CNA Classes & Programs in Helena, Montana
2 state-approved CNA programs in Helena. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Montana cities.
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CNA training in Helena
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,970
- $18.25 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 4,500
- across Montana
- Healthcare facilities
- 6
- 2 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 33,639
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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Helena has 2 CNA programs available for those interested in starting a healthcare career. As Montana's capital, the city offers training that meets state requirements and prepares candidates for certification as nursing assistants. Statewide in Montana, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $37,970, though local salaries may vary depending on experience and employer.
Students in Helena gain practical experience at a range of healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, acute care hospitals, and home health agencies. These settings often provide valuable clinical opportunities for CNA students and may serve as potential employers after certification. Available programs are structured to meet Montana's certification standards.
CNA classes in Helena emphasize hands-on skills and job readiness for local healthcare environments. Graduates may pursue opportunities with area employers seeking trained nursing assistants.
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Browse CNA Classes in Helena
Helena offers 2 CNA training programs that prepare students for Montana state certification and entry-level healthcare careers. Each program equips individuals with essential skills for state registry placement, supporting readiness for positions where CNAs are needed locally. Instruction is designed to help students succeed on the certification exam and begin working in healthcare environments.
Program Types in Helena
| Type | In Helena | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Helena | See other Montana cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Helena | See other Montana cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Helena | See other Montana cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Helena | See other Montana cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Helena
Lowest published cost first.
CNA Productions
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- Helena, MT
- Phone
- (317) 494-0051
CNA Productions is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Helena College
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1115 N Roberts St #117, Helena, MT 59601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (406) 447-6944
Helena College Community Education offers an in-person, non-credit Certified Nursing Assistant course through its Continuing Education Center.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Montana cities
All Montana cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Helena
| Median annual pay | $37,970 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.25 |
| CNA jobs across Montana | 4,500 |
| Salary region | Montana (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Helena remain in demand due to ongoing needs within the city’s medical sector. With a mix of hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies, certified nursing assistants have several avenues for employment after completing their training and obtaining licensure.
City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference. Statewide in Montana, CNAs earn a median salary of $37,970 per year (about $18.25 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Actual salaries may differ depending on facility type and experience level, but this benchmark offers a general idea of earning potential for those entering the field.
Helena features a diverse selection of CMS-certified facilities where CNAs may find work. Notable employers include Mount Ascension Transitional Care of Cascadia—a 108-bed nursing facility—and Cooney Healthcare and Rehabilitation with 90 beds. Acute care is provided at St Peters Health, a voluntary non-profit hospital rated highly by CMS, while Shodair Children's Hospital offers specialized psychiatric services. Home health opportunities exist at Enhabit Home Health and St Peter's Health Home Health and Hospice, both providing nursing care services within the community.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Helena (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Helena providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Ascension Transitional Care Of Cascadia2475 Winne Ave(406) 442-1350Map | 108 | 2.1 |
| Cooney Healthcare And Rehabilitation2555 E Broadway(406) 447-1650Map | 90 | 1.6 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Helena (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Helena offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| St Peters HealthAcute Care Hospitals · 2475 Broadway(406) 457-4180Map | 4/5 |
| Shodair Children'S HospitalPsychiatric · 2755 Colonial Dr(406) 444-7500Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Helena (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Helena providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Enhabit Home Health2827 Airport Road Suite A(406) 443-4140Map | 2.5/5 |
| St Peter'S Health Home Health And Hospice201 S California(406) 444-2244Map | 2.0/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Helena? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Clancy, Butte, Townsend, Great Falls, and Belgrade, or browse the Montana 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.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Helena, MT
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Helena, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Montana. These include completing a Montana DPHHS-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP), passing the state knowledge and skills competency examinations administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and being placed on the Montana Nurse Aide Registry through the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
- At least 75 total hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training
- Completion of 16 hours of introductory instruction before any direct resident contact
- Any criminal background checks required by the training program or employer. Training programs may set a minimum age, and some start at 16
- Passing the knowledge exam (72 questions, 90 minutes, 75% to pass) and the manual skills exam (three or four tasks, 35 minutes, all critical steps plus 80% of remaining steps)
- Up to three attempts per component within six months of completing training
- Placement on the Montana Nurse Aide Registry, with certification issued by DPHHS (not the Board of Nursing) through the online BOUNDS portal
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings throughout Helena and across Montana. CNA certification must be renewed every two years, and to renew you must have completed at least one 8-hour shift of paid nursing or nursing-related work during the preceding 24 months. Renewals are submitted through the BOUNDS portal and may be started up to 90 days before expiration. Federal rules bar the state from charging a registry fee, but candidates pay the Headmaster competency examination fees ($20 for the written exam or $31 for audio, plus $77 for the skills exam).
Already certified in another state? Montana offers interstate endorsement for nursing assistants who hold a current CNA certification or registration in another U.S. state or territory. Eligible applicants transfer their certification through the BOUNDS portal without completing a new Montana training program or retaking the competency exam. Montana also allows eligible candidates to challenge the competency exam without completing a training program, with one opportunity to pass. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Montana guide.
For complete details on training, testing, certification, and renewal, see our full CNA License & Registration in Montana 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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Helena.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Helena
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Helena?
Most CNA programs in Helena 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 Helena?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Helena directly for their current costs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Helena?
No program in Helena is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Montana cities. 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 Helena?
No program in Helena is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Montana cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Helena?
No 4-week program is listed in Helena. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Montana cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Helena there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Clancy, Butte, Townsend, Great Falls and Belgrade. You can also look at the Montana state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Montana CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Montana, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Montana CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Helena?
CNAs in Helena are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Helena. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.