Utah Tech University CNA Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Utah Tech University (UTU) in St. George, Utah offers comprehensive training for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field or advance their medical career. This program is ideal for traditional students, non-traditional learners, concurrent enrollment students, and international students looking to gain valuable healthcare experience and college credits. Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to take the Utah State Nurse Assistant certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). With dedicated instructors, hands-on clinical experience, and an impressive 84.21% overall pass rate, Utah Tech University’s nursing assistant training provides a solid foundation for those beginning their journey in patient care.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 4.0 credits (requires completion of at least 76 hours of classroom and 24 hours of clinical experience)
• Cost of Program: $1,275 total for resident tuition students (includes tuition, fees, and course materials)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR)
• State Exam Pass Rate: 84.21% overall pass rate (knowledge and skills exams)
• CNA Program Schedule: Various options available including day and evening classes at multiple locations

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The program combines traditional classroom instruction with lab-based learning. Students study a comprehensive curriculum that includes basic nursing assistant skills, patient care procedures, medical law and ethics, patient/staff/environmental safety, infection control, vital signs monitoring, anatomy and physiology, and common medical disorders. The program uses the Lippincott textbook for nursing assistants (5th edition) as the primary learning resource, and instructors provide digital versions of learning materials.

Clinical Experience

Students must complete a minimum of 24 hours of supervised clinical experience at assisted living and long-term care facilities within the surrounding community. During clinical rotations, students apply their classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings under the guidance of experienced instructors. These hands-on experiences are essential for developing practical skills in direct patient care and understanding the role of a nursing assistant in various healthcare environments.

Exam Preparation

The program thoroughly prepares students for the Utah State Nursing Assistant certification exam, which consists of both knowledge and skills demonstration components. Students learn and demonstrate proficiency in more than 70 skills documented on the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) Nursing Assistant Skill Proficiency Performance List (NAPP). The program specifically focuses on the 22 skills that may be tested during the state examination, ensuring students are well-prepared for certification.

Admission Requirements

• Students must register for both NURS 1005 (classroom component) and NURS 1007 (clinical component)
• Required immunizations include:
  • Hepatitis B (2 required; completed series required for nursing program)
  • Tuberculosis (two separate TST/PPD)
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (2 required; completed series required for nursing program)
  • Tdap (1 required after age ten)
  • Annual Flu Vaccination (August through May; Summer Semester exempt)
  • Covid (Johnson & Johnson – 1 required, or Moderna or Pfizer – 2 required)
• Drug screen and background check are required (completed after start of semester)
• Students must consent to abide by all program procedures, including confidentiality requirements (HIPAA) and the CNA Student Code of Ethics

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Utah Tech University offers CNA classes each semester with a variety of days and hours to fit most schedules:

• Classes are taught at multiple locations, including:
  • Taylor Health Science Center (St. George)
  • Hurricane Education Center
  • Panguitch Education Center
  • Water Canyon Education Center (Hildale)
  • Kanab Education Center
  • Bryce Valley (hybrid delivery available for branch locations)

Class times vary by semester and location, but typically include options such as:

• Daytime classes (example: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm)
• Evening classes (example: Monday-Friday, 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

Students can check the current class schedule on the Utah Tech University website for the most up-to-date information on upcoming classes and locations.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The total cost of the CNA Program at Utah Tech University is approximately $1,275 for resident tuition students, which includes:

• Tuition and fees for a 4.0 credit course (see university catalog for current rates)
• Course fee: $30 (laboratory)
• Required materials:
  • Textbook/Workbook: Lippincott textbook for nursing assistants (5th edition)
  • Uniform: Steel Gray scrub top, Black scrub bottom
  • Shoes: Medical, professional, or athletic footwear (clean, closed-toe, no bright colors)
  • Photo Name Badge: Provided by UTU ($10 replacement fee)
  • Stethoscope & Blood Pressure Cuff: Approximately $50 at UTU Campus Store

Additional costs not covered by tuition include:

• Drug screen: $30
• Vaccinations and/or blood work proving immunity: $100-300
• State certification exam fee: $110 (after program completion)

Students should contact the university’s financial aid office for information about scholarships and financial assistance options.

How to Apply

To enroll in the Utah Tech University CNA Program:

1. Register for both NURS 1005 (classroom component) and NURS 1007 (clinical component) using your myUT account
2. Pay tuition and fees
3. Complete the required health and immunization requirements by the midterm deadline
4. Attend all scheduled classes and clinical rotations
5. Successfully complete all course requirements

A registration video tutorial is available on the university website to guide students through the process. Students are not required to complete any steps prior to starting the course beyond registration and tuition payment.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Utah Tech University
• Main Address: 225 South University Avenue, St. George, UT 84770
• Phone Number: 435-879-4801
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: health.utahtech.edu/cna

Program Directors and Staff:

• Jen Harrington, DNP, RN, HCE – CNA Program Director/Assistant Professor, Nursing
• Anna Curtis, MSN, RN – Assistant CNA Program Director
• Josh Fletcher – Administrative Assistant – Admissions
• Alicia Frank – Administrative Assistant – Operations

Additional Resources

The CNA program at Utah Tech University provides several resources to support student success:

• Program Procedures and Forms: Available on the university website
• Required Forms for Minors (Under Age 18): Special consent forms packet available
• Clinical Expectations Documentation: Guidelines for proper conduct during clinical rotations
• Uniform Code Information: Detailed requirements for professional appearance
• Student Code of Ethics: Comprehensive ethical guidelines for nursing assistants
• TMU Testing Information: Guidelines for state certification examination

Students can access these resources through the program website or by contacting the program office.

Summary and Next Steps

Utah Tech University’s Certified Nursing Assistant program offers a quality educational experience that prepares students for success in the healthcare field. With dedicated instructors, hands-on clinical experience, and a strong pass rate on certification exams, the program provides an excellent foundation for those interested in nursing or other health-related professions. The 4.0 college credits earned upon successful completion can be a valuable step toward further education in healthcare.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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