Navajo Technical University CNA Program

The Nursing Assistant program at Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, New Mexico offers students a practical pathway into the healthcare field. This certificate program is designed for individuals interested in beginning a healthcare career or preparing for further nursing education. The program equips students with specific nursing assistant skill sets that prepare them for immediate employment in various healthcare settings. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Nursing Assistant Certificate and are eligible to take the New Mexico and Arizona Nurse Assisting Certification (CNA) exam, opening doors to careers in patient care across the region.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a career changer seeking more stability, or someone interested in exploring nursing before committing to a longer program, NTU’s certified nursing assistant training provides a solid foundation in healthcare fundamentals and patient care skills.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 1 semester (32-33 credits)
• Cost of Program: Estimated cost of attendance is $16,420 per academic year (including tuition and fees: $2,360, housing and meals: $7,360, books and supplies: $2,600, transportation: $1,600, personal/miscellaneous: $2,500)
• Accreditation: Navajo Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• State Exam Pass Rate: Please contact the program directly for information about exam pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Fall and spring semester offerings, with classes scheduled on specific days (typically Tuesday/Thursday for theory and lab, and Friday/Saturday for internship)

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Nursing Assistant program at Navajo Technical University includes two core nursing courses:

• NRS 101: Nursing Assistant Theory & Lab (5 credits)
• NRS 102: Nursing Assistant Internship (1 credit)

Additional required courses in the program include:

• NRS 103: Basic Medical Terminology (3 credits)
• NRS 110: Body Structure and Functions (4 credits)
• PSYC 1110: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• ENGL 1110: Composition I (3 credits)
• MTH 113: Technical Mathematics (3 credits)
• NAVXXX: Dine Studies (3 credits)
• BCIS 1115: Introduction to Computers (3 credits)
• SCC 100: College Success Skills (1 credit)
• Elective course (3-4 credits)

Clinical Experience

The clinical component of the program is covered in NRS 102: Nursing Assistant Internship (1 credit). Students gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings under supervision. The internship takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. This practical experience is essential for developing patient care skills in real-world environments.

Exam Preparation

The Nursing Assistant program prepares students to take the New Mexico and Arizona Nurse Assisting Certification (CNA) exam. The program curriculum has been evaluated and approved to meet the minimum federal and state requirements (Code of Federal Regulations CFR483.75 – CFR483.160). Please contact the program directly for specific information about exam preparation methods.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the Nursing Assistant program at Navajo Technical University, students must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum GPA of 2.1 (C) or permission from the instructor to take NRS 101/102
• Current CPR training prior to beginning the internship (CPR for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association)
• Physical exam and current tuberculosis test (PPD)
• Clear background check for clinical internship placement (NRS 102)
• Arizona students must complete background clearance through Arizona Department of Public Safety
• Health requirements include:
  • Physical exam with clearance from a healthcare provider
  • Immunizations including MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B (or signed waiver)
  • Negative TB Test or chest x-ray
  • Influenza vaccination
  • COVID-19 testing results and vaccination record as required by clinical site

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Based on the provided information, NTU’s Nursing Assistant program offers the following schedule options:

• NRS 101 (Nurse Assistant Theory & Lab): Two sections available
  • Section 1: Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Section 2: Tuesday/Thursday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• NRS 102 (Nurse Assistant Internship): Two sections available
  • Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

The program is offered at multiple locations, with the majority of enrollment at the Chinle and Crownpoint campuses. Please contact the program directly for the most current schedule information and location-specific offerings.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The estimated cost of attendance for the Nursing Assistant program at Navajo Technical University is:

• Total estimated cost: $16,420 per academic year, which includes:
  • Tuition and fees: $2,360
  • Housing and meals: $7,360
  • Books and supplies: $2,600
  • Transportation: $1,600
  • Personal/miscellaneous: $2,500

For Chinle students, anticipated expenses specifically for the nursing assistant courses include:

• Tuition for full-time fee: $855.00 (if student has CIB)
• NTU program fee: $175.00
• Athletic fee: $50.00
• Library fee: $50.00
• Technology fee: $50.00
• Student Activity fee: $50.00
• Textbook and workbook: $100.00 (est. for 1 class)
• Uniforms: $20-30.00
• Gait belt: $15.00
• Stethoscope: $30.00 (est.)
• Health exam and immunizations: $200.00 (est.) or no fee at Indian Health Service
• Drug screen: $70.00 (est.)
• Wrist watch: $20.00
• CPR: $51.00

Please contact the financial aid department directly for information about scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance options.

How to Apply

To apply to the Nursing Assistant program at Navajo Technical University:

1. Submit an application to Navajo Technical University
2. Meet with an academic advisor to discuss program requirements
3. Ensure you meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.1 (C) or obtain permission from the instructor
4. Complete all required health documentation, including:
   • Physical examination
   • Immunization records
   • Tuberculosis testing
   • Background check clearance
5. Register for required courses
6. Obtain CPR certification (CPR for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association)

Application timelines may vary by semester. Please contact the program directly for specific application deadlines and to confirm all requirements are met before enrollment.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Navajo Technical University
• Main Campus Address: PO Box 849, Crownpoint, NM 87313-0849
• Phone Number: 505.786.4100
• Program Director: Cristina Rivera Carpenter, PhD, MSN, RN, NE-BC (Interim Nursing Program Director), [email protected], 928.551.0063
• Instructor: Rachel Pacheco, Instructor of Nursing Assistant Program, [email protected], 505.387.7400
• Website: https://www.navajotech.edu/academics/certificate/nursing-assistant-cna

Additional Locations:

• Chinle Instructional Site: PO Box 849, Chinle, AZ 86503, Phone: 928.674.5764
• Teec Nos Pos Instructional Site: PO Box 1203, Teec Nos Pos, AZ 86514, Phone: 928.656.3600
• Kirtland Instructional Site: 40 Road 6580, Kirtland, NM 87417, Phone: 505.609.5020

Additional Resources

• Degree Checklist: The program provides a comprehensive degree checklist outlining all required courses and electives for the Nursing Assistant Certificate program. Available at: https://www.navajotech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Cert_Nursing_CNA_2024_2025.pdf
• Enrollment Data: Detailed enrollment statistics are available, showing program participation across different campuses, student demographics, and completion rates. Available at: https://www.navajotech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Nursing-Assistant-CNA-CERT-Enrollment-Data.pdf
• Academic Calendar: For important dates and deadlines throughout the academic year.
• Undergraduate Catalog: For comprehensive program information and university policies.

Summary and Next Steps

Navajo Technical University’s Nursing Assistant program provides a supportive environment for students to begin their healthcare careers in Crownpoint, New Mexico and surrounding areas. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, this one-semester certificate program prepares graduates to work as certified nursing assistants in various healthcare settings while also providing a foundation for those interested in pursuing further nursing education.

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