Colby Community College CNA Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas offers students a pathway to develop essential healthcare skills and begin a rewarding career in patient care. Perfect for both recent high school graduates and career changers looking for stability and purpose, this program serves as an excellent stepping stone for further education in nursing and other medical professions. Upon successful completion of this 90-hour course, students are eligible to take the Kansas Certified Nurse Aide exam for licensure, opening doors to entry-level positions in healthcare facilities throughout the state.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 90-hour course (5 credit hours)
• Cost of Program: For Kansas high school students, $75.00 fee plus approximately $80.00 for textbook/workbook package (tuition waived under Kansas Board of Regents’ CTE program). For all other students, tuition varies by residency plus fees and textbooks.
• Accreditation: Approved by the state of Kansas (students can take the Kansas Certified Nurse Aide exam for licensure upon completion)
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information
• CNA Program Schedule: Both online coursework and in-person labs and clinical sessions. Contact the program directly for specific scheduling options.

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning The CNA program at Colby Community College covers fundamental nursing care concepts through online coursework. Students learn how to perform basic nursing skills, understand regulations and requirements for providing care in nursing facilities, and prepare to meet the basic physiological and psychological needs of individuals in a healthcare setting.
• Clinical Experience Students must attend ALL labs and clinical sessions in person. The program provides supervised settings where students can apply nursing skills and practice patient care techniques. Class size is limited to ten students per CNA course to ensure quality hands-on training.
• Exam Preparation The program prepares students for the Kansas Certified Nurse Aide exam. Successful completion of the 90-hour course enables students to take this state licensing exam, which is required for CNA certification in Kansas.

Admission Requirements

• Age Requirements: Students must be at least 16 years of age by the course end date
• Physical Requirements: Students must be able to lift 50+ pounds to provide safe, effective resident care. Those with physical limitations or pre-existing conditions must provide a medical provider’s note of medical clearance.
• Health Requirements:
  • Flu vaccination may be required by the clinical facility during fall/winter months
  • COVID-19 vaccination is required due to federal law (recommended to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to starting clinicals)
  • Information about religious or medical exemptions will be provided at the beginning of the course
• Technical Requirements: For online portions, students must be computer literate and have reliable internet access

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Students must complete all online coursework and attend ALL labs and clinical sessions in person. It’s important for students to know the schedule before enrolling, as no absences are permitted for the clinical portions of the program.

Class sizes are limited to only ten students per CNA course section, ensuring personalized attention and quality training. For specific class schedules and start dates, please contact the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• For Kansas High School Students: Through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program offered by the Kansas Board of Regents, high school students have their tuition waived. Students only need to pay:
  • $75.00 fee
  • Approximately $80.00 for textbook/workbook package
  To secure this pricing, students must apply as high school students when submitting the Application for Admission.
• For All Other Students: Tuition rates per credit hour (for a 5-credit hour CNA course) plus fees:
  • Thomas County residents: $77 per credit hour ($385) + $34 student fee + $20 tech fee + $75 program fee + ~$80 for books
  • Kansas residents: $82 per credit hour ($410) + $34 student fee + $20 tech fee + $75 program fee + ~$80 for books
  • Regional residents (CO, MO, NE, OK, TX): $102 per credit hour ($510) + $34 student fee + $20 tech fee + $75 program fee + ~$80 for books
  • Out-of-State residents: $136 per credit hour ($680) + $34 student fee + $20 tech fee + $75 program fee + ~$80 for books
  • International students: $162 per credit hour ($810) + $34 student fee + $20 tech fee + $75 program fee + ~$80 for books

Note that these are the standard tuition rates for 2024-2025. Books are required to start the class. Some courses may have additional lab fees as indicated in the course listing.

For the most current tuition rates and financial aid options, please refer to the Colby Community College tuition and fees page or contact the school directly.

How to Apply

1. Submit an admission application if you haven’t done so already. High school students should use the High School Student Application to have tuition waived under the Kansas Board of Regents’ CTE program. All other students not enrolled in high school should use the standard Application for Admission.
2. Once you receive your Student ID via your acceptance email from CCC Admissions, you may enroll via TrojanWeb. A TrojanWeb guide is available for assistance with adding classes.
3. Order your books via colby.textbooktech.com. A step-by-step guide on how to order books is available on the school website.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Colby Community College
• Address: 1255 South Range Ave, Colby, KS 67701
• Phone Number: (785) 460-5513 (Sandra Koon, Academic Advisor and Bilingual Coordinator Specialist)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.colbycc.edu/academics/certificate-programs/allied-health/cna-cma.html

Additional contacts for the Trojan Advising Center:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (785) 460-4602, (785) 460-5513, or (785) 460-5401

Additional Resources

Colby Community College provides several helpful resources for CNA students:

• TrojanWeb guide for adding classes
• Step-by-step guide on how to order books
• Academic advisors to assist with enrollment and program questions

For access to these resources and more information, visit the Colby Community College website or contact the Trojan Advising Center directly.

Summary and Next Steps

The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas provides a solid foundation for those looking to start or change careers in healthcare. With affordable options especially for high school students, hands-on clinical experience, and a pathway to state certification, this program offers everything you need to begin your journey as a CNA.

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