UM Bitterroot College CNA Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at University of Montana Bitterroot College in Hamilton, Montana provides comprehensive training for individuals looking to start their healthcare career. Whether you’re a high school student exploring healthcare professions or an adult seeking a new career path, this program prepares you with the essential skills needed to work as a nursing aide in various healthcare settings. Upon completion, you’ll be ready to take the Montana Certified Nurse Aide licensing exam and begin working as a valuable member of the healthcare team in long-term care, home care, hospice, or acute care settings.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: Fall 2024 Cohort (September – December) with 97 instructional hours of online didactic instruction and 48 hours of clinical rotations
• Cost of Program: $1,790 (includes tuition, materials, workbook, CPR & First Aid training fee, and State Licensing exam fee) with an additional $11 fee if requesting oral knowledge test
• Accreditation: Approved by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services under its Nurse Aide Registry Office
• Program Schedule: Combination of online learning and in-person clinical rotations
• Program Coordinator: Susan Robinson, RN (state-approved Program Coordinator)

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The program provides 97 instructional hours of online didactic instruction covering essential nursing assistant concepts. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM) and Saturdays (8:30 AM – 2:30 PM). The curriculum teaches students the information and skills needed to work as a nurse aide in various healthcare settings, preparing them for the state licensing examination.

Clinical Experience

Students complete 48 hours of hands-on clinical training through four 12-hour shifts. Clinical rotations take place at partner facilities including:

• 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM at the Living Center, Stevensville (2-3 rotations)
• 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM at the Bitterroot Heath, Hamilton (1-2 rotations)

These clinical experiences provide vital opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare environments under supervision. Attendance at a minimum of 4 clinical days is required to complete the program.

Exam Preparation

The program thoroughly prepares students to take the Montana Certified Nurse Aide licensing exam. The state licensing exam fee is included in the program cost. Students have the option to take the exam with questions read aloud (additional $11 fee) or to read on their own at no extra charge.

Admission Requirements

Age & Education

For students aged 16 to 18:

• Public or state-accredited private high school students: Must provide a recommendation letter from high school counselor or appropriate academic administrator
• Home school students: Must have qualifying TABE scores and complete an interview with the CNA Program Coordinator

For students 18 years of age or older:

• High school diploma, high school equivalency diploma (GED or HiSET), OR qualifying Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores
• TABE testing is available free of charge via Literacy Bitterroot (contact 406-363-2900)

Required Documentation

• Photo ID and original social security card for proof of identity and exam admittance
• Criminal background check ($20.00 fee, completed through the Criminal History Online Public Record Sheet Website)
• TB test results (within past year)
• Tdap vaccination record
• Most recently available seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccination records
• Must have a personal email account which can be accessed daily
• Must demonstrate requisite emotional and mental maturity/health for placement in a clinical setting
• Must be able to lift 40 to 60 lbs.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Fall 2024 Cohort schedule includes:

Online Didactic Instruction (97 instructional hours)

• Tuesday & Thursday evenings: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturdays: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• CPR Training (online)

Clinical Rotations (48 hours total)

• Four 12-hour shifts at approved healthcare facilities
• 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM at the Living Center, Stevensville (2-3 rotations)
• 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM at the Bitterroot Heath, Hamilton (1-2 rotations)

Students must complete both online coursework and clinical hours to be eligible to sit for the certification exam.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Cost

The full program fee is $1,790, which includes:

• Tuition
• Materials and workbook
• CPR & First Aid training fee
• State Licensing exam fee

Additional costs:

• $11 extra fee if requesting oral knowledge test
• Students must provide their own steno notebook, pen, pencil, highlighter, and watch with a second hand

Program fee assistance may be available. For high school students, the program fee may be partially offset by support from each high school. Contact the program directly for specific details about financial assistance options.

How to Apply

To apply for the UM Bitterroot College CNA Program:

1. Complete the Program Application form
2. Include full program fee payment ($1,790, plus $11 if requesting oral knowledge test)
3. Attach all required documentation:
   • Cleared background check documentation
   • TB Test and vaccination records (Tdap and flu)
   • High school transcript, GED/HiSET transcript, or TABE scores
   • Recommendation letter from high school counselor/administrator (if applicable)

For high school students, talk to your guidance counselor about application procedures. Home school students should call (406) 375-0100 or email [email protected] to schedule an interview with the CNA Program Coordinator.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: University of Montana Bitterroot College
• Address: 103 South 9th Street, Hamilton, Montana 59840
• Phone Number: (406) 375-0100
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Website: https://www.umt.edu/bitterroot-college/workforce-development-training/in-person-non-credit-workforce-training/cna.php

Additional Resources

For more information about the Montana Certified Nurse Aide licensing exam, visit the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Nurse Aide Registry Office.

Summary and Next Steps

The UM Bitterroot College CNA Program offers a comprehensive pathway to begin your healthcare career in Hamilton, Montana. As a certified nursing assistant, you’ll provide essential care services as a valuable member of the healthcare team. The program’s blend of online instruction and hands-on clinical experience prepares you for success on the Montana state licensing exam and for fulfilling work in diverse healthcare settings.

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