Course Description
Start your healthcare career with Montana Health Network’s flexible, engaging Online Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program. This 4-week, self-paced course prepares students with the core skills, knowledge, and clinical experience needed to provide high-quality patient care in diverse healthcare settings and to take the next step toward future nursing or allied-health careers.
Students complete the didactic portion entirely online through Canvas, with weekly interactive lessons, skills videos, quizzes, and discussion boards—each supported by clear expectations and instructor guidance. After successfully completing the online coursework, students transition into hands-on training, including 16 hours of supervised skills practice and 16 hours of clinical experience at an approved healthcare facility.
Our state-approved curriculum meets all MT DPHHS Nurse Aide Training Program requirements and fully prepares students for the Headmaster CNA Competency Examination (written and skills). Graduates receive support in scheduling their state exam and registering with the Montana Nurse Aide Registry.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a meaningful, rewarding career in healthcare, this program provides the foundation, flexibility, and real-world experience you need to succeed
Course Information
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the Nursing Assistant Course, students will be able to:
- Use medical terminology accurately
- List resident rights in long-term care, home care, and acute care settings
- Recognize and report resident behaviors that reflect unmet human needs
- Identify changes in a resident’s condition and appropriately report them to the nurse
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with residents, families, and cognitively impaired individuals
- Apply standard precautions and infection-control practices
- Practice safe body mechanics during all resident care
- Describe the role of the CNA within the healthcare team
- Safely demonstrate all state-required CNA skills in accordance with federal and MT DPHHS regulations
- Document and report observations and care accurately
- Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and accountability in both classroom and clinical settings
- Work under the supervision and direction of an RN and/or LPN
- Describe common changes in aging, basic pathophysiology, and how to adjust care based on resident needs
Program Cost
All students must complete both the online coursework and clinical hours to qualify for CNA certification.
(Clinical hours are required by MT DPHHS for CNA certification.)
(Clinical hours are required by MT DPHHS for CNA certification.)
Online Didactic Course: $475
Headmaster State Testing Fee: $150
Headmaster State Testing Fee: $150
Total Program Cost: $625
Students are responsible for coordinating their clinical hours with an approved healthcare facility.
Clinical sites may have their own onboarding or HR requirements, which can vary by facility.
Clinical sites may have their own onboarding or HR requirements, which can vary by facility.
Course Prerequisites / Health Requirements
Montana Health Network does not require immunizations, BLS certification, or TB testing to enroll in the online CNA course.
However, your clinical facility may require these items before you can participate in skills or clinical hours, including:
However, your clinical facility may require these items before you can participate in skills or clinical hours, including:
- Seasonal influenza vaccine
- Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider Card
- TB screening (Two-step PPD, or T-SPOT)
- Any other facility-specific HR requirements
Because each facility sets its own policies, students are responsible for checking with their chosen clinical site to determine what documentation is needed before scheduling skills and clinical hours.