CNA Classes & Programs in Grand Junction, Colorado

Get Information from CNA Programs in Grand Junction and Nearby

Grand Junction is home to 2 CNA programs, providing essential training for those entering the healthcare field. Situated in western Colorado, this city offers opportunities for aspiring nursing assistants to develop practical skills and prepare for certification. Residents benefit from a supportive local environment, and those seeking more affordable options will find free CNA classes available in the area.

Training in Grand Junction is complemented by a range of local healthcare facilities, including 6 nursing homes, 4 hospitals, and several home health agencies. These institutions not only offer employment prospects after certification but also highlight the demand for qualified CNAs throughout the region. For those looking to complete their training more quickly, one accelerated program is available.

In the Grand Junction area, CNAs earn around $38,480 annually according to recent data. This figure helps prospective students gauge local earning potential as they consider enrolling in CNA classes or pursuing state certification.

Quick Facts About Grand Junction

  • Population
    65,918
    Residents
  • CNA Programs
    2
    State-approved Programs
  • Median Income
    $62,993
    Median Annual Income
  • CNA Hourly Rate
    $18.50
    Median Hourly Rate
  • CNA Yearly Salary
    $38,480
    Median Annual Salary
  • Facilities
    17
    CMS Healthcare Facilities
    6 Nursing Homes β€’ 4 Hospitals β€’ 7 Home Health Agencies

Get Information from CNA Programs in Grand Junction and Nearby

Schools in Grand Junction and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.

You'll receive information about:

  • Upcoming start dates & schedules
  • Tuition costs & financial aid options
  • Class locations & formats
  • Program details & requirements

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Browse CNA Classes in Grand Junction

Students in Grand Junction can choose from 2 CNA programs, including free CNA training and an accelerated option for those seeking a quicker path to Colorado state certification. These programs prepare students with practical knowledge and clinical skills needed for success on the state exam and readiness for employment throughout Grand Junction’s healthcare community.

Types of Classes Available

Free programs: available in Grand Junction through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Grand Junction and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Grand Junction but are offered in other cities throughout Colorado.

Western Colorado Area Health Education Center

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Private ✨ Free Program 🏒 Employer Sponsored πŸ’΅ Financial Aid Available 🀝 Job Placement Help πŸŒ™ Evening Classes Available
πŸ“ Grand Junction, 2938 North Ave, Unit B, Colorado 81504

Program Details

WCAHEC’s Nurse Aide Training Program is 104 hours and prepares students for the Colorado CNA exam, with day and evening cohorts offered. Apprenticeship options can cover tuition and provide employment support.
Total Cost: Free Total Hours: 104

Colorado Mesa University Tech

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Community College ⚑ Accelerated Program ✨ Free Program 🏒 Employer Sponsored πŸ’΅ Financial Aid Available 🀝 Job Placement Help πŸŒ™ Evening Classes Available
πŸ“ Grand Junction, 2501 Blichmann Ave, Colorado 81505

Program Details

CMU Tech’s in‑person Nurse Aide certificate runs about 5 weeks with day and evening options and a minimum of 92 contact hours; weeks 1–4 are classes and week 5 is clinical. An apprenticeship grant can cover tuition and place students with partner employers.
Total Cost: Free Total Hours: 92 Duration: 5 weeks

CNA Employment Opportunities in Grand Junction

CNA Salary Information

  • Annual Salary
    $38,480
    Median Yearly Pay
  • Hourly Rate
    $18.50
    Median Per Hour
  • Available Jobs
    640
    CNA Positions
Data for the region: Grand Junction area

CNA jobs in Grand Junction are supported by approximately 640 employed CNAs working across a range of healthcare settings. The presence of hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies reflects ongoing demand for certified nursing assistants within the local workforce. Many graduates of CNA training programs in Grand Junction find opportunities close to home thanks to the area’s established network of CMS-certified facilities.

The CNA salary in Grand Junction is around $38,480 per year (or about $18.50 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This regional median salary is slightly below Colorado’s statewide figure of $41,940 annually, reflecting localized wage trends. Prospective CNAs should consider both annual and hourly compensation when evaluating career pathways in the area.

Notable employers include Center at Foresight LLC, Theβ€”a 54-bed for-profit nursing facility; Larchwood Inns with 130 beds; and Eagle Ridge Post Acute, which offers care in a corporate setting with 70 beds. Hospital-based positions may be found at Community Hospital or Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. Home health agencies such as Elite Care At Home and Summitwest Care also contribute to the city’s diverse employment landscape for CNAs.

Sources


Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Grand Junction? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.

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Working in Nearby Cities

Looking beyond Grand Junction? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Montrose, Rifle, Delta, Olathe, and Glenwood Springs, or browse the Colorado CNA programs page for more options.

Working in Other States

Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.

Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA

If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.

Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Grand Junction (6 facilities)

6 nursing homes in Grand Junction providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data).

Center At Foresight Llc, The

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 606 Foresight Cir E

Facility Details

Beds: 54 CNA Hours: 2.9 per day

Larchwood Inns

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 2845 N 15Th St

Facility Details

Beds: 130 CNA Hours: 2.8 per day

Eagle Ridge Post Acute

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 2425 Teller Ave

Facility Details

Beds: 70 CNA Hours: 2.1 per day

Mantey Heights Rehabilitation & Care Center

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 2825 Patterson Rd

Facility Details

Beds: 88 CNA Hours: 1.9 per day

Red Cliffs Post Acute

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 2901 N 12Th St

Facility Details

Beds: 89 CNA Hours: 1.8 per day

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Grand Junction (4 facilities)

4 hospitals in Grand Junction offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 4 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data).

Grand Junction Va Medical Center

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 2121 N. Avenue

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care - Veterans Administration Rating: 5/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Community Hospital

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 2351 'G' Rd

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 4/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Intermountain Health St. Mary'S Regional Hospital

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 2635 N 7Th St

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 4/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

West Springs Hospital, Inc

Hospital
πŸ“ 515 28 3/4 Rd

Facility Details

Type: Psychiatric Emergency: Not Available

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Grand Junction (7 facilities)

7 home health agencies in Grand Junction providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data).

Elite Care At Home

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services πŸ† Top Quality
πŸ“ 715 Horizon Dr Ste 390

Facility Details

Quality: 5.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Centerwell Home Health

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 2764 Compass Dr Ste 108B

Facility Details

Quality: 4.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Summitwest Care

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 2800 Printers Way Ste 200

Facility Details

Quality: 4.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Abode Home Health Of Colorado

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 744 Horizon Ct Ste 128

Facility Details

Quality: 3.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Pasco/Sw Home Health - Grand Junction

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 2764 Compass Dr Ste 244

Facility Details

Quality: 3.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Requirements to Work as a CNA in Grand Junction, CO

To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Grand Junction, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Colorado. These include completing a Colorado State Board of Nursing–approved nurse aide training program, passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination administered by Credentia, and holding active certification with the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

  • At least 75 hours of training combining classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experience
  • Completion of the first 16 hours of pre-clinical training before any direct client contact
  • Passing both the knowledge exam (70 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours) and the skills evaluation (five randomly selected skills)
  • Up to three attempts per component, with both passed within 24 months of submitting your application to Credentia before retraining is required
  • Application disclosures and screening questions reviewed by the Board on a case-by-case basis
  • Certification issued by the Colorado State Board of Nursing through the CNA365 platform, with active status reflected in the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry

Once certified, you may work as a CNA in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living communities, home health agencies, hospices, and other healthcare settings throughout Grand Junction and across Colorado. Certification must be renewed every two years, and CNAs must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services during the certification period to remain eligible.

Already certified in another state? Colorado offers certification by endorsement for out-of-state nurse aides who hold a current, active certification in good standing. Applicants apply through the CNA365 platform, disclose any criminal or disciplinary history, and arrange verification of their out-of-state certification. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Colorado guide.

For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Colorado guide.

Career Growth & Advancement

Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:

  • Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
  • Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
  • Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
  • Opportunities in healthcare administration or education

Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Grand Junction

How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Grand Junction?

Most CNA programs in Grand Junction can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.

How much does CNA training cost in Grand Junction?

Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.

Are there free CNA classes in Grand Junction?

Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.

Are there online CNA training options available in Grand Junction?

Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.

Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Grand Junction?

Yes, some schools in Grand Junction or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.

Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?

Near Grand Junction there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Montrose, Rifle, Delta, Olathe, and Glenwood Springs. You can also look at the Colorado state page to find more.

How do I get listed on the Colorado CNA registry?

To work as a CNA in Colorado, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Colorado CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.

Where do CNAs work in Grand Junction?

CNAs in Grand Junction are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.

Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.