Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Idaho
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ID
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Idaho
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Idaho, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 120 hours (80 classroom, 40 clinical) or successfully complete one semester of an accredited nursing school program. After training, candidates must pass the Idaho Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by Prometric, which includes both a written and a skills component. Certification is maintained by renewing every two years, which requires documented proof of at least 8 hours of paid work providing nursing-related services within the past 24 months. A criminal background check is also required.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Idaho
| Detail | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (CNA Registry) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 120-hour state-approved training program (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical) or successful completion of one semester of an accredited nursing school program. |
| Experience Required | 8.0 hours |
| Exam | Prometric CNA Exam ($68) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA in the past 24 months for at least 8 hours. A criminal background check is required for enrollment in training programs and for reciprocity. Minimum age for some training programs is 16, but some sources indicate 18 for employment. CPR certification is often required for training programs. |
Source: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (CNA Registry)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Idaho
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Idaho is $37,530 per year, which is 5.1% below the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $28,410 |
| 25th | $32,620 |
| 50th (median) | $37,530 |
| 75th | $44,630 |
| 90th (experienced) | $46,340 |
Idaho employs approximately 7,340 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Idaho Worth It?
Factors to consider: Idaho's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.