Key Points
- Utah needs over 1,200 new CNAs by 2030.
- CNA job growth in Utah is projected at 31% through 2032.
- Southwest Technical College offers CNA training in Cedar City.
Your Path to Becoming a CNA in Cedar City, Utah
Compare approved CNA programs in Cedar City, understand costs, certification steps, and start your healthcare career with confidence.
Starting Your CNA Career in Cedar City, Utah
Utah projects a need for more than 1,200 new certified nursing assistants by 2030, and Cedar City's mix of hospital, skilled nursing, and home health employers means local demand tracks right alongside that statewide growth. For prospective students here, the key question is practical: which training program fits your budget, schedule, and career timeline?
CNA programs in the Cedar City area typically run 4 to 12 weeks and cost well under $2,000, but factors like clinical site availability, financial aid options, and certification exam logistics can shape the experience significantly. Below, you'll find details on local CNA classes, salary benchmarks, certification steps, and a program comparison.
Cedar City's Healthcare Employers and CNA Demand
Cedar City's healthcare sector offers CNAs diverse employment settings, from acute care to home health, with strong demand as of 2026. Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and community-based care agencies all rely on CNAs for daily patient support, creating a stable local job market for new graduates.
Major Employers and Facility Types
Cedar City Hospital, part of Intermountain Health and located at 1303 N Main Street, is the region's primary acute-care employer for CNAs. The hospital posts positions for patient-care technicians and nursing assistants in medical-surgical units and the emergency department, with hourly pay ranging from $18 to $24 for med-surg roles2 and around $18.75 for PRN emergency positions3 in 2026. These hospital roles expose CNAs to fast-paced environments and a wide variety of diagnoses.
Long-term care dominates Cedar City's CNA job market. Cedar Health and Rehabilitation (120 beds) and Stonehenge of Cedar City (50 beds)4, along with Bella Terra Cedar City5, provide post-acute and custodial care. Assisted living communities such as Our House Assisted Living and Beehive Homes of Cedar City also hire nursing assistants, often at slightly lower hourly rates (around $14 to $15 at Our House3) but with more predictable schedules.
Home health and hospice agencies round out the employer landscape. Zions Way Home Health and Hospice, Horizon Home Health, Sun Tree Home Health and Hospice, Applegate Homecare and Hospice, Intermountain Homecare & Hospice, and the Iron County Home Health Agency all serve Cedar City residents, employing CNAs for one-on-one patient visits in private homes5.
Job Postings and Demand Trends
Employer websites and job boards showed ongoing openings across all care settings in 20265. Staffing platforms reported steady demand for per-diem and full-time nursing assistants, reflecting routine turnover and gradual regional growth. Cedar City Hospital's LinkedIn job postings, for instance, included part-time (24 hours per week)2 and PRN opportunities, signaling flexible entry points for new graduates.
What This Means for Your Earning Potential
While hourly rates vary by employer and shift, Cedar City's CNA wages align with broader Utah market trends. We'll break down salary benchmarks and growth trajectories in the dedicated earnings section later in this guide, so you can set realistic financial expectations as you plan your training.
Utah's healthcare sector is growing fast. The state projects a need for more than 1,200 new certified nursing assistants by 2030, driven by an aging population and expansion of long-term care facilities across communities like Cedar City. Starting CNA training now positions you for strong job security and advancement opportunities in a field where demand consistently outpaces supply.
Online and Hybrid CNA Programs Serving Utah Students
A fully online CNA program is not a realistic option because becoming a CNA requires hands-on clinical practice that cannot happen through a screen. What does exist in some cases is a hybrid format, where the classroom portion of the curriculum is delivered online while the clinical hours are completed in person at a local facility near you.
What Hybrid Programs Actually Look Like
In a hybrid setup, you might watch lectures, complete readings, and take quizzes from home on your own schedule. When it comes time for skills practice and patient care rotations, though, you report to a nursing home, hospital, or other approved healthcare site in Cedar City or the surrounding area, such as those offering CNA Classes in Saint George, UT. The split between online coursework and in-person training varies by program, so read the program details carefully before enrolling.
Finding Options That Serve Utah Residents
Some community colleges and vocational schools offering cna classes in Utah have experimented with partially online delivery for their nursing assistant courses. If you are searching for a program with remote flexibility, contact programs directly and ask whether any portion of the didactic coursework can be completed online. Be specific: ask how many hours are required in person, where clinical sites are located, and whether sites near Cedar City are available to you.
Verifying Utah State Compliance
Before committing to any hybrid program, confirm that it meets Utah state requirements for CNA certification. Utah requires a minimum number of training hours, and the clinical portion must be completed at a state-approved site. A program marketed as online that does not satisfy those requirements will leave you unable to sit for the state certification exam. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services maintains the official list of approved programs, and checking that list is the surest way to protect your time and money.
CNA Programs in and Near Cedar City: Your Options
Choosing between a program right in town and one a short drive away comes down to balancing convenience against scheduling flexibility, so knowing exactly what each option offers helps you make a confident decision.
Southwest Technical College: Your Local Option
Southwest Technical College in Cedar City is the primary CNA training provider in the area. Here is what you need to know about the Nursing Assistant program:
- Program length: Roughly two months from start to finish.
- Cost: Approximately $560 for tuition and fees, making it one of the most affordable paths to certification in the state.1
- Format: Hybrid delivery that combines online coursework with required on-campus skills labs and clinical hours.
- Upcoming start date: The next cohort is scheduled to begin on August 4, 2026, with multiple enrollment windows offered throughout the year.
- Locations: Classes are available at the main campus in Cedar City, as well as satellite sites at the Kane County Instructional Service Center and Beaver High School Instructional Service Center.
To enroll, you must be at least 16 years old. Expect to complete a background check and provide proof of current immunizations before starting clinical rotations, which is standard for any Utah CNA program. You can reach the admissions team at 435-586-2899 for the latest details on prerequisites and open seats.
Dixie Technical College in St. George
If the start dates at Southwest Tech do not align with your schedule, Dixie Technical College in St. George is roughly 50 miles south along I-15, about an hour's drive. Dixie Tech has historically offered a Nursing Assistant program with a similar structure and competitive tuition. Because program details, costs, and schedules can change from semester to semester, contact the school directly to confirm current offerings and availability before committing to the commute.
Does Southern Utah University Offer CNA Training?
Southern Utah University, also located in Cedar City, focuses on bachelor's and graduate-level nursing degrees rather than short-term CNA certification. If your long-term goal is a BSN or higher, SUU could be a logical next step after earning your CNA credential, but for the certification itself, cna programs are the faster and more cost-effective route.
Clinical Rotation Sites
Clinical hours are a required part of any state-approved CNA program in Utah. Students at Southwest Technical College typically complete rotations at local healthcare facilities, which may include Cedar City Hospital and area skilled nursing or long-term care centers. These rotations give you supervised, hands-on experience with real patients, covering skills like vital signs, patient transfers, hygiene assistance, and documentation. Your program coordinator will assign your clinical site, so you generally do not need to arrange placement on your own.
General Admission Requirements to Keep in Mind
Regardless of which program you choose, cna classes in Utah share a common set of entry requirements:
- Minimum age of 16 (some employers require 18 for hiring).
- Passing a criminal background check.
- Up-to-date immunizations, often including TB screening, hepatitis B, and flu vaccination.
- CPR/BLS certification, which may be offered as part of the program or required before the first clinical day.
Gathering these documents early will keep you from hitting delays once your start date arrives. If you are unsure whether a prior record could affect eligibility, contact the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry for guidance before paying tuition.
What CNA Training Costs in Cedar City (And How to Pay for It)
How much does a CNA program actually cost in Cedar City, and what help is available to cover it? Those are the first practical questions most prospective students want answered before they fill out an application.
The Cost at Southwest Technical College
Southwest Technical College offers one of the most affordable paths to CNA certification in southern Utah. The Nursing Assistant program carries a total estimated cost of $559.50, which covers tuition, books, fees, and supplies.1 That all-in figure makes budgeting straightforward. You are not left guessing about hidden add-ons after you enroll. You will still need to budget separately for your Utah state certification exam fee, so confirm that amount directly with the school or the Utah Nurse Aide Registry before you register.
For comparison, CNA programs at community colleges or private career schools elsewhere in Utah, like CNA classes in Provo, UT and CNA classes in Logan, Utah, often run higher, sometimes several hundred dollars more once you factor in lab fees and materials. Southwest Tech's pricing is notably competitive for the region.1
Financial Aid and Funding Options
The program itself is not eligible for federal Pell Grant funding, but that does not mean you are on your own. Southwest Technical College has several avenues worth exploring:
- Healthcare Grant: A grant covering 50% of tuition was available to Nursing Assistant students enrolled during the 2025-2026 academic year. Check with the admissions office to find out whether a comparable award will continue into the current enrollment period.2
- Scholarship Program: The college accepts scholarship applications on a monthly basis, so there is no single annual deadline to miss. Apply as early as possible to maximize your chances.
- Tuition Assistance Partners: Southwest Tech works with outside agencies that may cover part or all of your training costs. Partners have included the Utah Department of Workforce Services (which administers WIOA workforce funding), Deseret Industries, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Veterans Administration. If you qualify through any of these channels, your out-of-pocket cost could drop significantly.3
How to Apply for Aid
The fastest way to sort out your options is to contact Southwest Technical College's financial aid office directly. Bring any documentation related to employment status, income, tribal membership, disability, or veteran status, since those details determine which funding streams you can access. Staff can walk you through the scholarship application process and connect you with workforce development contacts if WIOA or another agency-based program is a fit. A single conversation can save you hundreds of dollars, so do not skip this step.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Can I afford the upfront cost of CNA training?
Training programs near Cedar City range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars; evaluate your budget to see if you need a payment plan or financial aid.
Am I eligible for WIOA or other workforce funding?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act often covers full tuition for qualifying Utah residents; contact your local career center to check eligibility and apply.
Could my current employer reimburse my training?
Many Cedar City healthcare facilities offer tuition reimbursement for employees who train as CNAs, so ask your HR department about these benefits.
How soon can I start earning as a CNA and recoup costs?
With strong demand and programs as short as a few weeks, you could be employed quickly and offset training costs within your first month of work.
CNA Salaries in Cedar City: What You Can Expect to Earn
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish specific wage data for the Cedar City micropolitan area, the statewide figures for Utah provide a strong benchmark. Individual earnings can vary based on experience, employer type, and additional certifications. Below, compare Utah nursing assistant wages with national averages.
| Percentile | Utah Annual Wage | National Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $27,470 | $33,940 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,340 | Not available |
| Median | $33,200 | $42,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,520 | Not available |
| 90th Percentile | $39,150 | $51,980 |
How to Become a CNA in Utah: Step-By-Step Certification
What does it actually take to get your CNA certification in Utah? The path is well-defined by the Utah Nurse Aide Registry (UNAR), and if you follow the steps in order, you can go from enrolled student to working CNA in a matter of months.
Step 1: Complete a UNAR-Approved Training Program
Utah requires 100 total training hours through a UNAR-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). That breaks down into 76 classroom hours (covering topics like infection control, patient rights, basic nursing skills, and communication) and 24 hours of supervised clinical practice in a licensed care setting. You must be at least 16 years old to enroll.1
Step 2: Pass a Background Check
Before or during training, you'll complete a criminal background check through the state.1 The current fee is $35. Certain convictions can disqualify you, so it's smart to review the requirements with your program coordinator before you pay tuition.
Step 3: Pass the Utah Nurse Aide Competency Examination
Utah contracts with D&SDT-Headmaster to administer the competency exam, which has two parts:1
- Written (or oral) exam: You need a score of 75% or higher.2
- Skills evaluation: You'll perform randomly selected nursing skills and must score at least 80%, with 100% accuracy on all critical steps (like handwashing and patient safety checks).2
You have one year from the end of your training to pass both parts.3 Once you pass, UNAR places you on the state registry.
Step 4: Get Hired and Stay Certified
To activate your certification, you generally need to be employed as a nurse aide within 120 days of passing.1 To renew, you must work at least 200 paid hours as a CNA every 24 months.4 If you fall short, you'll need to retest to get back on the registry. Employers may also require annual in-service training hours, so keep records of any continuing education you complete on the job.
Utah's nursing assistant job market is booming. The BLS projects 31% growth for CNAs in Utah from 2022 to 2032, far outpacing the national average and reflecting strong demand across the state's expanding healthcare sector.
Top CNA Programs Serving Cedar City Students
Cedar City students have access to a range of CNA programs across Utah, but the most convenient choice is right in town at Southwest Technical College. For those willing to commute or relocate, several other schools offer strong training options with competitive tuition and proven outcomes. Our ranking below highlights the best programs based on affordability, location, completion rates, and licensure exam performance.
Factors considered
- Proximity to Cedar City
- Tuition and fees affordability
- Program completion and licensure rates
- Clinical experience hours
- Flexibility of scheduling and format
Data sources
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Southwest Technical College
#1Cedar City, UT
Best for: Cedar City locals needing an affordable, in-town option
Southwest Technical College is Cedar City’s local, UNAR-approved CNA training provider, offering an all-inclusive $559.50 program that can be completed in about two months. The hybrid format combines online coursework with hands-on clinical skills practice at the main campus or regional sites in Kane County and Beaver. Frequent cohort starts throughout the year make it easy to begin training when you’re ready, and graduates are fully prepared for the Utah CNA certification exam.
- All-inclusive cost of $559.50 covers tuition, books, fees, and supplies.
- Hybrid format with online learning and in-person skills labs and clinicals.
- Total 3 credit hours, typically completed in about 2 months.
- Open to students age 16 and older; no prior healthcare experience required.
- Hands-on clinical practice supervised by experienced nurses.
- Prepares you to pass the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) certification exam.
- Multiple enrollment sites including Cedar City, Kane County, and Beaver High School.
- Financial aid and scholarship resources are available to help offset costs.
Bridgerland Technical College
#2Logan, UT · $2,000/yr
Best for: Cost-conscious learners wanting a quick, proven path
Bridgerland Technical College offers a low-cost Nursing Assistant certificate (around $372 tuition) that can be finished in as little as one month. The program includes 24 hours of clinical experience and flexible day or evening schedules. With a reported 94% completion rate and 97% licensure exam pass rate, it’s a strong option for students willing to commute to Logan.
- Tuition and fees are approximately $372, among the lowest in Utah.
- Program length ranges from 1 to 3 months with day and evening options.
- Includes 24 hours of supervised clinical experience at a long-term care facility.
- High completion rate (94%) and licensure exam pass rate (97%).
- Prerequisites: high school diploma or equivalent, age 18+, and AHA BLS Provider CPR.
- Registration is first come, first served; financial aid and scholarships are available.
- Curriculum covers infection control, safety, and essential resident care skills.
Utah State University
#3Logan, UT · $9,000 – $25,000/yr
Best for: Students wanting a university-anchored, holistic approach
Utah State University’s Nursing Assistant Technical Certificate combines university resources with a human-centered curriculum emphasizing quality-of-life care. The program prepares students for CNA certification and roles in diverse healthcare settings. Admission details are through the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Technology, Design, and Technical Education.
- Technical Certificate program offered through Utah State University’s Logan campus.
- Curriculum emphasizes patient quality-of-life, daily care, and vital sign monitoring.
- Prepares graduates for work in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities.
- Human-centered training with individualized advising and compassionate care focus.
- Admission packet and further information available via the Health Professions website.
- No specific cost or duration details provided; contact the college for current program info.
Dixie Technical College
#4Saint George, UT
Located just an hour south in St. George, Dixie Technical College offers a flexible Nursing Assistant program with a total cost of $544 and a 100% licensure pass rate. High school students benefit from a tuition waiver and scholarship. The program can be completed in 6 to 18 weeks and includes clinical hours that prepare graduates for immediate employment in Iron and Washington counties.
- Total tuition and fees of $544; high school students get tuition waived plus a $150 scholarship.
- Flexible program length from 6 to 18 weeks, with evening and day classes.
- 3 credit hours with hands-on clinical training in vital signs, body systems, and patient communication.
- 100% licensure pass rate, 96% completion rate, and 86% job placement rate.
- Accredited by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry; prepares for state certification exam.
- Admission requires education verification, immunizations, Accuplacer testing, background check ($30), and drug screen.
- Not eligible for federal aid; scholarships and other financial resources may be available.
- Industry-expert instructors teach best practices for elderly care and infection control.
Tooele Technical College
#5Tooele, UT
Tooele Technical College provides a straightforward Nursing Assistant program priced at $985 for 4 months of training. With a 6-hour weekly commitment and no application fee, it’s accessible for students in western Utah, though the commute from Cedar City would be significant.
- Total program cost: $985, with no application fee.
- Takes approximately 4 months with 6 hours of class and clinical work per week.
- Earns 3 college credits upon completion.
- Campus-based program with both classroom lecture and clinical practice components.
- Open to high school students and adults; no entrance exam required.
- Financial aid and scholarships are available, and the program is military-friendly.
- Competency-based education with flexible scheduling options.
Snow College
#6Ephraim, UT · $6,000/yr
Snow College offers an affordable Nursing Assistant Certificate with tuition and fees of just $330 plus book and supply costs. The one-semester, 3-credit program is available in Ephraim and Richfield with hybrid learning options. With start dates throughout the year including a 5-6 week summer term, it’s a flexible choice for central Utah residents.
- One-semester certificate (3 credits) with fall, spring, and summer start dates.
- Tuition is $255 plus $75 in student fees; additional costs for supplies and books approx. $225.
- Hybrid format with online and in-person options at Ephraim and Richfield campuses.
- Summer term can be completed in just 5-6 weeks.
- Curriculum includes vital signs monitoring, CPR, and fundamental patient care skills.
- Prepares students to sit for the Utah Nursing Assistant State Exams.
- Reported 28% job growth outlook for nursing assistants; median salary $29,640 (per program listing).
- No specific admissions requirements beyond standard college enrollment.
Davis Technical College
#7Kaysville, UT · $13,000/yr (net price)
Davis Technical College’s Nursing Assistant program is a hybrid option costing $547 for adults and $183 for high school students, and it can be completed in just two months. Flexible scheduling with full-time, part-time, and evening classes makes it manageable for working students, though the Kaysville location is a substantial drive from Cedar City.
- Adult cost: $547; high school students pay only $183.
- Program length: 2 months (3 credit hours) with hybrid learning format.
- Full-time, part-time, and evening class schedules available.
- Curriculum covers patient care, vital signs recording, and restorative services.
- Includes CPR certification and preparation for the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry exam.
- Open to high school juniors/seniors (age 16+) and adults with a diploma or equivalent.
- Clinical hours are scheduled outside of class time; physical demands include lifting 50+ lbs.
- No prior healthcare experience is required; placement assessments and immunizations needed.
Utah Tech University
#8Saint George, UT · $16,000/yr (net price)
Utah Tech University in St. George offers a 4-credit Certified Nurse Assistant certificate that combines university-level lab resources with clinical experiences. The program prepares students for state certification and immediate employment in a variety of healthcare settings, though specific tuition and duration are not listed in the current data.
- 4-credit certificate program combining classroom learning, lab instruction, and clinicals.
- State-of-the-art nursing laboratory for hands-on skill development.
- Prepares students for the Utah State certification exam as a CNA.
- Training for diverse clinical settings: long-term care, home health, and hospitals.
- Develops critical communication, infection control, and patient care skills.
- Military-friendly; no specific tuition, fees, or duration details provided in program listing.
Mountainland Technical College
#9Lehi, UT
Mountainland Technical College provides a thorough 144-hour Nursing Assistant program for $755, with tuition-free enrollment for high school students. The 2-4 month program includes 24 hours of clinical experience and boasts a 91% completion rate and 77% job placement, but it requires travel to one of its northern Utah campuses.
- Total cost $755, covering tuition, fees, and materials; high school students attend tuition-free.
- Program length: 2-4 months with 144 total training hours (24 hours clinical).
- Campus-based instruction at Lehi, Provo, Payson, and Heber Valley locations.
- Includes First Aid, CPR, and BLS certifications.
- 91% completion rate and 77% job placement rate; 100% licensure pass rate reported in one listing.
- Covers body systems, infection prevention, patient communication, and safety.
- Minimum age 16; entrance assessment, immunizations, and TB test required.
- Registration for upcoming cohorts opens periodically; contact the college for next start dates.
Common Questions About CNA Training in Cedar City
Thinking about starting a healthcare career? Here are answers to the most common questions about CNA classes in Cedar City, Utah. We cover training, costs, salaries, and certification steps to help you make an informed decision.
Complete a state-approved training program, pass a background check, and then pass the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) competency exam. The exam has a written test and a skills demonstration. Once you pass, your name is added to the Utah CNA Registry, which qualifies you for employment in Cedar City.
Program costs usually range from $700 to $2,000. This often includes tuition, textbooks, supplies like scrubs, background check fees, and the certification exam. Some schools offer payment plans, and financial aid or workforce grants may be available for eligible students. Always confirm what the price includes.
Fully online CNA programs are not offered because clinical skills must be practiced in person. However, some schools provide hybrid options: you complete theory lessons online, then attend scheduled in-person lab sessions and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities to gain hands-on experience.
CNAs in Cedar City typically earn between $15 and $19 per hour, adding up to about $30,000 to $38,000 annually. Pay can increase with experience, specialized skills, shift differentials, and working for larger healthcare systems. Overtime opportunities may also boost earnings.
Southwest Technical College in Cedar City offers a state-approved CNA program with flexible schedules. Some nearby community colleges and private training centers may also serve area students. Always verify that any program is approved by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry before enrolling.
After you start a training program, coursework and clinical hours typically take 4 to 12 weeks. Then you schedule the state competency exam, and results usually come back within a few weeks. Altogether, expect about 2 to 4 months from your first class to receiving your license.
Yes, Utah requires CNA certification renewal every two years. To renew, you must have worked at least 200 hours as a CNA in the past two years and complete 24 hours of continuing education or in-service training during each renewal period. UNAR sends reminders before expiration.
Many programs accept scholarships, grants, or workforce development funds. The Utah Department of Workforce Services sometimes covers tuition for qualifying individuals. Contact your chosen school's financial aid office and ask about payment plans, employer-sponsored training, or local community assistance programs.
Most schools, including Southwest Technical College, offer career services such as resume help, interview coaching, and connections to local employers. With high demand for CNAs in the Cedar City area, many graduates find jobs quickly, sometimes even before they officially receive their certification.
