Red Rocks Community College CNA Program

The Red Rocks Community College Nurse Aide Program in Lakewood, Colorado prepares students for meaningful careers in healthcare through comprehensive training and hands-on experience. This program serves career changers seeking stability, recent high school graduates exploring healthcare, and working adults who need flexible scheduling options to balance education with their current responsibilities.

Colorado’s growing health sector creates strong demand for certified nursing assistants, and this CNA training in Lakewood, Colorado provides the skills and certification needed to enter this rewarding field. The Colorado State Board of Nursing approves this program, and successful graduates are eligible to take the state certification exam to become licensed CNAs.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: Minimum 107 hours of training with flexible scheduling options (4 to 8 weeks depending on format)
• Cost of Program: $956.23 total tuition and fees (Colorado residents with COF), approximately $1,569.54 total program cost including additional expenses
• Accreditation: Approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information about current pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Hybrid format with 8-week Friday or Saturday all-day classes, plus accelerated 4-week option meeting 3 days per week

CNA Training Structure

The Red Rocks Community College certified nursing assistant program combines comprehensive theoretical knowledge with practical skills training through a hybrid learning approach.

• Classroom Learning: The program covers basic nursing assistant procedures, skills, restorative services, patient care, safety, and emergency care. Students develop understanding of responsibilities involved in working with patients of all ages in both wellness and illness, mental health issues, patient rights, and patient/family interactions. Online content is combined with on-campus skills lab practice.
• Clinical Experience: Students complete 28 hours of supervised clinical experience including one 12-hour hospital clinical and two 8-hour long-term care clinicals scheduled outside of classroom hours. These rotations provide hands-on patient care experience in real healthcare settings.
• Exam Preparation: The program prepares graduates to take the Colorado state certification exam, with coursework meeting all state board requirements for CNA licensure eligibility.

Admission Requirements

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

• Age and Education Prerequisites: Must be 18 years of age or older. College-level English comprehension demonstrated through completion of ENG 090, CCR 092, or CCR 094 (grade C or higher), English ACT of 18 or SAT of 440, Next Generation Accuplacer Writing score of 246 or higher, successful completion of ESL 053 & 093 coursework, or students with a college degree of AA, AS or higher.
• Required Documentation:
  • Current CPR Certification (Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers through American Heart Association or American Red Cross)
  • Successful completion of background check and drug screen
  • Statement from Health Care Provider form with all required vaccinations and TB test
  • Proof of all required immunizations including Chicken pox/Varivax, Tetanus/Tdap, MMR, Tuberculosis testing, Hepatitis B vaccine series, and seasonal influenza vaccine
• Application Process: Apply for admission to Red Rocks Community College and complete the “Easy Steps to become a RRCC Student” process available at www.rrcc.edu/admission.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The program offers multiple scheduling options to accommodate different student needs:

• Format Options: All courses are hybrid, combining online content with on-campus skills lab practice
• Schedule Varieties:
  • 8-week Friday all-day classes
  • 8-week Saturday all-day classes
  • Accelerated 4-week program meeting 3 days per week
• Flexible Learning: Online coursework allows students to complete theoretical components at their own pace, with required on-campus lab sessions and clinical rotations scheduled separately

Information sessions are held multiple times throughout the year. Upcoming sessions include February 20, March 13, and April 17, 2025, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Tuition: $956.23 total tuition and fees for Colorado residents (includes $595.60 for NUA 101, $148.90 for NUA 170, $8.50 class fees, and $203.23 registration fees with Colorado Opportunity Fund reduction applied)
• Additional Expenses: Approximately $613.31 for required materials including textbook ($20.50-$95.70), NUA uniform patch ($6.98), background check and drug test ($63.00), immunizations (approximately $50.00), burgundy scrubs ($30.00), closed-toe non-slip shoes ($50.00), wrist watch with second hand ($24.98), Colorado state exam ($130.00), and CPR/BLS certification ($80-$120).
• Payment Options: Monthly installment payment plans available for students taking at least four credits, with a $25 enrollment fee per term. Payments can be made via credit card or automatic bank withdrawal.
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,569.54 for the complete program including all fees and required materials.

How to Apply

To apply for the Red Rocks Community College CNA program:

1. Apply for admission to Red Rocks Community College through www.rrcc.edu/admission
2. Complete college-level English comprehension requirements
3. Enroll in NUA 101 and NUA 170 courses once you receive your student ID number
4. Obtain current CPR certification for Healthcare Providers
5. Complete background check and drug screen through the designated vendor
6. Complete the Statement of Health Care Provider form with required immunizations
7. Attend a program information session to learn more about course expectations

For step-by-step enrollment guidance, visit the college’s website or contact the program coordinators directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Red Rocks Community College
• Lakewood Campus Address: 13300 W. 6th Ave. Lakewood, CO 80228
• Arvada Campus Address: 10280 W 55th Ave. Arvada, CO 80002
• Program Coordinators:
  • Dan Macy: 303-914-6016 or [email protected]
  • Carmen Stephens: 303-914-6081 or [email protected]
• Main Campus Phone: 303-914-6600
• Website: www.rrcc.edu/nurse-aide

Additional Resources

Students have access to several helpful resources:

• D2L Orientation: Online learning platform training available at www.rrcc.edu/online/d2lorientation.html for accessing online course content
• Student Health Clinic: Available for required immunizations and health documentation if students don’t have a healthcare provider
• ExploreHealthCareers.org: Students register for this platform to explore the health industry, complete career assessments, find health programs, and connect with potential employers
• Student Checklist: Detailed first-day requirements checklist provided to ensure students come prepared with all necessary documentation and supplies

Summary and Next Steps

The Red Rocks Community College CNA program in Lakewood, Colorado offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant through flexible hybrid learning and hands-on clinical experience. With multiple scheduling options, affordable tuition for Colorado residents, and strong preparation for state certification, this program provides an accessible entry point into the growing healthcare field.

Ready to begin your healthcare career? Contact the program coordinators at Red Rocks Community College to learn about upcoming information sessions and enrollment 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 schedule and career goals.

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