Nursing Assistant
Beyond ‘Bedside Manner’
The Nursing Assistant program at Dixie Tech prepares students for entry into professional nursing as a Certified Nurse Assistant or CNA.
Completion Rate: 90%
Placement Rate: 78%
Licensure Pass Rate: 100%
Program Overview
Learn More About Our Nursing Assistant Program
Prepare for a rewarding healthcare career with Dixie Tech’s Nursing Assistant program. This hands-on training provides foundational skills such as taking vital signs, understanding basic body systems, and effective patient communication. Ideal for those passionate about patient care and long-term care careers, graduates are ready to support healthcare teams in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics across Utah and nationwide.
The Nursing Assistant program is often the first step toward becoming an LPN and RN. And is a prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program at Dixie Tech.
As a student of this program, you will:
- Learn elderly and long-term care best practices.
- Understand basic anatomy and body system functions.
- Develop teamwork and communication skills vital in healthcare environments.
- Gain proficiency in measuring and interpreting vital signs.
Attainable Certificates Include:
- Accredited Dixie Technical College Certificate
- UNAR Nursing Assistant Exam
State or National Requirements for Licensure:
This Program Prepares You for Careers Such As:
- Nursing Assistant – Median Income $38k year, with top earners at $48k year.*
*Source: careeronestop.org
Program Accreditation:
Dixie Tech’s Nursing Assistant program is accredited by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry.
Total Tuition and Course Fees:
$544.00
Scholarships Available
Program Length:
6–18 Weeks
(Program Length Depends upon Cohort Selection)
Credit Hours
3
Upcoming Start Dates:
April 20, 2026 | 4:30pm – 8:30pm (+27 clinical hours*) | Mon – Thu (6 weeks)
June 8, 2026 | 9:00am – 1:00pm (+27 clinical hours*) | Mon – Thu (6 weeks)
July 20, 2026 | 4:30pm – 8:00pm (+27 clinical hours*) | Mon – Thu (6 weeks)
August 3, 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:30pm (+27 clinical hours*) | Mon – Thu (6 weeks)
August 17, 2026 | 7:30am – 9:15am (+27 clinical hours*) | Mon – Thu (14 weeks)
*Clinical hours may be scheduled Mon–Sat.
Additional Start Dates
Need more information?
435.674.8400
Nursing Assistant
Program Description
This program prepares the student to provide basic patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Once completed you are eligible to take the state exam to be certified as a Nursing Assistant (CNA). Employment opportunities for CNA’s primarily include hospitals; home care and long term care facilities.
Attendance Standard: This program has a minimum attendance standard of 85%.
Learning Objectives
- The nursing assistant student will be able to demonstrate competency in skills and techniques necessary to care for a patient’s needs.
- The nursing assistant student will be able to exhibit competency in skills necessary to maintain or improve a patient’s ability to function.
- The nursing assistant student will be able to communicate and interact competently with patients, family members, and care teams on a one-to-one level.
- The nursing assistant student will be able to demonstrate sensitivity to patients’ cultural, emotional, social, mental, and physical needs through appropriate interactions.
- The nursing assistant student will be able to assist patients in attaining and maintaining functional independence.
- The nursing assistant student will be able to demonstrate behavior in support and promotion of patient’s rights.
- The nursing assistant student will be able to demonstrate skills in observation, reporting, and documentation needed to participate in the assessment of patient’s health, physical condition, and well being
- Students will be instructed in career readiness with instruction in the occupational skills essential to success as a Nursing Assistant, including job knowledge, work habits and attitudes.
- The nursing assistant student will explain activities of daily living and nursing assistant scope of practice.
- The nursing assistant student will demonstrate correct recognizing and reporting, communication, infection control, safety, and residents’ rights in the care setting.
- The nursing assistant student will demonstrate proficiency in all skills required for state certification.
- The nursing assistant student will perform nursing assistant skills in a healthcare setting.
Nursing Assistant Courses (3 Credit Hours)
TENA 1110 | Nursing Assistant | 3 credits
TENA 1900 | Nursing Assistant – Clinicals
Accreditation
Dixie Technical College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. Accreditation by COE is viewed as a nationally-honored seal of excellence for occupational education institutions and denotes honesty and integrity. Information regarding accreditation may be obtained at:
Council on Occupational Education
7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325
Atlanta, GA 30350
Telephone: 770-396-3898 Fax: 770-396-3790
council.org
Cost Overview
Tuition at Dixie Technical College Is Affordable
Tuition & Fees must be paid before registering for class unless a payment plan or other funding options have been approved and signed. Information is subject to change without notice.
Tuition is waived for high school students, and high school students are eligible for a $120 scholarship.
Tuition, fees and other costs are subject to change without notice.
Total Tuition and Course Fees:
$544.00
Additional Costs:
$45 – Scrubs
$35 – Background Check
$55 – Stethoscope and Blood Pressure Cuff
$110 – UNAR NA Exam
$148 – Textbook & Workbook
This program is NOT eligible for Federal Financial Aid.
Learn about Scholarships and how to apply for them.
Cohort Start Dates
Upcoming Start Dates and Class Times for This Program
(6 weeks)
(6 weeks)
(6 weeks)
(6 weeks)
(14 weeks)
*Clinical hours may be scheduled Monday through Saturday.
Program cohorts are open until filled. Once a cohort is filled, applicants will be considered for the next start date.
Program Length:
6–18 Weeks
(Program Length Depends upon Cohort Selection)
Education Verification
Provide a copy of one of the following: High School Diploma, High School Transcript showing graduation date, GED, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree.
Immunizations
Click here for additional information on immunization requirements.
Immunizations must be completed before your program begins. Students who do not have their immunizations completed on time may lose their spot in the cohort. You will also need to complete a tuberculosis (TB) test.
Click here to find out how to access your Utah immunization records.
Testing Requirements
- Qualifying ACT or SAT scores (see drop-down tabs below)
- College coursework (ENGLISH 1000+) with a grade of B- or higher
- An Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree
If you do not meet one of the above criteria, Schedule your Accuplacer Entrance Assessment.
Accuplacer Qualifying Scores:
Reading – 235
ACT Qualifying scores:
Reading – 14
SAT Qualifying scores:
ERW – 280
Proof of Valid Photo ID
Drug Screen
This will be taken care of within your program.
Background Check
Cost: $35, this will be taken care of within your program.
Professional Goal Statement
Application Fee
$0 for all applicants.
Application Review
After successfully completing and submitting the above requirements, the College will perform an application review. Students will be emailed regarding their acceptance status.
To get started on these requirements begin an application.
What You Can Become
Nursing Assistant
Learn more about this field. Find things like job outlook, expected salary, and many other job specific stats.
Student Reviews
See What Nursing Assistant Students Have to Say
"Despite working two jobs, I succeeded in Dixie Tech's welcoming CNA program ...
Steps to Take
Follow these steps to start your journey at Dixie Tech! Many classes have a waitlist or fill fast, so getting started as soon as possible is recommended.
Dixie Tech
Find a Program or Take a Campus Tour
Schedule a tour and discover a specific program, muliple programs, or tour every program available.
Complete Your Online Application
Begin the application process and get one step closer to your journey at Dixie Tech!
Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
Work with our advisors to apply for Financial Aid and learn about Scholarship options.
Tour Campus & Classroom
Dixie Technical College is located atop Tech Ridge overlooking downtown St. George. Please stop by and learn a little more about a program that you might be interested in. While here don’t forget to check out the Campus Tech Ridge Cafe to grab some lunch and ask about the specials prepared by our world class Culinary Arts students.
Industry Expert Instructors
Our industry-leading instructor, equipped with years of experience and knowledge, and prepared to mentor and guide the next generation of Nursing Assistants.
Brenna Thomas
Brenna is passionate about learning and guiding the new generation of nurses to be smart, intuitive nurses that know how to advocate for their patients and themselves. With 23 years of nursing in Pediatric and Adult Intensive Care and almost 5 years as a nursing educator, Brenna brings a love of learning through simulation and clinical experience to share with the students. Brenna is proud to be a mother, a wife, and a nurse who also happens to love to bake and share with others.
Nursing Assistant Industry Partners
Dixie Technical College’s OAC program collaborates closely with industry partners, ensuring that its curriculum remains highly relevant and applicable to the dynamic demands of the modern workplace.
Contact a Nursing Assistant Advisor
Questions about this specific program? Maybe a question about Dixie Tech? Our advisors are here to help.
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