CNA Classes in Utah (Top Schools)

The Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) holds jurisdiction over Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs.)

To be a CNA, you have to meet the following requirements:

• Complete a state-approved Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP)
• Pass the Utah CNA Exam

Taking a CNA Training Program in Utah

As a CNA, you assist senior nurses in providing basic nursing care to residents.

As such, you must receive an education from an approved NATCEP training facility.

In the program, you will spend 100 hours of training, with 24 hours of supervised clinical training.

Generally, the program is offered by community colleges and nursing facilities, some of which are listed below.

For the complete and updated list of NATCEP providers, visit UNAR’s website.

Evaluating a CNA Candidate

After completing training, you will take the state competency exam.

Unlike other states, Utah administers its own CNA exam through approved testing centers.

Further, UNAR contracted with D&SDT-Headmaster to help with the exam registration and scheduling.

The Utah CNA Exam

The state competency exam has two parts: a written test and a skills test.

You have one year from the date of training completion to pass both tests.

Here are the important things you should know about both tests.

Written Test

• It’s a computer-based test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions.
• You’ll take the test with audio available (headphones provided by the testing center).
• If you have a documented disability, the following will be available to you:
  • A paper-and-pencil test
  • A reader designated by the testing center
• You can bring a translation dictionary in your native language subject to the proctor’s inspection.
• The passing rate is 75%.

Skills Test

• During the test, you have to competently perform the following:
  • A set of vital signs
  • Handwashing
  • 5 randomly selected skills from the Skills Task Listing
• All critical criteria must be accounted for.
  • Infection control and standard precautions
  • Safety
  • Residents rights
  • Communication
  • Recognizing and reporting changes
• The RN examiner will give you two helpful prompts only during the test.
• You have 40 minutes to complete all assigned skills.

Exam Results

After taking both tests, you will receive your exam results by mail in eight to ten days.

If you pass both tests, your name will be added to UNAR.

But if you don’t, you will have to retake the test/s you failed, following the retesting instructions in your score report.

You can also contact your NATCEP provider for more retesting information.

Note: Your CNA certificate is only valid for two years and must be renewed before it expires.

CNA Candidates Eligible for the Utah CNA Exam

Before applying for the exam, you must first know if you’re eligible to take it.

UNAR allows the following candidates to sit for the CNA Exam:

1. Newly-trained Utah nursing assistants
2. Utah CNAs with less than 12 months of expired certification but is in good standing with UNAR
3. Nursing students who completed the nursing fundamentals course
4. Nursing graduates who completed the nursing fundamentals course in the last two years
5. Licensed nurses in any state with expired licenses but is in good standing in their respective state’s professional board
6. Out-of-state CNAs with expired certification

All except for candidates belonging to nos. 2 and 5 will have three attempts to pass both tests.

Meanwhile, candidates 2 and 5 will only have one attempt.

Otherwise, you’ll need to re-enroll in NATCEP to be eligible for the Utah CNA Exam again.

For the application requirements and documentation, visit UNAR’s website.

Certification by Reciprocity

For out-of-state CNAs, you can be granted reciprocity if you:

• Have an active status in another state’s NAR
• Are in good standing in that state’s NAR

Simply submit the following to UNAR for verification and approval:

• Duly accomplished Application for Enrollment By Reciprocity
• Proof of CNA certification

If you have more questions, you can contact UNAR at (801) 547-9947.

Potential Salary

CNAs enjoy good salaries in Utah.

Currently, you can receive an average salary of $30,021 annually here.

But of course, salaries vary from place to place.

That’s due to the influence of many factors, such as:

• Education
• Skill level
• Working experience

Below you’ll find the salary information in the different places in the state.

CNA Schools by City

• Salt Lake City