Arapahoe Community College CNA Program

The Arapahoe Community College Nurse Aide Certificate program serves the southern Denver metro area with comprehensive certified nursing assistant training designed to prepare students for meaningful healthcare careers. This program is perfectly suited for career changers seeking stable employment in healthcare, recent high school graduates exploring medical field opportunities, and working adults who need accessible education to advance their professional goals.

This nurse aide program in Colorado provides essential skills training for employment in hospital, home-care, skilled care, and hospice facilities. The CNA classes in Littleton, Castle Rock, and Lone Tree, Colorado offer students convenient access to quality healthcare education. Upon successful completion of this State Board of Nursing-approved program, graduates become eligible to take the Colorado State Certification Examination (NNAAP exam) to become licensed Certified Nurse Aides.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 6 credits total with 75 hours of lecture/lab instruction plus 60 hours of clinical experience
• Cost of Program: Contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information
• Accreditation: Approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing (1560 Broadway, Suite 1370, Denver, Colorado 80202-5146)
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information about current pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Contact the program directly for current class schedule options

CNA Training Structure

The Arapahoe Community College certified nursing assistant program provides comprehensive preparation through structured coursework and extensive hands-on experience across multiple healthcare settings.

• Classroom Learning: Students develop fundamental skills through NUA 1001 (Nurse Aide Health Care Skills), which covers basic nursing skills, communication skills, restorative services, personal care skills, safety and emergency care. The curriculum includes knowledge and principles of asepsis, OSHA and HIPAA regulations, ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, and mental health principles, as well as patient/resident rights.
• Clinical Experience: The program includes 60 hours of supervised clinical experience through NUA 1070 (Nurse Aide Clinical Experience) and NUA 1071 (Clinical: Advanced Nurse Aide). Students gain hands-on patient care experience in real healthcare settings including hospitals and skilled care facilities. The advanced clinical component expands and applies knowledge and skills gained in the initial clinical experience.
• Exam Preparation: Upon successful completion of the certificate program, students qualify to take the State Certification Examination (NNAAP exam) to become Certified Nurse Aides. The program meets all Colorado State Board of Nursing requirements for certification eligibility.

Admission Requirements

Arapahoe Community College has specific requirements for entry into the CNA program:

• Educational Prerequisites: Students must complete admission to Arapahoe Community College through the standard application process.
• Academic Standards: All courses required for the certificate must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to meet graduation requirements.
• Additional Requirements: Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements, including any clinical prerequisite documentation.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Arapahoe Community College offers convenient access to CNA education through multiple campus locations:

• Campus Options: Classes are available at three locations: Littleton Campus, Sturm Collaboration Campus in Castle Rock, and DCSD Legacy Campus in Lone Tree, providing flexibility for students throughout the southern Denver metro area.
• Course Structure: The program consists of three co-requisite courses that must be taken together: NUA 1001 (4 credits), NUA 1070 (1 credit), and NUA 1071 (1 credit).
• Schedule Information: Please contact the program directly for current class schedule options and specific start dates at your preferred campus location.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Costs: Contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.
• Additional Expenses: Medical malpractice liability insurance fee of $10.01 per course is required for NUA 1070 and NUA 1071 clinical courses.
• Financial Support: As part of the Colorado Community College System, students may be eligible for various financial aid programs. Contact the financial aid office for information about grants, scholarships, and payment plan options.
• Graduation Application: Students must apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation upon completion of program requirements.

How to Apply

To enroll in the Arapahoe Community College CNA program:

1. Complete College Admission: Apply for admission to Arapahoe Community College through the standard application process
2. Program Requirements: Review specific requirements and checklist at https://www.arapahoe.edu/academics-programs/programs/nurse-aide
3. Course Registration: Register for all three required courses (NUA 1001, NUA 1070, and NUA 1071) as co-requisites
4. Campus Selection: Choose your preferred campus location (Littleton, Castle Rock, or Lone Tree)

Students should contact their preferred campus directly for detailed application guidance and program-specific requirements.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Arapahoe Community College
• Littleton Campus: 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120
  • Phone: 303.797.4222
  • Email: [email protected]
• Sturm Collaboration Campus: 4500 Limelight Ave., Castle Rock, CO 80109
  • Phone: 303.660.3160
  • Email: [email protected]
• DCSD Legacy Campus: 10035 Peoria Street, Lone Tree, CO 80134
  • Phone: 303.734.3853
  • Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.arapahoe.edu/academics-programs/programs/nurse-aide

Additional Resources

Students have access to comprehensive program planning and support resources:

• Program Requirements: Complete list of specific requirements and checklist available at https://www.arapahoe.edu/academics-programs/programs/nurse-aide
• Clinical Information: Details about clinical site requirements and experiences available through the program webpage
• Academic Catalog: Comprehensive program information including course descriptions and academic plans available in the college catalog
• Graduation Services: Online graduation application process available at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation
• Career Follow-up: As graduates of a Career and Technical Education program, students will be contacted approximately six months after graduation to verify employment information as part of federal funding requirements

Summary and Next Steps

The Arapahoe Community College CNA program provides accessible, comprehensive training for aspiring certified nursing assistants through multiple convenient campus locations in Littleton, Castle Rock, and Lone Tree, Colorado. With State Board of Nursing approval, structured clinical experiences, and preparation for state certification, this program offers an excellent foundation for launching a healthcare career in hospital, home-care, skilled care, and hospice settings.

Ready to begin your healthcare journey in the Denver metro area? Contact your preferred Arapahoe Community College campus location to learn about current enrollment opportunities and program requirements. If you’re still exploring your options, consider researching other CNA programs throughout Colorado to find the perfect fit for your educational goals, schedule, and geographic preferences.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.