CNA Training Programs in Montana

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training programs in Montana are offered through long term care facilities, vendors, schools, hospitals and related organizations that have been approved by the Montana State Survey and Certification Agency (SA). SA terms these programs Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs (NATCEP). The first step to becoming a CNA in Montana is to complete one of the state approved CNA programs. A list of CNA programs in Montana can be found below.

Nurse Aide Training in Montana

Nurse Aide training programs in Montana are required to be a minimum of 75 clock hours, of which the classroom instruction hours will be about 45 to 50 hours and a minimum of 25 hours will be spent in clinical training. Clinical hours are conducted under the direct supervision of a state approved and licensed nurse instructor. The state requires that a minimum of 16 hours be spent covering the subjects of infection control, safety and emergency procedures, respecting patient rights, basic nursing skills, taking and recording temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure, measuring height and weight, recognizing the physical and emotional changes of aging, palliative nursing care and some additional related subjects. Additional skills and knowledge you can expect to receive training in include CPR, working with patients who have cognitive impairments, how to meet the mental, physical and psychological needs of patients and written and oral communication.

Nurse Aide Competency Exam in Montana

The second step to becoming a CNA in Montana is to successfully pass the State Competency Evaluation Program (SCEP). Eligibility for this exam is based on a skills evaluation conducted by your nurse instructor. The skills evaluation is called the Montana Nurse Aide Skills Competency Check List (MNASCC). All skills on the checklist need to be completed satisfactorily to be eligible for the exam. The SCEP is administered by Headmaster LLP. You will need to pass the written or oral portion of the exam with 75% correct or better and the skills subtests must be completed with 80% correct or better on each. Upon successfully passing the SCEP, you will be added to the Montana Nurse Aide Registry and you will be able to use the title Certified Nurse Aide (CNA). Facilities in Montana may only hire those nurse aides that have completed a state approved CNA training, passed the competency exam and are listed on the Montana Nurse Aide Registry.

Those nurse aides who were employed or had an offer for employment from a facility at the time they began a nurse aide training program will be reimbursed for their textbooks and other course materials. Almost free CNA training. Learn more about this from the Long Term Care Division of the Department of Public Health Services Helena, MT website.

According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry Research and Analysis Bureau – Occupational Employment Statistics Wages, a CNA makes a median annual salary of $21,700 and a median hourly wage of $10.45. Both are below the national median. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry Research and Analysis Bureau – Occupational Employment Projections is projecting job growth in this field at 22% through 2016, which is higher than the national job growth projections for this and related jobs. Based on job growth data, it is an opportune time to start researching CNA and related health care programs. You may also want to research related careers in health care such as medical assisting, practical nursing and registered nursing.

The CNA position is often is a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or a related health care professional. Health Care Administration and Management Degrees are also an excellent way to enter the business side of health care, possibly working your way into management or an entrepreneurial venture. The rapidly growing field of health care needs educated businessmen and women.

You may also be interested in the Medical Assistant programs in Montana. Find career, school and salary information for this rapidly growing field of health care.
(Sources: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Department of Labor and Industry Research and Analysis Bureau)

Nurse Aide Training Programs in Montana Ordered by City

(List of Programs Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services – Nurse Aide and Home Health Aide Program)

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