Choosing the right CNA training course for you can be difficult. There are a number of factors to consider when making this decision, such as location, cost, and length. Fortunately, we have made it easy for you by listing some of the best options below.
CNA Training Classes in Montana
There are typically four types of classes available in Montana for someone interested in being a Certified Nursing Assistant. Classes are offered on-campus, online, or evenings and weekends. The on-campus option is not usually set up for working professionals, while the online class is perfect when you have to work full-time. Evening and weekend courses are often geared towards students who can attend during the day time from 9AM – 4 PM without interfering with their current jobs.
These are state-approved colleges and offer quality training at affordable rates:
- Community Hospital of Anaconda
- Adult Education in Billings
- The University of Montana COT in Helena
- Evergreen Community College in Jefferson City
- Granite County Memorial Nursing Home in Philipsburg
Where can you Find Free CNA Training in Montana?
This is difficult to answer because the responsibility for providing CNA training in Montana falls under many different entities. The most common providers of CNA training are hospitals and nursing homes, although employers may offer this as an employee benefit, or it may be possible to apply for reimbursement through a state’s Nursing Board if you are receiving assistance from them. It is also possible to enroll in a CNA course with the Armed Forces by completing your military obligation.
A list of possibilities for Free training can be found at:
| Name of the School | Address | Contact No. |
| Billings Clinic | 2800 Tenth Avenue North, Billings, Montana | (406) 238-2500 |
| Big Sandy Medical Center | 166 Montana Avenue East, PO Box 530 Big Sandy, Montana 59520 | (406) 378-2188 |
| Fallon Medical Complex | 202 South 4th Street West, P.O Box 820, Baker, MT 59313 | (406) 778-3331 |
| Dawson Community College | 300 College Drive, Glendive, Montana 59330 | (406) 377-3396 |
| Missouri River Medical Center | 1501 Saint Charles, Fort Benton, MT 59442 | (406) 622-3331 |
| Stone Child College | 8294 Upper Box Elder Road, Box Elder, MT 59521 | (406) 395-4875 |
| The University of Montana | 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812 | (406) 243-0211 |
| Copper Ridge Health Care | 3706 West 9000 South, West Jordan, Utah- 84088 | (801) 280-2273 |
| Northern Montana Health Care | 30-13th Street P.O Box 1231 Havre, MT 59501 | (406) 265-2211 |
| Flathead Valley Community College | 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901 | (406) 756-3822 |
| Phillips County Hospital and Family Health Clinic | 311 South 8th Avenue East, Malta, MT | (406) 654-1100 |
| Livingston Health and Rehabilitation Center | 510 South 14th Street, Livingston, MT 59047 | (406) 222-0672 |
| Laurel Health and Rehabilitation Center | 820 3rd Avenue, Laurel, MT 59044 | (406) 628-8251 |
| Immanuel Lutheran Communities | 185 Crestline Avenue, Kalispell, MT 59901 | (406) 752-9622 |
| Valley View Estates Health Care Center | 225 North Eighth Street, Hamilton, Montana 59840 | (406) 363-1144 |
| Saint Luke Community Healthcare | 107 6th Avenue SW, Ronan, MT 59864 | (406) 676-4441 |
| Mineral Community Hospital | 1208 6th Avenue East, Superior, MT 59872 | (406) 822-4841 |
| Sidney Health Center | 216 14th Avenue Southwest, Sidney, MT 59270 | (406) 488-2100 |
| Marias Medical Center | P.O. Box 915, Shelby, MT 59474 | (406) 434-3200 |
| Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center | 105 5th Avenue East, Scobey, MT 59263 | (406) 487-2296 |
| Salish Kootenai College | 58138 US Highway 93, Pablo, MT 59855 | (406) 275-4800 |
| The Village Health Care Center | 2651 South Avenue West, Missoula, Montana 59804 | (406) 728-9162 |
| The Lifelong Learning Center | 310 South Curtis Street, Missoula, MT 59801 | (406) 549-8765 |
| Miles Community College | 2715 Dickinson Street, Miles City, MT 59301 | (406) 874-6100 |
How to Become a CNA in Montana?
To become a Montana CNA, find an approved training program and make sure you meet the pre-requisites first. Then register for classes, complete your coursework with passing grades on exams at end of each class session, take and pass the state certification exam after completing all requirements.
Prerequisites for CNA Courses in Montana
- Have high school diploma or Equivalent
- Having good communication skills (Both reading and writing)
- Passing a criminal history check
- Having a negative two-step TB test
- Having a physical exam report
- Having Current immunization records
How Long Does It Take To Become a CNA in Montana?
Montana’s CNAs are required to complete a minimum of 75 hours in training, with 45 hours spent in the classroom and 30 hours of practical sessions conducted by RNs or LPNs.
| Theoretical Session | 45 hours |
| Practical Session | 30 hours |
| Total | 75 hours |
What You Will Learn During The Training?
The coursework is broken up into two parts: the first part is based on theory and technical knowledge, while the second focuses more on practical skills.
The theoretical paper teaches you to answer multiple-choice questions about a class syllabus; which are much easier than essays for most schools. As for clinical practice, CNA students are expected to perform these hands-on lessons during job duty hours.
| Theoretical Session |
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| Practical Session |
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Procedure for The Montana CNA Certification Exam
You are eligible for certification after completing your Montana course. The exam includes two sections: a written test and a skills evaluation test, which tests students’ conceptual understanding of nursing with 72 multiple-choice questions as well as their ability to perform any five randomly selected tasks from the list. You will need at least 75% accuracy on the written portion in order to pass it; 80% is required for success with the clinical skill evaluations section.
| Exam Type | Question Type | Given Time |
| Written Test | 72 Multiple Choice | 90 Minutes |
| Practical Test | 5 Randomly Selected Skill | 35 Minutes |
The license exam fee for nurse aides in Montana is $75, and for reappearing, you will have to pay $50 for the skills paper and $40 for the theory paper.
How Much Does Montana CNA Program Cost?
Training costs can range from $200 to upwards of $1,400. Some programs will even charge you more than the average price for CNA training in Montana is around $1,000; they include expenses such as books and supplies with a background check or medical report included. Other low-cost classes only cover tuition fees without including any other costs associated with being prepared for service like exam preparation materials and equipment necessary for certification exams.
Is Financial Aid Available for CNA Program in Montana?
Yes. Not only will you find many CNA programs in Montana, but most students can qualify for financial aid through grants, scholarships, and student loans.
Student loans are available to students with a verifiable need who have completed the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants may also be awarded by organized agencies such as the Agency on Aging or Area Health Education Center in your state as well. If you live near a medical center, it’s likely they offer CNA scholarships or other avenues to receive scholarship money from them.
The financial support options differ depending on which trade you’re obtaining certification—type of CNA training course offered and the length of time etc…
How Much Does a CNA Make in Montana?
The average salary for a nurse aide in Montana is $30,440. For entry-level candidates who are just starting out as a nursing assistants can earn about $20,000 while those with more experience could be earning around $40,000.
We hope you have found this article helpful. If there’s anything else we can do to help please feel free to contact us or visit our FAQ post about CNA courses where we answer some common questions people may have about becoming certified as a nursing assistant. We hope that this has been helpful!
