BACK TO PROGRAMSOverview
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course is designed for persons who need nursing assistant training to work in skilled nursing facilities or other healthcare environments; as well as for students preparing to enter the RN and LPN programs at CEI. THE CNA course is non-credit and offered by Workforce Training and Continuing Education.
NOTE: Applicants must now be a certified CNA to apply for the RN and LPN programs.
Begin your healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This course prepares you to enter the workforce as a healthcare professional and to take the state exams required to be placed on the Idaho Nurse Aide registry. The 120-hour class includes online assignments, in-class skills practice, and clinical experience at local healthcare facilities. Class registration covers the required textbook, skills packet & videos, computer fee, and state testing fees.
Program Process
The CEI Certified Nursing Assistant course through Workforce Training & Continuing Education is approximately twelve (12) weeks long and includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab skills, and clinical experience. There are quarterly, in-person classroom sessions in Idaho Falls and limited sessions are available in Salmon, Idaho. An online and classroom hybrid option session based in Idaho Falls is held multiple times a year.
There are several prerequisites that must be submitted to register for and participate in the CNA class. Those items are listed under the Requirements Tab. All program information is also included in the mandatory online orientation. Access the orientation directly using this link:
Certified Nursing Assistant Class Orientation Video
Upon completion of the certified nursing assistant course students are eligible to test for state skills and written exams to qualify for State registration.
- Skills Testing - upon completion of the CNA course, students have six (6) months to pass skills testing
- Written Testing – occurs after passing the skills testing and should be completed within twelve (12) months from the completion date of the CNA course
What Jobs Can I Get?
As a CNA, you are qualified to work at assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, home health care companies, doctor’s offices and clinics, and hospitals. Many nursing education programs recognize or require a CNA as part of their application process.
How Long Will It Take?
Our non-credit CNA program is approximately twelve weeks long, including clinicals and testing. Classes meet twice per week. The course is offered four times per year, with classes typically beginning in January, April, July, and October.
Why Certified Nursing Assistant at CEI?
CEI Workforce Training & Continuing Education has experienced and knowledgeable support staff. Whether in Idaho Falls or Salmon, you are able to take the course, State skills exam, and State written test all at CEI.
Select registration link for dates and details.
Prerequisites:
Once ALL of the below items have been completed, you will be eligible to register.
- Attend a Mandatory Orientation
- Clear Background Check
- Please go to StudentCheck to order your background check: StudentCheck. This is the only background check accepted for this program and it must be fully processed before class registration is allowed. It must be current within the last year, not to expire during the class session. The cost is $51.50 and is payable online when ordering
- Healthcare Provider BLS CPR Certificate
- All students are required to have Basic Life Support (CPR) certification through the American Heart Association prior to registration and start of class. No online CPR cards are valid for this class. Certification will only be accepted from the American Heart Association; no others will be accepted.
- Quantitative Gold blood testing to evaluate for TB
- Flu vaccine during flu season (October – March)
- Hepatitis B Immunization Series and/or proof of positive titer to check for immunity - if negative, booster is required with repeat titer 1 month later
- MMR vaccine or positive titer to all 3 components (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Varicella vaccine or positive titer
- Tdap within 10 years time
Additional requirements once enrolled in order to go to the hospital clinical rotation (These are
optional and arrangements will be made once enrolled in the course)
- 10panel drug urine test or higher
- N95 mask fitting
- IFCH/MVH booklet completion
2026 Idaho Falls Classes
| Registration Opens | Registration Closes | In-person or Hybrid | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2 | March 6 | In-person | Week of April 6 |
| February 2 | March 13 | Hybrid | April 27 |
| May 4 | June 5 | In-person | Week of July 6 |
| August 3 | September 4 | In-person | Week of October 5 |
| August 3 | September 11 | Hybrid | October 26 |
| November 2 | December 4 | In-person | Week of January 4 (2027) |
| November 2 | December 11 | Hybrid | January 25, 2027 |
In-person class schedules are either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Actual schedules will be available at the time of registration.
Hybrid classes have specific dates that will be in-person. That schedule will be available at the time of registration.
Skills testing typically occurs immediately following the end of class.
2026 Salmon Valley Classes
These classes occur as available. Contact Diane Smith at 208-640-6836 for more information.
Contact us at 208-535-5345 or healthcareed@cei.edu