About – NoCo CNA Education

A Clear Path to Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant

Overview of the program

If you’re ready to start a career in healthcare, this program gives you a clear and supported path forward. You’ll gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and confidence needed to step into a real patient care role—not just complete a course.

Structured, State-Approved Training

This is a 92-hour, state-approved CNA training program designed to meet Colorado requirements and prepare you for certification. You’ll move through a structured learning experience that builds your skills step by step.

Hands-On Learning from the Start

You won’t just sit in a classroom—you’ll practice what you learn in a lab setting before applying those skills in real clinical environments. This approach helps you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed when working with patients.

Real Clinical Experience

You’ll complete 20 hours of clinical training in an active healthcare facility, working alongside experienced professionals. This gives you a true understanding of what the job looks like day to day.

Built for Real-World Confidence

By the time you finish the program, you won’t just know the material—you’ll understand how to apply it. You’ll leave with practical experience and a clearer sense of what it’s like to work in healthcare.

Learn by Doing—Not Just Watching

What Classes Are Like

You won’t be left trying to figure things out on your own. This program is designed to walk you through each step, combining classroom learning with hands-on practice so you can build confidence as you go. You’ll start by learning the fundamentals, practice those skills in a lab setting, and then apply them during clinicals in a real healthcare environment—so nothing feels unfamiliar when it matters most.

Hands On Practice

Move from classroom learning to hands-on lab practice before working with real patients, so you feel prepared every step of the way.

Clinical Experience

Train in a real healthcare facility during clinicals, gaining experience that reflects what the job is actually like.

One-on-One Support

With small class sizes (16 students max), you’ll get more one-on-one support, clearer guidance, and the chance to ask questions as you learn.

Learn from Experienced Nurses Who Know the Work

Your instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re experienced healthcare professionals who understand what it takes to succeed on the job. They’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you build the confidence and skills you’ll use in real patient care settings.

Angela Fisher

Priscilla Faulkner

Priscilla Faulkner is a clinical educator at Northern Colorado CNA Education (NOCO CNA Ed). She instructed CNA’s for eight years at the Geriatric Education Center (Columbine Health Systems) before joining NoCo CNA Ed. Priscilla Is an Advanced Practice Nurse (Clinical Nurse Specialist). She earned a MS in Nursing from the University of Northern Colorado, a MA in Health Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a BS in Nursing from the University of North Dakota. Prior to teaching CNA’s Priscilla was a Lecturer at the University of Northern Colorado School of Nursing and practiced as a certified diabetes educator at North Colorado Medical Center. In addition, she has many years of experience in public health and home health care.
Priscilla enjoys going to University of Wyoming football games as well as spending time with her family at home in Fort Collins.

Anna Roberts

Kathleen Peterson

Kathleen (Kathy) Petersen is a Clinical Educator and Program Coordinator at Northern Colorado CNA Education. She became an RN in 2008 and worked in Med-Surg units for Banner Health until 2010 when she started work for Columbine Health Systems. Kathy worked for Columbine Health for a total of 15 years starting on the Rehab unit and then moving to Staff Development Coordinator (Nursing Education), Infection Preventionist & Wound Care Nurse positions. While working on the Rehab Unit Kathy concurrently worked as an instructor for Front Range Community College teaching hybrid CNA and Medical Terminology Courses (2008-2015). In 2021 she was offered a position as a Clinical Educator for Columbine Health Systems Geriatric Education Center and in 2023 assumed the position of Program Coordinator. In addition, Kathy has also worked as a Medical Secretary, Personal Care Provider (PCP) and Medical Assistant.
Kathy enjoys reading, playing with her granddaughter and target shooting.

Real experience, real support, and a clear path into healthcare

Why Train At NoCo CNA

Choosing a CNA program isn’t just about getting certified—it’s about feeling ready when you step into your first healthcare role. This program is designed to give you hands-on experience, personalized support, and a clearer path forward so you can move into the field with confidence.

Hands-On Training

You’ll gain real clinical experience in active healthcare settings, not just simulated environments. This helps you understand what the job actually looks like before you finish the program.

Real Facilities

Your clinicals take place in working healthcare facilities where you’ll interact with real patients and care teams. This gives you practical experience you can carry directly into your first job.

Experienced Instructors

You’ll learn from nurses and healthcare professionals who bring real-world insight into the classroom. They guide you through both the skills and what to expect on the job.

Small Classes

With classes capped at 16 students, you’ll get more one-on-one support and direct feedback. You won’t feel overlooked or lost in a large group.

Step-by-Step Learning

The program is structured to build your skills gradually—from classroom to lab to clinicals. This helps you feel prepared instead of overwhelmed.

Career Readiness

You’ll leave the program not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to step into a patient care role. You’ll understand expectations, responsibilities, and daily workflows.

Local Connections

You’ll train within a network connected to Cottonwood Healthcare, giving you exposure to real employers in the area. This can help open doors as you move into the workforce.

Clear Next Steps

From training to certification to employment, you’ll understand what comes next at each stage. You won’t be left guessing about how to move forward.

Qualifications

Before starting the program, it’s important to make sure this path is the right fit for you. These qualifications help ensure you’re prepared for both the training and the day-to-day responsibilities of working in patient care.

Basic Requirements

You must be at least 17 years old (parent or guardian consent is required if you are under 18). You’ll also need to be able to read, write, and communicate clearly in English so you can interact effectively with patients and healthcare teams.

Physical & Ability Requirements

This is an active, hands-on role. You should be able to stand and walk for extended periods, assist with lifting or moving patients, and have the manual dexterity needed to perform basic care tasks safely.

Behavioral & Professional Expectations

You should have a genuine interest in caring for others, especially the elderly, along with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Professional behavior, respect for others, and reliability are essential in both the classroom and clinical settings.

Requirements

Before your class begins, there are a few simple steps to complete to confirm your enrollment and prepare for clinical training.

Background Check

Complete a criminal background check within 3 months of your class start date. This is required for working in healthcare settings.

TB Test

Provide proof of a recent TB test before your program begins. This helps ensure a safe environment for patients and students.

Flu Vaccine

If your class falls during flu season, you’ll need to submit proof of a current flu vaccine. This requirement helps protect vulnerable patients.

Tuition Payment

Submit your full tuition payment at least one week before your start date. Your spot in the class is not guaranteed until payment is received.

Registration Form

Complete and submit your registration form to begin the enrollment process. This allows you to select your preferred class and secure availability.

Clinical Prep

Prepare for clinicals by having the required attire, including scrubs and closed-toe shoes. You’ll receive additional guidance so you know exactly what to expect.

Woman wearing scrubs and a stethoscope talking to a patient.

What Happens After You Apply

Once you complete your training, you’ll be ready to take the next step toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.

You’ll register for the state certification exam (administered through Credentia), which includes a written and skills evaluation.

After certification, you’ll be qualified to work in healthcare settings like skilled nursing facilities and hospitals—and you may also have opportunities to connect with local employers, including Cottonwood Healthcare.

View State Testing Resources

About The Program