Becoming a CNA in Utah

What is Involved in Completing CNA Training in Utah?

Like all other states, Utah has certification requirements for anyone wishing to work as a nurse aide in a licensed medical facility.When seeking training programs that will help you earn your CNA certification in Utah, you need to make sure that the course is accredited and approved by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Utah

Step 1:

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

You can find at least 60 approved CNA training programs in Utah located in local vocational schools, hospitals, and other licensed medial facilities. Courses approved by the Utah Registry must have a minimum amount of class room learning hours which is set at 80.

You will be required to pass a mandatory criminal background, as well as undergo a complete health screening and physical.

Complete your CNA training. This should include both an in-class learning component as well as a clinical hands-on component, where the student will put their skills to the test in a clinical setting.

Courses during your CNA training in Utah will teach you the basics of nursing and other related skills. You can expect to learn how to perform tasks such as monitoring and recording a patients’ state of being mentally and physically fit, interacting with patients, safety, sanitation, and understanding medical terminology.

During the hands-on portion of your training, you will be required to master the skills that you learned in the classroom.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Utah

Step 2:

Register to take the CNA certification exam, which is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies Headmaster. Testing fees typically run around $70, and are often required when you submit your registration package. These fees are required to be paid with either a money order or certified check.

Step 3:

Study for your CNA certification exam, even if you think you don’t need to. After taking practice tests, you may find that there are some areas of your training that you may need to review.

Step 4:

Pass your CNA certification exam. You should arrive a little early to the testing site to ensure that you have enough time to check-in. Also, be prepared to show a photo ID, such as a state issued driver’s license.

The CNA certification exam in Utah consists of two sections – a written section and a skills section. The written section of the exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and it is designed to test you on what you learned during your training. This may include such things as basic nursing skills, what to do in emergency situations, patient rights, and infection control.

The skills portion of the exam is designed to test how well you perform basic nursing tasks. For this portion of the exam, you are required to be properly attired. This means you must be wearing scrubs, a watch, and close-toed shoes; additionally, your hair must be short or tied back, and you should not be wearing dangling jewelry. To pass this portion of the exam, you will be required to take a “patient’s” vital signs and wash your hands at the proper times. You will also need to perform five additional skills as well.

After testing is complete, your results will be calculated and official results will be mailed to you within about 10 days. If you pass, you will be added to the Utah State Nurse Aide Registry, and are free to start securing a job within the field.

Step 5:

Create your CNA resume with care. This seemingly simple document will often be a very influential part of securing a CNA job.

You may be thrilled to learn that the Utah Department of Workforce Services predicts a tremendous growth of 37% in CNA positions in Utah. The current median CNA salary is around $22,260 a year. Wages increase with experience and will depend to some extent on which area of the state you reside. You can also increase your salary by furthering your education, and possibly completing RN or LPN degree programs.

For additional information contact:

Utah Nurse Aide Registry
Utah Health Technology Certification Center
550 East 300 South, Kaysville, UT 84037
Phone: (801) 547-9947
Fax: (801) 593-2400