Key Points
- Most Billings CNA programs cost $500 to $1,000 total.
- Billings CNAs earned a median $19.79 hourly in 2024.
- Montana expects 750 annual CNA openings through 2032.
CNA Training in Billings, MT: Programs, Costs & How to Get Started
Compare state-approved CNA programs in Billings, MT: costs, schedules, and job opportunities.
Billings stands as Montana's largest city and a regional healthcare hub, home to major systems like Billings Clinic and SCL Health St. Vincent Healthcare that employ hundreds of certified nursing assistants. Montana's Department of Labor projects 750 annual CNA openings statewide through 2032, with Billings capturing a disproportionate share of that demand. For prospective students in 2026, the city offers multiple state-approved training pathways ranging from free employer-sponsored programs to private courses that cost under $1,000 and wrap up in four to six weeks.
Yellowstone County's aging population and steady growth sustain robust demand for entry-level nursing aides. Unlike rural Montana towns with a single nursing home, Billings supports hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted-living facilities, and home-health agencies that hire CNAs year-round. The question for most residents is not whether local jobs exist, but which training program delivers the fastest, most affordable route to certification.
Why Choose a CNA Career in Billings?
Staying local versus relocating for healthcare work frames a critical choice for Montana residents considering CNA training. Billings offers compelling reasons to launch your CNA career close to home, blending strong employer demand with quality-of-life advantages and pathways for advancement that rival larger metro areas.
Growing Demand in Billings Healthcare
Billings serves as the healthcare hub for a large geographic region, and nursing assistants remain essential to hospital units, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and home health agencies across the city. While specific hiring numbers fluctuate, the aging population and ongoing need for direct-care staff sustain steady CNA openings throughout the year. To understand current demand in real time, check the Montana Department of Labor & Industry's website for job postings and workforce projections, and review the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) for state-level employment trends. Both resources publish updated data that reflect hiring cycles and regional growth.
Major healthcare employers in the Billings area regularly recruit CNAs and often provide hiring incentives or tuition assistance for candidates entering the field. Contacting organizations such as Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare, and RiverStone Health directly can reveal current openings, sign-on bonuses, shift differentials, and employer-sponsored training programs that reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Many facilities maintain dedicated recruitment pages or attend local job fairs, making it easier to connect with hiring managers before you complete certification.
Montana's Expanded CNA Scope of Practice
Montana distinguishes itself by allowing certified nursing assistants to perform a broader range of clinical tasks than many other states. With proper certification, CNAs in Montana may administer medications, a responsibility typically reserved for licensed nurses elsewhere. This expanded scope increases your value to employers, opens doors to specialized units, and often translates to higher wages. The Montana Board of Nursing publishes official scope-of-practice regulations and certification pathways on its website; reviewing these guidelines early helps you plan additional credentials and understand the full range of duties you may perform after initial certification.
Local Training Programs and Employer Partnerships
Billings-area schools maintain close ties with healthcare employers, often designing curricula around regional hiring needs and offering clinical placements at the same facilities that will recruit you after graduation. Visiting CNA classes in Billings at institutions such as Montana State University Billings and City College at MSU Billings provides up-to-date information on demand trends, scholarship opportunities, and employer partnerships that streamline your transition from classroom to bedside. Program advisors can also connect you with alumni working locally, giving you firsthand insight into career trajectories and workplace culture across Billings healthcare settings.
Online and Hybrid CNA Programs Serving Billings Students
Prospective CNAs in Billings will find that Montana regulations require hands-on clinical training at approved facilities, which means fully online CNA programs do not exist in the state. However, hybrid CNA programs that blend online theory coursework with in-person clinical hours are becoming more common, and knowing how to start finding CNA classes will save you time and ensure you meet state certification requirements.
Start with the Montana Board of Nursing
The Montana Board of Nursing maintains the official list of state-approved CNA training programs. Their website is your most reliable starting point. Not every program listed will offer hybrid delivery, so you will need to contact individual schools directly to confirm whether they allow online theory modules paired with local clinical rotations. The Board can also clarify any questions about which formats satisfy Montana's certification requirements, helping you avoid programs that do not lead to eligibility for the state exam.
Check Local Healthcare Employers
Many of Billings' largest healthcare systems run their own CNA training programs or partner with approved schools to offer hybrid pathways. Visiting the career or education pages of employers such as Billings Clinic or St. Vincent Healthcare can reveal in-house training opportunities that may combine self-paced online modules with supervised clinical shifts at their facilities. These employer-sponsored programs sometimes waive tuition for students who commit to working for the organization after certification, making them an attractive option if you are ready to enter the workforce quickly.
Explore Community College Options
Community colleges in the Billings area may offer hybrid CNA courses that allow you to complete didactic content online while arranging clinical placements at nearby nursing homes or hospitals. Contacting the admissions or continuing education office at institutions like Montana State University Billings or City College at MSU Billings will help you confirm current format availability, clinical site partnerships, and registration timelines. These schools typically publish detailed course catalogs that outline prerequisites, schedule flexibility, and whether evening or weekend clinical slots are available for working students.
Cross-Reference National and State Standards
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides national benchmarks for CNA training, including typical program length and core competencies. While these standards offer a helpful overview, Montana's specific regulations govern what you must complete to sit for the state exam. Cross-referencing BLS information with guidance from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services ensures you understand both the broader healthcare landscape and the precise requirements for certification in your state.
State-Approved CNA Training Options in and Around Billings
Montana's regulatory approach to nurse aide training has tightened in recent years, with the Department of Public Health and Human Services maintaining stricter oversight of approved programs. For Billings residents, this means verifying that any program you consider appears on the official MT DPHHS Nurse Aide Training Program list before enrolling.
Programs Located in Billings
Two state-approved programs operate directly within the Billings area:
- Billings Clinic Hospital NATP: This hospital-based program offers training in a clinical healthcare setting. As a facility-based option, students gain exposure to real patient care environments during their training. Contact the program directly for current tuition, schedule options, and enrollment periods.
- Priorities at Work NATP: Also located in Billings, this program provides another pathway to certification. Prospective students should reach out for details on class schedules, total hours, and whether evening or weekend options are available.
Both programs maintain current approval status with MT DPHHS, meaning completers are eligible to sit for the Montana state competency exam.2 Program details such as tuition and start dates change frequently, so contacting each provider is essential before making enrollment decisions.
Nearby Regional Options
Students willing to travel or participate in hybrid formats have additional choices. Montana Health Network, based in Miles City (approximately 145 miles from Billings), offers an online program with a total cost of $475 and a $150 state exam fee. The program runs four weeks and includes 16 hours of clinical practice and 16 hours of skills training.1 This format may appeal to students who need flexibility or who prefer completing coursework remotely before attending in-person skills sessions.
Confirming Approval Status
The MT DPHHS updates its approved program list regularly. Before paying any fees or signing enrollment paperwork, verify that your chosen program currently holds state approval. Programs that lose approval cannot prepare you for the state certification exam, which would leave you unable to work as a CNA in Montana.
The Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs List, available as a PDF from MT DPHHS, provides the most current information.2 You can also call the department directly if you have questions about a specific provider.
Additional Access Points
Some Billings-area high schools and workforce development partnerships occasionally offer CNA training, often at reduced cost or tuition-free for qualifying students. These programs typically run during specific semesters and may have limited seats. Check with local school districts or workforce development offices to learn about upcoming opportunities. Any program you pursue through these channels should still appear on the official DPHHS list to count toward certification.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you comfortable providing hands-on personal care to patients of all ages?
CNAs bathe, toilet, and feed residents who often cannot do these tasks themselves. If close physical contact and body-fluid exposure feel like dealbreakers, this role will drain you fast.
Can you handle standing all shift, lifting patients, and working weekends or holidays?
Billings facilities run 24/7, and back injuries are common. Being honest about your stamina and scheduling flexibility now prevents burnout six months in.
Do you see CNA work as a stepping stone to nursing or another healthcare role?
Many Billings CNAs use the credential to test the field before applying to LPN or RN programs at MSU Billings. If you want long-term earnings growth, plan that next step early.
Will an entry-level CNA wage cover your bills in Billings right now?
Starting pay is modest, though many employers add health benefits, shift differentials, and tuition reimbursement. Map your monthly budget against local rent before committing.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Billings, MT
Certified Nursing Assistants in Billings earn wages that compare favorably to state and national figures. In 2024, the median hourly wage for CNAs in the Billings metro area was $19.79, which works out to an annual salary of $41,170. That tops the Montana state mean wage of $18.89 per hour and the national median of $19.01. Local hiring remains robust, with many employers offering sign-on bonuses and shift differentials to fill roles amid persistent staffing shortages.
| Location | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage | Total Employment (CNAs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | $19.79 | $41,170 | 890 |
| Montana | $18.89 (mean) | $39,300 (mean) | N/A |
| United States | $19.01 | $39,530 | N/A |
How to Become a CNA in Montana: Step-By-Step
Earning your CNA certification in Montana follows a clear pathway. Here's the step-by-step process to start your healthcare career in Billings.
CNA Program Costs in Billings and How to Pay
Most aspiring CNAs in Billings will spend between $500 and $1,000 on tuition and fees in 20261, though completely free options exist for those who qualify. Understanding the full cost picture and the many pathways to reduce or eliminate that expense can make the difference between enrolling this month or waiting another year.
Typical Out-of-Pocket Costs
Billings Adult & Community Education charges $5002 for its CNA course, making it one of the most affordable options in the region. City College at MSU Billings lists tuition at $750, with additional fees for CPR certification ($60), background checks ($56), drug testing ($30), state exam registration ($97), and a name badge ($5), bringing the all-in cost to roughly $998. St. John's United offers CNA training for $450. Across Montana, program costs range from $575 to $1,8503, so Billings residents benefit from comparatively low in-market tuition.
Free and Employer-Sponsored Training
Billings Clinic Hospital operates a fully sponsored CNA program at zero cost2 to students who commit to working for the organization after certification. This one-month, employer-sponsored track eliminates tuition, fees, and testing costs in exchange for a post-graduation employment agreement. St. Vincent Healthcare and several long-term care facilities in Billings offer similar sponsorships, covering all training expenses for candidates who agree to join their staff. High school students can enroll in Highlands College's free CNA program through dual-enrollment partnerships, allowing them to earn certification before graduation at no charge4.
Grants, Scholarships, and Financial Assistance
Job Service Montana administers Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants that cover CNA training for eligible adults. WIOA funding is available to dislocated workers, low-income individuals, and those facing barriers to employment. Job Service Montana also maintains a roster of healthcare scholarships specifically for Montana residents entering nursing assistant and other allied health fields. Contact your local Job Service office to confirm current funding availability and application deadlines.
Payment Plans and Sliding-Scale Fees
Many Billings programs offer monthly payment plans that spread tuition over the duration of the course, reducing the upfront burden. Billings Adult & Community Education and City College both provide financial aid counseling to help students explore financial aid for nursing school options, including grants and loans. Ask program coordinators directly about sliding-scale fees based on income; some schools adjust tuition for students demonstrating financial need. Even when advertised costs seem fixed, many institutions have discretionary aid or emergency funds to assist motivated students.
Montana's Department of Labor and Industry estimates 750 annual CNA openings statewide by 2032, driven by an aging population and turnover. In Billings, this ensures graduates have numerous opportunities in hospitals and long-term care. Entering a CNA program here means a clear path to employment.
What to Expect During a Billings CNA Training Program
Training programs in Billings ask you to balance cost and pace. Some students want the fastest possible track into a job; others prefer a longer schedule that fits around work or family obligations. The right choice depends on how quickly you need to earn and what support you require.
Classroom and Lab Instruction
Your training will blend textbook learning with hands-on lab practice. Expect to spend the first portion of the program covering core nursing skills: measuring vital signs, assisting with bathing and feeding, infection control, and patient safety. Communication techniques and residents’ rights round out the classroom hours. In the lab, you will practice on mannequins and classmates until you can perform each procedure comfortably.
Hands-On Clinical Rotations
All state-approved programs in Montana include a clinical component. You will complete at least 75 hours1 of supervised experience in a real care setting, most often a skilled nursing facility or hospital in the Billings area. During this phase, you work directly with residents under a licensed nurse’s guidance. Many clinical sites are the same employers that hire graduates, so treat the rotation as an extended job interview.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Assessment mirrors the state’s Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation1. Instructors watch you perform skills in the lab, grade written quizzes, and evaluate your clinical performance. You will demonstrate tasks like transferring a patient or measuring intake, and you must show not just competence but also compassion and infection-control discipline. The final written exam and skills test closely resemble the official state test, so strong program performance often predicts a first-time pass.
What Sets Billings Programs Apart
The City College at MSU Billings CNA program runs an accelerated three-week, in-person format2, one of the quickest routes to certification in the region. Students must have BLS certification before starting2. The total cost, including the exam fee, was $998 in 20252. For high school students, the Highlands College program offers a hybrid, part-time schedule that stretches over several months and includes a shorter 25-hour clinical block. Billings Adult & Community Education requires 35 clinical hours and also gears its pacing to adult learners. First-time exam pass rates are not publicly reported1 for local programs, so ask about student outcomes during an information session or campus visit.
CNAs provide essential hands-on care that makes a real difference in patients' lives every single day, and Montana needs more of these compassionate professionals to serve our aging population.
Top CNA Programs for Billings Students: 2026 Rankings
Below are the top CNA programs serving Billings students, ranked by affordability, graduate readiness, and employer reputation. Each entry includes cost, length, and standout features to help you choose the right training path. Always verify current status on the Montana DPHHS website, as approved programs may change.
Factors considered
- Tuition and financial aid options
- Program length and intensity
- Delivery format and flexibility
- Clinical placement partnerships
- State approval and exam readiness
Data sources
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Highlands College of Montana Tech
#1Butte, MT · $15,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Billings high schoolers: free, dual-credit path
Highlands College of Montana Tech expanded a tuition-free CNA pathway to Billings high school students, partnering with MSU Billings and the Billings Career Center. The program includes online coursework and in-person skills labs taught by an instructor who travels to Billings, with clinicals at St. Vincent Regional Hospital. Adults can also enroll in the hybrid program, which features weekend skills labs and flexible online modules.
- Total program cost is $1,450
- Hybrid format combines online coursework with in-person weekend skills labs
- Includes 25 hours of clinical practicum
- State-approved by Montana DPHHS
- Graduates eligible for state certification exam
- Background check required ($19.95)
- Funding assistance may be available through local employment services
Montana Technological University
#2Butte, MT · ~$16,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Working adults: hybrid with weekend labs
Montana Technological University offers the same CNA program through its Highlands College, providing a hybrid format with online modules and hands-on skills training. The university supports multiple start dates and funding assistance for qualifying students. Billings-area students benefit from the same local clinical partnership as the high school cohort.
- $1,450 total program cost
- Hybrid format with online and hands-on components
- 25 hours of clinical practicum
- Multiple start dates each year
- State-approved and prepares for certification
- Weekend skills labs available
- Funding assistance and background check required
Flathead Valley Community College
#3Kalispell, MT · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Newcomers needing comprehensive in-person training
Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell offers an intensive 105-hour CNA course that includes hands-on clinical training. The campus-based program covers medical terminology, human anatomy, and care for chronically-ill patients, preparing students for the state exam. Though not located in Billings, it provides a rigorous foundation for entry-level healthcare roles.
- 105-hour intensive course
- Hands-on clinical training in long-term care settings
- Prepares for state-approved CNA exam
- Certificate awarded upon completion
- Covers medical terminology, anatomy, and aging processes
- Background check and immunizations required
- Campus-based program in Kalispell
Stone Child College
#4Box Elder, MT · $4,000/yr (net price)
Stone Child College in Box Elder delivers a 4-week summer CNA program focused on cultural competence and serving Native communities. The daytime classes are limited to 10 students, ensuring personalized attention. Graduates are prepared for the state certification exam and work in long-term care, assisted living, and home health settings.
- 4-week intensive summer program
- Daytime classes on campus
- Limited to 10 students for personalized attention
- Hands-on patient care training
- Prepares for state certification exam
- Graduates eligible for registry placement
- Application and interview required
The University of Montana
#5Missoula, MT · ~$17,000/yr (est.)
The University of Montana's Bitterroot College in Hamilton offers a self-paced CNA program through workforce development. This non-credit training is state-approved and ideal for independent learners who need scheduling flexibility. While based in western Montana, the program qualifies graduates to work anywhere in the state, including Billings.
- Self-paced, flexible training
- State-approved by Montana DPHHS
- Prepares for the Montana CNA exam
- Campus-based in Hamilton
- Covers long-term care, home care, and acute care
- Designed for working adults
- Non-credit workforce development program
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Billings
Get quick answers to common questions about becoming a certified nursing assistant in Billings. We cover costs, duration, requirements, and local job prospects so you can plan your healthcare career with confidence.
Costs vary. MSU Billings City College charges $998 for the course plus a $97 state exam fee.1 Some programs are free, such as the high school dual-enrollment option2 or employer-sponsored training at facilities like Laurel Health and Rehabilitation Center.3 Always verify current pricing and any additional costs like textbooks or scrubs.
Montana requires 75 total training hours, including at least 25 clinical hours.4 Most Billings programs run 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the schedule. Full-time daytime classes can finish more quickly, while part-time or evening options may extend the timeline.
You must meet minimum age requirements, typically 16 or 17 years old. All programs require a background check and a TB screening.5 Some may ask for proof of immunizations or a high school diploma. Check with the specific school for their exact enrollment checklist.
CNAs in Billings find jobs in hospitals like Billings Clinic, nursing homes, assisted living facilities such as St. John's United, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. The region's growing senior population supports steady demand across these settings.
Individual program pass rates are not publicly posted by the Montana DPHHS. All approved programs are designed to meet state standards, and students who engage fully with their coursework and clinicals are well-prepared for the written and skills exam.
Montana CNA certifications must be renewed every two years through the DPHHS.4 You need to document paid work as a nurse aide or complete approved continuing education hours. Contact the Certification Bureau at 406-444-4980 for current renewal requirements and forms.
