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Great Basin College CNA Program

Great Basin College offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to transform aspiring healthcare professionals into competent, compassionate caregivers. Based in Elko, Nevada, with additional locations in Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Ely, and Pahrump, this program is perfect for both recent high school graduates and career changers looking for a meaningful healthcare career path. Students gain essential nursing assistant skills through a balance of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience, preparing them to provide excellent care as part of a healthcare team and qualify for the Nevada State Board of Nursing certification exam.

CNA Program Quick Facts

  • Program Length: 6 weeks (standard program); 3 weeks (accelerated winter break option)
  • Cost of Program: Between $900 and $1,000 total (includes fees, materials, and certification costs)
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for current pass rate information
  • CNA Program Schedule: Traditional in-person and hybrid options available

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Great Basin College CNA program includes 20 hours of didactic (classroom) work covering essential nursing assistant skills. Students learn to define the role of a nursing assistant, understand their responsibilities, and gain knowledge of safe, competent care practices within the guidelines of a nursing assistant. The program emphasizes providing care that respects the rights of every patient.

Clinical Experience

Students complete 20 hours of hands-on skills training in a laboratory setting, followed by 20 hours of supervised clinical experience in healthcare facilities. This real-world practice allows students to apply their knowledge and develop the practical skills needed to function as valuable members of the healthcare team.

Exam Preparation

The program prepares students for the Nevada State Board of Nursing certification process. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be ready to create an account in the Nurse Portal, complete a CNA license application, and schedule both the written and skills exams through Credentia, the official testing provider.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in Great Basin College’s CNA program, applicants must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Apply to Great Basin College
  • Complete a background check and drug screening through Complio
  • Provide proof of health insurance
  • Complete a two-step TB skin test or Quantiferon Gold lab test
  • Submit documentation of required immunizations:
    • MMR series or booster or appropriate titer levels
    • Varicella (2 dose series or adequate titers)
    • Hepatitis B series (3 or 2 dose series or titers)
    • Current Influenza Vaccine
    • Tdap within last 10 years
  • Obtain American Heart Association BLS (Basic Life Support) certification
  • Purchase FACETS code during class ($55)

No high school diploma or GED is required to enroll in the CNA course.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Great Basin College offers several flexible scheduling options for CNA training:

  • Traditional Format: A six-week course consisting of 20 hours of classroom work, 20 hours of skills training, and 20 hours of clinical experience
  • Hybrid Option: First week taught online, second through fourth weeks scheduled for skills training, with the last two weeks dedicated to clinical days and testing
  • Accelerated Format: A fast-paced, three-week course scheduled during winter break

Classes are available at multiple locations across Nevada, including Elko, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Ely, and Pahrump. Contact the program directly for specific start dates and times at each location.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The total cost for the CNA program at Great Basin College ranges from $900 to $1,000, which includes:

  • Class fees (approximately $582 plus an $80 lab fee)
  • Textbooks, uniform, shoes, and a watch with a second hand
  • Background check and drug screening reports ($95.50)
  • Fingerprinting charges and application fees for licensing with Nevada State Board of Nursing (approximately $105)
  • Nevada state CNA exams ($120, payable to the Board of Regents)

Financial aid options include:

  • Student Financial Services assistance (contact 775-327-2095 for eligibility)
  • Job Opportunities in Nevada (JOIN) program (contact 775-753-1700 to determine eligibility)
  • Various scholarships (contact the financial aid office for current opportunities)

How to Apply

To apply for the Great Basin College CNA program:

  1. Complete an application to Great Basin College through their Admissions department
  2. Subscribe to the Complio package for your location (choose the student bundle option) at http://gbcnvcompliance.com
  3. Complete all prerequisite requirements (background check, immunizations, CPR certification)
  4. Once prerequisites are complete, visit the Health Science Department or your local center to enroll in the course
  5. Register for NURS 130 through MyGBC (search for term, enter “NURS” as subject and “130” as course number)

For assistance with the application process, contact the CNA Program Coordinator or the Health Sciences Department.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Additional campus locations offering the CNA program include Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Ely, and Pahrump, Nevada.

Additional Resources

Great Basin College provides several resources to support your CNA education:

Summary and Next Steps

Great Basin College’s CNA program in Nevada offers a supportive, comprehensive pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant across multiple locations including Elko, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Ely, and Pahrump. With its mission to graduate “competent, safe and compassionate nursing assistants,” the program provides the perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice to prepare you for success on the Nevada State certification exam and in your healthcare career.

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