CNA Classes & Programs in Plains, Montana
1 state-approved CNA program in Plains. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Montana cities.
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CNA training in Plains
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,970
- $18.25 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 4,500
- across Montana
- Healthcare facilities
- 2
- 1 nursing home and 1 hospital
- Population
- 1,195
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Plains offers 1 CNA program that allows residents interested in healthcare careers to pursue formal nurse aide education close to home. Situated amid western Montana’s scenic landscapes, Plains gives aspiring CNAs convenient access to required coursework without travel outside their immediate community boundaries.
CNA training programs here emphasize both classroom learning and clinical preparation necessary for successful entry into patient care roles after graduation. Statewide in Montana, CNAs earn around $37,970 each year; however, no city-level wage data exists so these figures represent general statewide benchmarks rather than Plains-specific salaries at this time.
CNA courses offered within Plains enable graduates to meet qualification standards set by the state while preparing them for jobs with regional employers such as Clark Fork Valley Nursing Home or Clark Fork Valley Hospital following completion of their studies.
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Browse CNA Classes in Plains
Plains offers 1 CNA training program that prepares participants with essential knowledge required for Montana certification and direct-care responsibilities found across varied clinical environments. This single CNA training program supports readiness for placement on the state registry while helping meet regional healthcare demand by qualifying new aides capable of entering professional practice promptly upon graduation from their coursework.
Program Types in Plains
| Type | In Plains | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Plains | See other Montana cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Plains | See other Montana cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Plains | See other Montana cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Plains | See other Montana cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Plains
Clark Fork Valley Hospital
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 10 Kruger Rd, Plains, MT 59859
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (406) 826-4800
Clark Fork Valley Hospital operates a hospital-based Nurse Aide Training Program in Plains. Contact the hospital for current schedules, admission steps, and costs.
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.
CNA Programs Near Plains
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Major Montana cities
All Montana cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Plains
| 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 Plains are shaped by its modest size but supported by key medical employers present locally. Although detailed employment counts specific to Plains are not published separately from broader regional data sets, certified nurse aides continue playing indispensable roles serving patients through both acute-care settings and long-term residential environments typical of rural areas like this part of Montana.
CNA salary in Plains is not reported at the city level; therefore, statewide benchmarks apply—CNAs working anywhere within Montana earn around $37,970 per year based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) reporting standards. These figures offer general guidance but may not fully represent exact pay levels encountered by those working specifically within Plains itself given localized influences on compensation practices common across smaller communities statewide.
Mainstay employers include Clark Fork Valley Nursing Home—a non-profit corporation operating a 28-bed facility—and Clark Fork Valley Hospital—a voluntary non-profit critical access hospital providing emergency services—all CMS-certified according to July 2025 federal records reviewed here. These sites collectively represent major points of employment opportunity available directly inside Plains’s municipal boundaries today.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Plains (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Plains providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Clark Fork Valley Nursing Home10 Kruger Rd(406) 826-4800Map | 28 | 2.8 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Plains (1 facility)
1 hospital in Plains offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Clark Fork Valley HospitalCritical Access Hospitals · 10 Kruger Rd(406) 826-4800Map | – |
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 Plains? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Kalispell, Polson, Missoula, Arlee, and Hamilton, 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 Plains, MT
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Plains, 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 Plains 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 Plains.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Plains
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Plains?
Most CNA programs in Plains 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 Plains?
Contact the program in Plains directly for its current cost. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Plains?
No program in Plains 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 Plains?
No program in Plains 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 Plains?
No 4-week program is listed in Plains. 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 Plains there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Kalispell, Polson, Missoula, Arlee and Hamilton. 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 Plains?
CNAs in Plains are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 hospital in Plains. 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.