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About The Program

A Clear Path to Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant

Formerly Columbine Geriatric Education Center

About Our CNA Training Program

Northern Colorado CNA Education provides a Colorado state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program designed to prepare students for certification and a successful career in healthcare. Through classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, and supervised clinical experience, you'll develop the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to provide compassionate patient care from day one.

Whether your goal is to begin working as a CNA, prepare for nursing school, or gain valuable healthcare experience, our program offers a structured learning environment that helps you build a strong foundation for your future.

Structured, State-Approved Training

Our comprehensive 92-hour CNA training program meets Colorado state requirements and prepares students for the CNA certification exam. Each lesson builds on the last, helping you develop the clinical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in today's healthcare environment.

Hands-On Learning from Day One

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You'll practice essential nursing assistant skills in a supervised lab before applying them during clinical training in a real healthcare setting. This step-by-step approach helps you build confidence before caring for patients.

Real Clinical Experience

Every student completes 20 hours of supervised clinical training alongside experienced healthcare professionals. This real-world experience gives you valuable insight into daily patient care while helping you prepare for your future healthcare career.

Built for Real-World Success

Our goal isn't simply to help you earn your certification—it's to prepare you for the responsibilities of working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. By the time you complete the program, you'll have the knowledge, hands-on experience, and confidence to begin your healthcare career with confidence.
Learn by Doing—Not Just Watching

What Classes Are Like

Learning to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is about more than reading a textbook. Our Northern Colorado CNA training program combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, and supervised clinical experience to help you build confidence before caring for real patients.

From your first day in class, you'll practice the same skills you'll use in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare settings. By the time you begin clinicals, you'll already feel comfortable with the fundamentals and ready to apply them in a real-world environment.

Hands On Practice

You'll move from classroom instruction to supervised lab practice, where you'll develop essential nursing assistant skills before working directly with patients. This step-by-step approach helps you build confidence while mastering the techniques used every day in healthcare.

Clinical Experience

Gain valuable experience during supervised clinical rotations in an active healthcare facility. Working alongside experienced healthcare professionals gives you a realistic understanding of patient care while preparing you for your future career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Personalized Instruction

With small class sizes limited to 16 students, you'll receive personalized guidance, hands-on coaching, and opportunities to ask questions throughout your training. Our instructors are committed to helping every student build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.

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.

Our History

Northern Colorado CNA Education has a long history of preparing students for careers in healthcare. Formerly known as the Columbine Geriatric Education Center, the program has evolved into Northern Colorado CNA Education while continuing the same commitment to hands-on training, experienced instruction, and quality patient care. Our new name reflects where we’re headed, while building on the experience and trusted foundation that have shaped the program for years.

Real Experience, Personalized Support, and a Clear Path into Healthcare

Why Choose Northern Colorado CNA Education?

Choosing the right Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program is about more than preparing for a certification exam. It's about finding a program that gives you real experience, experienced instructors, and the confidence to begin your healthcare career. At Northern Colorado CNA Education, we combine hands-on learning, small class sizes, and real clinical experience to help students graduate prepared for success.

Hands-On Training

Develop practical nursing assistant skills through classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, and supervised clinical training. You'll build confidence by practicing the same techniques you'll use every day as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Real Healthcare Facilities

Complete your clinical experience in active healthcare facilities alongside patients and experienced care teams. This real-world training helps you understand the pace, expectations, and responsibilities of working in healthcare.

Experienced Instructors

Learn from experienced nurses and healthcare professionals who bring years of real-world knowledge into the classroom. They provide practical guidance, answer questions, and help you build confidence every step of the way.

Small Class Sizes

With classes limited to 16 students, you'll receive personalized instruction, direct feedback, and opportunities to ask questions throughout your training. Smaller classes create a more supportive learning environment and allow instructors to spend more time with each student.

Step-by-Step Learning

Our program follows a structured learning process that moves from classroom instruction to hands-on labs and clinical experience. Each step builds on the last so you can develop your skills at a comfortable pace.

Career Preparation

Graduate with more than a certification—you'll leave with practical patient care experience, professional skills, and a better understanding of what to expect in your first healthcare role.

Local Healthcare Connections

As part of the Cottonwood Healthcare network, students gain exposure to experienced healthcare professionals and local employment opportunities throughout Northern Colorado. Building these connections can help you transition from training to your first healthcare position.

Support Beyond the Classroom

From enrollment through certification, our team is here to answer questions and guide you through each stage of the process. Whether you're preparing for clinicals or planning your next career step, you'll have support along the way.

Built on a Legacy of Healthcare Education

Serving Northern Colorado's Future Healthcare Professionals

Northern Colorado CNA Education is built on a long-standing commitment to preparing compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals for success. Formerly known as Columbine Geriatric Education Center, our program has evolved while continuing the same mission: providing high-quality Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training that prepares students for real careers in healthcare.

As part of the Cottonwood Healthcare family, students benefit from learning within an organization that understands the realities of patient care. Our instructors bring real-world experience into the classroom, and our clinical training gives students the opportunity to apply what they've learned in active healthcare environments.

We're proud to help meet the growing need for qualified healthcare professionals throughout Northern Colorado. Whether your goal is to begin working as a CNA, continue on to nursing school, or gain valuable patient care experience for another healthcare profession, we're committed to helping you build a strong foundation for your future.

Qualifications

Before enrolling in our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program, it's important to make sure you're ready for both the classroom and clinical portions of the course. These qualifications help ensure students are prepared to succeed in training and provide safe, compassionate patient care.

Basic Requirements

Applicants must be at least 17 years old (parent or guardian consent is required for students under 18). You'll also need to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to safely interact with patients, instructors, and healthcare teams throughout the program.

Physical & Professional Readiness

Working as a CNA is an active, hands-on career. Students should be comfortable standing, walking, assisting with patient movement, and performing everyday caregiving tasks safely. The program also requires the ability to follow instructions, communicate clearly, and work as part of a healthcare team.

Commitment to Patient Care

Successful CNAs are compassionate, dependable, and eager to learn. If you enjoy helping others, treat people with dignity and respect, and are committed to providing quality patient care, you'll be well prepared to succeed in both the classroom and clinical environment.

Before You Begin:
Enrollment Requirements

Before your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training begins, there are a few important steps you'll need to complete. These requirements help prepare you for clinical training, ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, and confirm your enrollment in the program.
Criminal Background Check
All students must complete a criminal background check within three months of their class start date. This is a standard requirement for students participating in clinical training and working in healthcare environments.
TB Test
Provide documentation of a recent TB test before the start of your CNA program. This helps protect patients, fellow students, and healthcare staff during clinical experiences.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine
If your class takes place during flu season, you'll need to provide proof of a current flu vaccine. This requirement supports patient safety and follows healthcare facility guidelines for clinical training.
Tuition Payment
Tuition must be paid in full at least one week before your class begins to secure your enrollment. Because class sizes are limited, your seat cannot be guaranteed until payment has been received.
Registration Form
Complete and submit your registration form to begin the enrollment process and reserve your preferred class date. Early registration is encouraged, as classes may fill quickly.
Preparing for Clinicals
Before clinical training begins, you'll receive guidance on required attire, including scrubs and closed-toe shoes, along with any additional materials you'll need for your first day.
Woman wearing scrubs and a stethoscope talking to a patient.

Your Next Step After Graduation

What Happens After You Complete the Program?
Graduating from our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program is just the beginning of your healthcare career. Once you've successfully completed your classroom instruction and clinical training, you'll be ready to take the next step toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Colorado.

To earn your certification, you'll register for the Colorado state competency exam administered by Credentia. The exam includes both a written knowledge test and a skills evaluation designed to confirm you're prepared to provide safe, quality patient care.

After earning your certification, you'll be qualified to pursue CNA positions in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, home healthcare, and other healthcare settings throughout Northern Colorado. As part of the Cottonwood Healthcare network, you may also have opportunities to connect with local employers as you begin your career.
View Colorado CNA Testing Resources
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Take the Next Step Toward Your Healthcare Career

Whether you're starting your first healthcare job or preparing for a future in nursing, our Northern Colorado CNA training program can help you build the skills and confidence to get there. Register today to reserve your spot in an upcoming class.
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