How To Become a CNA Colorado

Ready to begin a fulfilling nursing career in Colorado? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an excellent way to get started in this compassionate journey filled with opportunities.

As a CNA, your role involves keeping a caring eye on patients’ well-being, assisting with daily activities, and ensuring their comfort during recovery. However, understanding the essential requirements is key to kickstarting your rewarding career.

At Abby Care, we understand the journey you’re about to undertake in the healthcare field, and we have just what it takes to equip you with the necessary skills in an environment where your innate compassion becomes a powerful tool in the service of others.

To take the first step toward realizing your dream, our team at Abby Care has crafted this guide on how to become a CNA in Colorado. It provides guidance tailored to the state’s unique healthcare landscape.

What Are the Requirements to Become a CNA?

Becoming a CNA in Colorado is an exciting journey, and to get started, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet, including:

• Completing State-recognized Training: To kick off your journey, join a state-approved CNA program, like Abby Care’s Family CNA program, where you’ll complete the required training hours (usually takes 75 hours) for about 3 weeks to a semester.
• Passing a Background Check: Keeping a clean record is important for your CNA career. While you don’t need a specific education level, the Colorado Board of Nursing usually checks your background to make sure you have a clear record before you start working in the state’s healthcare field.
• Having the Necessary Documentation: Making sure you have the right documents is important for becoming a CNA in Colorado. You should be 18 or older (or 16 with legal guardian consent) and need proof of citizenship, residency, a Social Security Card, or a High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Being Up-to-date on Immunizations: Keeping up with your vaccinations is important for CNA work. You just need to show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination, and there might be a request for a TB test.
• Passing the CNA Certification Examination: To become a CNA, you need to submit an application and pass the two-part National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) certification exam within two years.

Registering for the CNA Exam

The Colorado CNA exam has two parts: the written (or oral) examination and the skills evaluation. Here’s how it works:

First, you complete a state-approved CNA training program. Then, you register for the exam online using Credentia’s CNA365 system. After finishing your training, you can schedule your exam through CNA365.

The written CNA certification examination has 70 questions, with 60 being multiple-choice and 10 about reading comprehension. You get two hours to finish it. If you go for the oral exam, it’s a bit longer, with 160 questions.

The skills evaluation checks how well you can do tasks like helping with personal patient care, such as bathing and getting dressed, making sure patients eat and drink properly, assisting with bathroom needs, and ensuring they get good rest. It also looks at how you handle basic nursing tasks and understand how to prevent infections.

Remember, to be listed on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry, you need to pass both parts of the exam. The good news is, with Abby Care by your side, there’s no need to worry because we’ve got you covered every step of the way. If you’re a family looking into the Family CNA program, we’re here to assist you in scheduling the exam and provide support in your study journey.

Tips for Success

To help you prepare for the Colorado CNA exam, here are practical tips to ensure you shine on exam day.

1. Review Exam Content. Familiarize yourself with the CNA certification exam content and format, which usually involves written and hands-on tasks.
2. Practice. Boost your confidence by practicing the skills you’ll be tested on. Partner with a friend, family member, or study group for effective preparation.
3. Manage Your Time. Create and stick to a study schedule to ensure you have ample time for preparation. Develop effective time management techniques to stay on track.

Application Process

Your path to becoming a CNA in Colorado involves three simple steps:

1. Complete an Approved Training Program. Begin by successfully finishing a state-approved CNA training program.
2. Apply to the Colorado Board of Nursing. Take the next step by submitting your application to the Colorado Board of Nursing. This is your key to registering for the CNA exam.
3. Apply for Certification. Once you’ve passed the exam, apply for certification. Apply along with proof of completing the CNA program and passing the exam, like transcripts or training program completion documentation.

Throughout this process, Abby Care is here to offer guidance and support to families looking into becoming Family CNAs, ensuring a seamless journey toward your CNA certification.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

The background check process is all about making sure patients in the care of CNAs are safe and well-cared for. The Colorado Board of Nursing thoroughly checks your past to ensure you are a good fit for the CNA role. This way, the board makes sure healthcare professionals are trustworthy and can create a secure environment for patients.

1. Fingerprinting Requirements: Fingerprinting is a crucial step in verifying your identity and looking into your records. To be certified as a CNA in Colorado, you will be required to provide your fingerprints to a state-approved agency. Following this rule shows you are committed to keeping patients safe within the healthcare system.
2. Ensuring Compliance With Regulations: Embracing background checks and fingerprinting is more than just following rules; it’s about ensuring you’re on the right track to becoming a Certified Nursing Aid in Colorado. Besides cases of theft and drug abuse, your employers want to be sure your record doesn’t show any history of patient abuse or other criminal convictions. This entire process is designed to make sure that you meet the necessary standards set by the state. Remember, becoming a CNA is about becoming eligible for a fulfilling healthcare career.

Certification Renewal

After earning your CNA certification, it’s vital to keep it up to date. In Colorado, you renew your certification every two years. You can easily renew online through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies website. However, to maintain your license active and be able to renew it you must complete 12 hours of continuing education each year. This will ensure your license remains active and you continue honing your skills as a healthcare professional.  

Conclusion

In Colorado, becoming a CNA involves completing state-approved training, passing the certification exam, and successfully navigating background checks. These requirements might feel overwhelming even if you are drawn to the nursing field. If you’re looking to start a fulfilling career as a Family CNA, contact us today, and we’ll be happy to assist you in this rewarding journey.

Sources

https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/CNAApplications

https://www.registerednursing.org/certified-nursing-assistant/programs/colorado/

https://www.cnaprograms.org/cna-programs-by-state/colorado.html

https://www.cnalicense.org/by-state/colorado/