Community College of Denver CNA Program

The Community College of Denver Nurse Aide program offers comprehensive certified nursing assistant training in Denver, Colorado, designed to prepare students for meaningful healthcare careers in as little as seven weeks. This program serves career changers seeking stable employment opportunities, recent high school graduates exploring healthcare pathways, and working adults who need flexible scheduling to balance education with their current responsibilities.

Located in the heart of Colorado’s healthcare hub, this CNA classes in Denver, Colorado program provides the foundational skills and clinical experience needed to become a certified nursing assistant. The program meets Colorado OBRA certification requirements and is approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing, ensuring graduates are eligible to take the state certification exam and begin their healthcare careers with confidence.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: As little as seven weeks with flexible scheduling options
• Cost of Program: Approximately $1,413.42 total program cost for Colorado residents (includes tuition, fees, and required materials)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing and meets Colorado OBRA certification requirements
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information about current pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Day and evening classes available at two campus locations (downtown Denver and Lowry near Aurora)

CNA Training Structure

The Community College of Denver certified nursing assistant program provides comprehensive preparation through structured coursework and hands-on learning experiences.

• Classroom Learning: Students learn the basic principles of nursing through laboratory simulation and structured coursework. The program covers essential skills for working as part of a multidisciplinary care team, including assistance with hygiene, daily activities, and collecting vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse. The curriculum prepares students to work with patients of all ages across various healthcare settings.
• Clinical Experience: The program offers hands-on, practical opportunities to promote experiential learning through laboratory simulation and clinical rotations. Students gain supervised clinical practice experience working directly with patients in real healthcare environments.
• Exam Preparation: Upon successful completion of the state-approved education program, graduates become eligible to take the Colorado Nurse Aide Certification Exam through CREDENTIA Colorado NNAAP. The program ensures students meet all requirements to sit for both written ($50) and skills ($85) portions of the state certification exam.

Admission Requirements

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

• Course Placement Prerequisites: Students must determine course placement in math and English through placement tests, ACT/SAT scores meeting minimum requirements, or submission of previous college transcripts showing completed coursework.
• Required Documentation:
  • Background check and drug screen completed through CastleBranch ($68)
  • Comprehensive vaccination records including TB test/chest x-ray, MMR vaccine, Varicella vaccine, Tdap vaccine, flu vaccine (seasonal requirement), Hepatitis B vaccine (initial dose required), and COVID-19 vaccine (initial dose required)
  • Medical records verification through healthcare provider
• Application Process: Students must select “Health Sciences Pathway” and “Nurse Aide: Nursing Certificate” when applying through the online application system. Applications require supplemental materials and allow 14 days minimum for processing and review.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The program accommodates different student needs through multiple campus locations and scheduling options:

• Campus Locations: Classes offered at two campuses: Health Sciences at Lowry near Aurora and the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver
• Schedule Flexibility: Day and evening classes available at various times and durations to fit busy schedules. The program is designed as a five-credit certificate with flexible timing options.
• Course Structure: Students must register for both NUA 1001 and NUA 1070 as co-requisite courses, meaning both classes must be taken together during the same semester.
• Information Sessions: Regular information sessions held throughout the year, with upcoming sessions scheduled for June 2nd at 10:00am.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Tuition: $1,103.22 for Colorado residents after College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend reduction (base tuition $1,169.50, less $425 COF stipend, plus $358.72 in fees)
• Additional Required Expenses: Approximately $310.20 including Castle Branch background check package ($68), immunizations through Auraria Health Center ($5), caribbean blue scrubs ($64), gait belt ($8), NNAAP written exam ($50), NNAAP skills exam ($85), and required textbook and workbook ($64)
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,413.42 for complete program including all requirements and materials
• Financial Aid Limitations: This five-credit program is not eligible for federal student aid due to credit hour requirements. Students must pay in full or arrange payment plans upon acceptance.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Scholarships are available for short certificate programs at CCD. Students should visit the scholarship website to determine eligibility and explore additional scholarship opportunities.

How to Apply

To enroll in the Community College of Denver CNA program:

1. Prepare Supplemental Materials: Gather vaccination records, complete background check through CastleBranch, and determine course placement through testing or transcript evaluation
2. Submit Online Application: Create account and select “Health Sciences Pathway” and “Nurse Aide: Nursing Certificate” from application dropdown menus
3. Upload Documentation: Submit all required supplemental materials including vaccination records, background check confirmation, and placement test results
4. Await Review: Allow minimum 14 days for application review and admission notification
5. Complete Registration: Upon acceptance, register for both NUA 1001 and NUA 1070 courses, attend online orientation, and obtain required materials

Students can contact [email protected] if they haven’t received communication within the expected timeframe.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Community College of Denver
• Lowry Campus Address: 1070 Alton Way, Denver, CO 80230
• Auraria Campus Address: 1111 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204
• Program Phone: 303.365.8300
• Program Email: [email protected]
• Department Chair: Lori Graybill ([email protected])
• Program Coordinator: Stephanie Bean ([email protected])
• Website: https://www.ccd.edu/program/nurse-aide

Additional Resources

Students have access to comprehensive program support resources:

• Program Curriculum: Detailed curriculum information available through the college catalog at catalog.ccd.edu including course descriptions and learning outcomes
• Testing Center: Course placement testing services available through CCD’s Testing Center for math and English requirements
• Auraria Health Center: On-campus health services for required immunizations and health documentation at healthcenter1.com
• CastleBranch Portal: Secure online system for completing required background checks at cccs.castlebranch.com
• Textbook Requirements: Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care – Long Term Care, 5th Edition (ISBN 978-1604250749) and accompanying workbook available through Auraria bookstore or other retailers
• Career Services: Information about employment opportunities in long-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, home healthcare, residential care facilities, and hospitals

Summary and Next Steps

The Community College of Denver CNA program in Denver, Colorado provides accessible, comprehensive training for aspiring certified nursing assistants through expert instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and flexible scheduling across two convenient campus locations. With Colorado Board of Nursing approval, affordable tuition for residents, and strong preparation for state certification, this program offers an excellent entry point into the growing healthcare field.

Ready to begin your healthcare career in Denver? Contact the program at [email protected] or call 303.365.8300 to learn about upcoming information sessions and application deadlines. If you’re still exploring your options, consider researching other CNA programs in the Denver metro area to find the perfect fit for your educational goals, schedule, and career aspirations.

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