FAQ
Why become a CNA?
It’s the opportunity to further your career in the healthcare industry. Certified Nurse Aides play an integral role and are essential in completing the team in patient care. Labor department data reveals entry level healthcare providers are in a “recession-proof” industry. By acquiring your Colorado State license to practice as a C.N.A., you will also be on the career path to become an LPN or an RN and more. Certified nurse aides are the “compassionate” component of the team who touch the residents so closely!
What kind of work does a CNA do?
Certified Nurse Aides are the bedside professionals for a patient/client in a hospital, rehab, skilled nursing facility, long-term care or home setting. Certified Nurse Aides assist patients/clients with bathing, eating, dressing, toileting and exercise. Because they have so much direct contact with residents/clients, they are the “eyes and ears” for nurses and doctors. Certified Nursing Assistants are frequently the first healthcare providers who note and report abnormal signs and symptoms that save the lives of many patients/clients.
How long will it take me to become a Certified Nurse Aide?
The Immersion Course is designed for students who have never been certified as a Nurse Aide.
The Immersion Course consists of 10 days of training over a three week period. The first six days (two weeks) are classroom days: Mondays 0700-1630, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 0800 until 1630. Monday of the third week begins with a 9-hour lab and pre-clinical day, from 0700 until 1630. Tuesday is a clinical day 0600-1830. No class Wednesday. Thursday is a clinical day 0700-1930. Friday is 0800-1630 consisting of final exam, test applications and NATCEP skills review. Total hours: 92+.
The Evening Immersion Course consists of 17 days of training over a four week period. Week 1and 2 is Monday through Thursday 1700-2130, Saturday 0900-1330. Week 3 is Monday through Thursday 1700-2130. Week 4 has 2 12-hour clinical days. Tuesday from 0600-1830 and Thursday 0700-1930. The final exams and NATCEP skills review are Saturday of Week 4 from 0900-1330.
Refresher Training
This course is designed for individuals who have held a CNA license and it has lapsed, or whose license was issued in a state other than Colorado. While this class is NOT a requirement to sit for the NATCEP, it will prepare you to comfortably and confidently sit for both the written and skills test. The refresher training consists of six classroom / lab days running from 0800 until 1630. The comprehensive exam and Certification by Exam Application completion is the final day of class. Total hours: 32+
How much does the program cost and what does the cost include?
The total cost for the Immersion Course is $900.00. This includes a blood pressure kit (stethoscope, sphygmomanometer and cuff), one set of scrubs with embroidered logo necessary for clinical training, text and workbook, gait belt, logo watch with second hand, logo tote, name badge, background check, the urine drug screen, Tb skin test, and 100% of the cost of the BLS/CPR course. BEO Nurse Aide Training program is not responsible for shoes or the state test fee.
The cost of the Refresher Training is $470.00 and includes the workbook and textbook.
Where might I look for financial aid?
The state of Colorado offers financial aid through the Pikes Peak Workforce (719) 667-3720) or Pikes Peak Community Action Agency (719) 385-7910 to qualified applicants.
Military spouses can go to MyCAA on-line
Many employers offer employee education assistance. Talk to your supervisor or Human Resources Department for information.
What do I need to do to be certified by the Colorado State Board of Nursing?
After you complete a program approved by the State of Colorado, simply fill out and submit your application and training affidavit, along with your $95 application fee, to the State Board. We’ll even help you with that your last day of class! After the Board receives your application and fee, you will be assigned a test date and location. Once you take your boards, you will receive your results immediately.
Is the Nursing Aide certification lifetime?
No. The State of Colorado requires a renewal fee every two years.
Can I be a Certified Nurse Aide if I’m already enrolled in a nursing school?
Yes. After you complete the first 5 credit hours, you may sit for the state test.
Where can I work if I get my CNA license?
Hospitals employ CNA’s in a variety of roles. The job description requires a current, in good-standing, Certified Nurse Aide license. What if your area of interest is children and teens? The job description requires a current, in good-standing, Certified Nurse Aide license. How about rehabilitation of a patient with a hip replacement? What about the Intensive Care Unit? Or even Hospice? Again, having your current, in good-standing CNA license is necessary.
Long-term care facilities are big employers of Certified Nurse Aides. There are more than 20 LTC facilities in Colorado Springs alone.
Home Care is another huge employer of Certified Nursing Aides. Baby boomers are here followed closely by the Generation X population. Many families keep their seniors at home with compassionate outside support. Because Certified Nurse Aides have the skills to administer quality care and the licensing to be part of the healthcare team, they are in demand in the home care sector.
Do I take classes on-line?
The Beo Nurse Aide Training Program is not on-line. We are committed to the success of our students and that success relies upon focused, hands-on, supervised practice of pertinent skills. The CO Board of Nursing does not approve on-line NAT courses.
What types of benefits are offered to C.N.A.’s?
Health insurance for yourself and your family, life insurance for yourself and, in some instances, your family members. PERA’s are available in many settings. You are a valuable member of the healthcare team and necessary to the community.
Are the job duties hard?
A Certified nurse aide is physically active. You are helping clients ambulate, transfer and complete activities of daily living. You are part of a team that gives total care to a variety of patients/residents.
I have children. Are the work hours flexible?
C.N.A.’s can work days, evenings, nights, holidays and 7 days a week. They work shifts ranging from an hour every day 7 days a week or 12 hours 3 days a week. If your spouse works nights, you can work days and share childcare if you want to keep your child out of childcare. The hours are very flexible.
Can I get employment without experience?
The C.N.A. is an entry level position in healthcare.
