Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Utah

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for UT

Median Salary
$38,500
Utah (2024)
National Median
$39,530
All states
Time to Complete
4-8 weeks
From start to licensed

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Utah

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Utah, individuals must complete a 100-hour state-approved training program, which includes at least 76 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 24 hours of supervised clinical practice. After training, candidates must pass both components of the Utah Nurse Aide Competency Examination: a Written Knowledge Exam and a Manual Skills Exam. The total cost for both exam components is $110, and there is no application fee for initial certification. The Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) handles certification, renewal, and reciprocity, with renewals required every two years along with documentation of 200 hours of paid work as a CNA in the preceding 24 months and 12 hours of continuing education annually. A criminal background check is also mandatory.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Utah

DetailUtah
Licensing BodyUtah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR)
State License Required Yes
Education100-hour state-approved training program (at least 76 hours of classroom/lab and 24 hours of clinical practice)
Experience Required24.0 hours
Exam Utah Nurse Aide Competency Examination (Written Knowledge Exam and Manual Skills Exam) ($110)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education12.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age of 16. Renewal requires 200 hours of paid work as a CNA in the past 24 months. A criminal background check is mandatory. The written knowledge exam is 75 multiple-choice questions, and the manual skills exam requires demonstrating five randomly selected skills plus hand hygiene. Candidates have 1 year and three attempts to pass both exams. If expired 6-24 months, retesting is required. If expired over 24 months, a new training program is required.

Source: Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Utah

The median certified nursing assistant salary in Utah is $38,500 per year, which is 2.6% below the national median of $39,530.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$32,910
25th$36,220
50th (median)$38,500
75th$41,480
90th (experienced)$45,980

Utah employs approximately 12,350 certified nursing assistants.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual Openings
204.1
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
1,441.5
Nationwide

Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Utah Worth It?

Factors to consider: Utah's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a certified nursing assistant in Utah?
To become a certified nursing assistant in Utah, you need to complete the required education (100-hour state-approved training program (at least 76 hours of classroom/lab and 24 hours of clinical practice)), gain 24.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the Utah Nurse Aide Competency Examination (Written Knowledge Exam and Manual Skills Exam).
Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Utah?
You cannot practice as a certified nursing assistant in Utah without a state license from Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR). The required exam is the Utah Nurse Aide Competency Examination (Written Knowledge Exam and Manual Skills Exam).
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Utah?
certified nursing assistants in Utah earn a median of $38,500 annually. This is close to the national median of $39,530. New certified nursing assistants start around $32,910; seasoned professionals can reach $45,980.
How much does it cost to become a certified nursing assistant in Utah?
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($110) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a certified nursing assistant in Utah?
Most candidates in Utah complete the process in 4-8 weeks, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
Does Utah require continuing education for certified nursing assistants?
Yes — certified nursing assistants in Utah must complete 12.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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