College of Southern Idaho CNA Program

The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Certified Nursing Assistant program prepares students to provide essential hands-on care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. This practical training program in Twin Falls, Idaho, equips both career changers and new students with the skills needed to serve ill, injured, or disabled individuals under the supervision of licensed nurses. The CNA certification from CSI opens doors to immediate employment opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, and other healthcare facilities. Additionally, it provides a strong foundation for those interested in advancing their healthcare career, serving as either a requirement or providing extra points for students applying to other Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Health Sciences and Human Services at CSI.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 8-10 weeks
• Cost of Program: $840 for workforce development course (HWFE 102) plus textbook ($30-85); or tuition for 6 credits for the academic course (ALLH 102)
• Accreditation: Meets Idaho state requirements for CNA training
• CNA Program Schedule: Available in fall, spring, and summer semesters with day and evening options Monday through Friday; hybrid and face-to-face formats available

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The CSI CNA program offers comprehensive classroom instruction through either a workforce development course (HWFE 102) or a six-credit academic course (ALLH 102). The program teaches students the fundamental skills needed to provide basic nursing care services to patients under the supervision of licensed nurses.

Clinical Experience

The program includes clinical experience components that prepare students for hands-on patient care, though specific clinical hour requirements are not mentioned on the program’s website. Please contact the program directly for more information about clinical experience requirements.

Exam Preparation

The CSI CNA program prepares students to take the Idaho nurse aide registry exams. Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to take these exams and enter the workforce as certified nursing assistants.

Admission Requirements

• Must have a complete and clear background check
• Must pass a clear drug test
• COVID vaccination required
• Up-to-date TB test and flu vaccination (season permitting)

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

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The College of Southern Idaho offers flexible scheduling options for its CNA program:

• Available during fall, spring, and summer semesters
• Day and evening courses available Monday through Friday
• Hybrid (online/in-person combination) and face-to-face class formats
• Classes are held at the main campus in Twin Falls as well as at off-campus centers

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The CSI CNA program offers two enrollment options with different cost structures:

• Workforce Development Course (HWFE 102): $840 plus textbook costs ($30-85)
• Academic Course (ALLH 102): Cost is based on the current CSI credit rate multiplied by 6 credits

For in-district students (residents of Jerome and Twin Falls counties), the credit rate is $140 per credit as of the 2024-2025 academic year, making the approximate cost for the 6-credit ALLH 102 course $840 plus fees.

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.

How to Apply

To begin the application process for the CSI CNA program, students must first complete the health screening requirements:

1. Create an account with American DataBank
   • Purchase the CSI Tracking Package (12 months – $17)
   • Purchase the Background Check ($52 + additional county fees)
2. Complete immunization requirements
   • TB Test, Flu Vaccine, and COVID-19 Vaccine are required
   • Upload immunization records to American DataBank
3. Electronically sign the drug consent form through American DataBank
4. Complete a 7+ panel drug screen at the preferred Physician’s Immediate Care Center

Once all requirements are completed, the Health Sciences and Human Services (HSHS) staff will contact applicants with registration instructions using the email associated with their American DataBank account.

For a step-by-step admission guide, students can download the CNA program admission guide from the CSI website.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: College of Southern Idaho
• Address: 315 Falls Avenue, PO Box 1238, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238
• Phone Number: 208-732-6700 (HSHS Office)
• Email: For program-specific questions:
  • Eliecea Wheeler (Faculty Contact): [email protected], 208-732-6724
  • Rae Jean Larsen (Support Staff): [email protected], 208-732-6701
  • Matilda Wolfe (Support Staff): [email protected], 208-732-6702
  • Tamara Thompson (Support Staff): [email protected], 208-732-6703
• Website: http://hshs.csi.edu

Additional Resources

CSI offers free tutoring and educational support for students through the Learning and Tutoring Commons. Students can use the student portal to find drop-in times or schedule appointments.

For those pursuing the Basic Technical Certificate (BTC), additional course requirements include:

• ALLH 100 (Introduction to Allied Health)
• ALLH 101 (Medical Terminology)

Advising Contact Information:

• CSI students: 208-732-6730
• High School/Dual Credit Students: 208-732-6712
• Website: www.csi.edu/ge

Summary and Next Steps

The College of Southern Idaho’s CNA program in Twin Falls provides a straightforward path to starting your healthcare career. In just 8-10 weeks, you can gain the essential skills needed to enter the workforce as a certified nursing assistant or begin building a foundation for advancement in other healthcare fields. With flexible scheduling options, including day and evening classes, as well as hybrid and face-to-face formats, CSI makes it easier to fit training into your busy life. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare, contact the Health Sciences and Human Services office at 208-732-6700 to learn more about the application process and upcoming class schedules.

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