CNA Classes in Utah

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Utah, you should understand the basic requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• No high school diploma or GED specifically required by state regulations
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must have basic reading and communication skills
• Must be proficient in English (both written and oral, as state exams are only offered in English)

Physical requirements are also important, as CNAs perform tasks requiring physical stamina. If you have injuries, serious illness, or are more than 6 months pregnant, you’ll need a medical release from a healthcare provider to take the skills portion of the certification exam.

Utah has established comprehensive training standards for nursing assistant programs:

• Total of 100 training hours required:
  • 50 hours of classroom instruction
  • 50 hours of hands-on clinical experience

The curriculum covers essential nursing assistant skills including basic patient care, infection control, safety procedures, communication skills, and residents’ rights. All training must be completed through programs approved by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR).

While UNAR provides oversight for all training programs, each program operates independently with its own schedule and teaching approach. Some programs, like Utah CNA Training Centers, offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training to accommodate different learning styles and schedules.

Selecting a quality training program approved by UNAR will prepare you for success:

• Programs are available through various approved providers across Utah:
  • Technical colleges (Southwest Technical College, Dixie Technical College)
  • Private training institutes (Orchard CNA, Utah CNA Training Centers)
  • Healthcare facilities

Program costs in Utah are relatively affordable compared to many other states:

• Orchard CNA (Orem): $475
• Utah CNA Training Centers (Multiple locations): $575
• Southwest Technical College (Cedar City): $549.50

What’s typically included in program costs:

• Tuition
• Textbooks (some programs offer loaner textbooks)
• Basic supplies
• State exam preparation

Additional expenses may include:

• Blood pressure cuff and stethoscope ($40)
• Scrubs (no specific color requirements in Utah)
• Watch with a second hand (smart watches not permitted during testing)

Program durations vary by provider:

• Orchard CNA: 4 weeks (80 hours classroom, 24 hours clinical)
• Ogden-Weber Technical College: 4 weeks
• Dixie Technical College: 4-18 weeks
• Utah CNA Training Centers: 60 days to complete all requirements

After completing your training, you must pass the Utah state competency examination:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Written Knowledge Exam: 75 multiple-choice questions with a minimum passing score of 75%
  • Manual Skills Exam: Demonstration of 5 randomly selected skills from a list of 22 possible skills

Important exam details:

• You have 1 year from training completion to pass both parts of the exam
• You’re allowed three attempts to pass each component
• If you fail after three attempts, you must repeat a UNAR-approved training program
• Testing time limit is 45 minutes for the skills portion
• Must score at least 80% on each skill performed, with 100% on key steps

When preparing for the exam, focus on mastering all 22 potential skills that could be tested. Students who test soon after completing their training have significantly higher pass rates than those who wait more than 3 months.

The final step in becoming a certified nursing assistant in Utah:

• After passing both parts of the exam and completing the background check, your name is automatically added to the Utah Nurse Aide Registry
• Your certification becomes active once you’re listed in the registry
• The registry identifies all individuals who have successfully completed a NATCEP with a passing score of 75%

The Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR), managed by the Utah Department of Health, is your primary resource for certification matters in Utah.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://utahcnaregistry.com/
• Phone: (801) 547-9947
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 450 Simmons Way, Suite 700, Kaysville, UT 84037

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides
• Approving and overseeing all nursing assistant training programs and instructors

To check your certification status, visit the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry Search portal: https://forms.davistech.edu/form.aspx?pid=1dddb55a-4a5d-4e76-9648-ee5084e587ef&formid=5a2495bf-f793-4246-8633-0a996f1c2832&nohome=0&completepageprompt=1&completepage=&completetext=&skipsaml=1 

Maintaining your CNA certification in Utah requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 200 hours as a paid nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • You will receive a renewal notice by mail approximately 40 days before your certification expires
  • The renewal form must be signed by a licensed nurse under whom you worked
  • Submit the completed form to the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry before expiration
  • No renewal fee for on-time renewals
• Lapsed certification:
  • If submitted within 6 months of expiration: Pay late fees for each month delayed
  • If 6-12 months after expiration: Must retest (pay testing fees)
  • If over 12 months: Must retrain and retest

For renewal forms and detailed instructions, visit: https://forms.davistech.edu/form.aspx?pid=1dddb55a-4a5d-4e76-9648-ee5084e587ef&formid=1f31fd5c-edef-4ad4-9613-8f1db079a2db&nohome=0&completepageprompt=1&completepage=&completetext=&skipsaml=1

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Utah, follow these steps for reciprocity:

• Complete the Utah Application for Certification by Reciprocity
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current and active nursing assistant credentials (temporary or expired certificates cannot be transferred)
  • Copy of your driver’s license (front only), passport, or other state-issued photo ID
  • Copy of your social security card (front only)
  • Pay the reciprocity application fee ($50)
• Email or mail your application and documents to the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry

Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. Utah does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://forms.davistech.edu/form.aspx?pid=1dddb55a-4a5d-4e76-9648-ee5084e587ef&formid=634a16b9-5e6e-44ef-b386-cc51b4128aac&nohome=0&completepageprompt=1&completepage=&completetext=&skipsaml=1 

While Utah doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:

Education Providers:

• Utah Technical College System
  • Website: https://www.utech.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Utah Health Care Association
  • Website: https://www.uthca.org/
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• Utah Nurses Association
  • Website: https://www.utnurse.org/
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• Elite Learning
  • Website: https://www.elitelearning.com/nursing/utah/
  • Provides online continuing education courses for healthcare professionals