an excellent way to enter Montana’s healthcare workforce.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Montana | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,400 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.05 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$40,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,400 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$28,100 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~580 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Technological University |
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The first step of a successful healthcare career begins with obtaining CNA certification. Many certified nursing assistants in Montana advance their education by obtaining Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse credentials after starting their careers as CNAs. The clinical experience and patient care understanding that CNA certification provides creates a solid base for future nursing careers at higher levels. Some Montana educational institutions operate bridge programs which accept students who already possess CNA certification when applying to nursing degree programs. Many employers within the healthcare sector provide financial assistance to CNAs for continuing education through tuition reimbursement and training support. The career progression of CNAs leads to increased professional development and expanded responsibilities which results in increased earning potential. A CNA certification provides both professional fulfillment and professional development that leads to future success for those who dedicate themselves to patient care.
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