Certified Nursing Assistant in Montana

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$39,300

trending_down -0.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering

4,800

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$97

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Montana

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Montana, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 25 clinical hours. After training, candidates must pass the Montana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, administered by Headmaster, which includes both a written and a skills test. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services credentials CNAs, and renewal is required every two years, with proof of at least 8 hours of compensated CNA employment in the past 24 months. Montana also offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,240

25th percentile $37,040

50th (median) $39,300

75th percentile $46,220

90th (experienced) $53,330

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Montana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing body	Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
State license	Required
Education	75-hour state-approved training program (including 25 clinical hours). Montana uniquely allows individuals to challenge the exam once without prior training, but failure requires completion of an approved program.
Exam	Headmaster CNA Exam ($97)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 16. Renewal requires at least 8 hours of compensated CNA work in the past 24 months. Background check and immunizations are typically required by training programs and/or clinical sites.

Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleMontana license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

Wondering if a certified nursing assistant career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Montana? expand_more

The path to certified nursing assistant licensure in Montana: complete the required education (75-hour state-approved training program (including 25 clinical hours). Montana uniquely allows individuals to challenge the exam once without prior training, but failure requires completion of an approved program.), and pass the Headmaster CNA Exam.

Does Montana require certified nursing assistant licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in Montana. Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services handles certified nursing assistant licensing — the Headmaster CNA Exam is part of the process.

How much do certified nursing assistants make in Montana? expand_more

In Montana, the median pay for certified nursing assistants comes to $39,300/year. That's roughly in line with the $39,530 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $35,240, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $53,330.

What are the fees to become a certified nursing assistant in Montana? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($97). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does certified nursing assistant certification take in Montana? expand_more

In Montana, becoming a certified nursing assistant generally takes 6-12 weeks, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a certified nursing assistant license in Montana? expand_more

To keep your license active, Montana mandates 12.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.