Idaho State University CNA Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho offers comprehensive training for those seeking to enter the healthcare field. This program prepares students for employment opportunities in a variety of settings, including extended care facilities, hospitals, home health, and hospice situations. Whether you’re starting a new career path or looking to gain foundational healthcare skills, ISU’s CNA training provides the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed. Upon successful completion, students are qualified to take the state exams required for placement on the Idaho CNA registry, opening doors to immediate employment opportunities in the healthcare sector.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: Varies by format (12-20 weeks)
• Cost of Program: $800.00 plus additional costs for textbooks, CPR training, clinical attire, and immunizations
• Accreditation: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Board of Nursing, Idaho Division of Career Technical Education
• CNA Program Schedule: Multiple scheduling options available including daytime and evening classes

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The program includes 88 hours of classroom instruction covering essential nursing assistant skills. The classroom component features discussions, videos, and hands-on lab experiences that prepare students for their clinical rotations. Students learn the fundamental skills needed to provide care under the supervision of licensed nurses.

Clinical Experience

Students complete 32 hours of clinical experience in healthcare facilities, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. These clinical hours may occasionally be scheduled outside normal class hours, but students are provided with clinical dates at least one month in advance to help with planning. This hands-on training is essential for developing practical skills in patient care.

Exam Preparation

The program provides guidance in preparing for both the manual skills testing and written exam required by the State of Idaho for placement on the state registry. This preparation helps ensure students are well-equipped to pass their certification exams and become registered nursing assistants.

Admission Requirements

The program does note important requirements regarding background and health:

• ISU does not generally perform background checks for the CNA program (except for the State Hospital South Course)
• Students with criminal histories that would prevent passing a background check should consider whether this is the right career path
• Clinical facilities may require proof of COVID vaccination prior to clinical rotations

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

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Idaho State University offers several scheduling formats to accommodate different learning styles and time constraints:

• 12-Week Daytime Class: Meets 6 hours per session, twice per week
• 14-Week Evening Class: Meets 5 hours per session, twice per week
• 16-Week Web Supplemented Daytime Class: Meets 6 hours per skills session, every other week
• 20-Week Daytime Class: Meets 3 hours per session, twice per week (allows more time for learning and skill mastery)

Specific course sections available include:

• June 23 – September 10, 2025: Monday/Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• July 24 – December 9, 2025: Tuesday/Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• September 17 – December 10, 2025: Monday/Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The base tuition for the CNA program is $800.00. Students should also budget for additional expenses including:

• Textbooks
• BLS Healthcare Provider CPR training
• Clinical attire
• Clinical tools
• Required immunizations

Please contact the program directly for information about payment plans or financial assistance.

How to Apply

To apply for the Idaho State University CNA program:

1. Review available course options and schedules on the ISU website
2. Create a profile on the ISU Continuing Education and Workforce Training website
3. Select your preferred course section and click “Enroll”
4. Login or create an account to complete the enrollment process

Note that some course sections may be full, in which case you can join a waitlist. Also be aware that once a course has begun, students are ineligible for reimbursement or transfer of course fees.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Idaho State University Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT)
• Address: 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho, 83209
• Phone Number: (208) 282-3372
• Website: https://cetrain.isu.edu

Additional Resources

The program website mentions handouts available for more information about the CNA course. Students can access these resources by clicking the “Handouts” button on the program webpage. Additionally, prospective students with concerns about criminal history and its impact on CNA eligibility can visit the Idaho Criminal History Unit website at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/bcu and review the “denials” section.

Computer requirements for the program include:

• A computer with adequate memory
• High-speed internet access
• Up-to-date internet browser
• Basic Microsoft package (Word)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader

Summary and Next Steps

Idaho State University’s CNA program in Pocatello offers a well-structured pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant in Idaho. With flexible scheduling options ranging from 12 to 20 weeks, the program accommodates various learning preferences and time commitments. The combination of 88 classroom hours and 32 clinical hours ensures you’ll develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for success in healthcare settings. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career as a nursing assistant, visit the ISU Continuing Education website to explore upcoming class schedules and secure your spot in this comprehensive training program. This certification can serve as both an immediate employment credential and a foundation for further advancement in healthcare careers.

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