Course Catalog
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Prepare yourself for employment opportunities as a nursing assistant in extended care facilities, hospitals, home health and hospice situations. This course meets the requirements for Idaho certification of nursing assistants. Clinical hours may be outside normal class hours, but students will be provided clinical dates at least one month in advance. This is a time intensive course. Please consider other commitments and use discretion before registering for the course. In alignment with state requirements, students are required to attend 100% of the course to complete the program successfully. Clinical facilities may require proof of COVID vaccinations prior to clinical rotations. CNA courses are available with several options: 12 Week–Daytime class: meets 6 hours/session; twice/week14 Week–Evening class: meets 5 hours/session; twice/week16 Week– Web Supplemented Daytime class: meets 6 hours/ skills session; meets every other week20 Week–Daytime class meets 3 hours/session; twice/week;(allows student more time for learning and skill mastery.) Note: BACKGROUND CHECK/Drug Screening ISU does not generally perform background checks or drug screening in the CNA program, except in our State Hospital South Course, where both are required. If you have a criminal history that will prevent you from passing a background check you may want to reconsider taking this course as you will not be able to work as a CNA. Please refer to the Idaho Criminal History Unit website at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/bcu. See ‘denials.’ Once course has begun, you will be ineligible for reimbursement or transfer of course fees. If we are informed of a past crime or positive drug screen during the course, we must inform the clinical agency and allow them to decide if the student can rotate. If denied clinical, the student will be unable to finish the course. This course meets the following requirements for Idaho registration of nursing assistants: 1) 88 hours of classroom instruction (including discussion, videos, hands-on lab experiences) 2) 32 hours clinical experience in health care facilities 3) Guidance preparing for manual skills testing and written exam as required by the State of Idaho for placement on state registry. Additional costs include: Textbooks, BLS Healthcare Provider CPR training, clinical attire, clinical tools and immunizations. Clinical hours may be outside normal class hours, but student will be provided clinical dates at least one month in advance. In alignment with state requirements, students are required to attend 100% of the course to complete the program successfully. Please see registration handout for more information. Accreditation: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Board of Nursing, Idaho Division of Career Technical Education Computer requirements: A computer and hard drive with adequate memory, high-speed Internet access, up-to-date internet browser, basic Microsoft package (Word), Adobe Acrobat Reader.
100 Days to a New You
Embark on a 100-day journey to a healthier, more vibrant you. Whether you are just starting in nutrition, health, wellness, or seeking a reset, this course will provide you with essential tools to reach optimal health at any stage in life. Learn how to jumpstart your metabolism, stabilize blood sugar, balance hormones, and ward off metabolic diseases—all through clean eating, the power of blood sugar stabilization, and balancing hormones. Each day, you’ll dive into engaging lessons delivered through our online portal, all centered around transforming your body, mind, and lifestyle. guiding you to transform your body, mind, and daily routines. Discover time management strategies, the art of habit stacking, and essential tips for managing sleep, stress, nutrition, exercise, and hydration. You’ll also learn to decode food labels, avoid harmful ingredients, and harness the power of macronutrients. Through simple, 1% changes in your everyday habits, you’ll unlock the path to achieving your health goals and more. Taught by a certified Nutrition Specialist/Personal Trainer with a Masters in Health Education with over 28 years of experience. Get ready to make healthy living your new way of life—let’s start putting YOU first! Cost includes 3 in-person body scans/+15 sessions with a certified coach.
Joint Health
Join Us for a 4-Part Health Series with Dr. Kari Schultz! Led by local chiropractor, Dr. Kari Schultz, this engaging class series will explore four essential topics to help you take charge of your health:• Joint Aches & Pains – What Can Be Done About It• Ways to Boost Your Brain• Strengthen Your Immune System• Gut Health & Why It’s ImportantEach class will take a deep dive into one of these key areas, providing practical tips and insights to support your well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how small changes can make a big impact on your health!
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) - Web Supplemented
Do you want to take a CNA class but would rather take a portion of it online? This web-supplemented course reduces face-to-face time by almost half. Prepare yourself for employment opportunities as a nursing assistant in extended care facilities, hospitals, home health and hospice situations. This course meets the requirements for Idaho certification of nursing assistants. Clinical hours may be outside normal class hours, but students will be provided clinical dates at least one month in advance. This is a time intensive course. Please consider other commitments and use discretion before registering for the course. Face-to-Face dates will be provided the first day of class. Quizzes and lectures will be done online and skills will be covered during lab date. In alignment with state requirements, students are required to attend 100% of the course to complete the program successfully. Clinical facilities may require proof of COVID vaccinations prior to clinical rotations. Note: BACKGROUND CHECK/Drug Screening ISU does not generally perform background checks or drug screening in the CNA program, except in our State Hospital South Course, where both are required. If you have a criminal history that will prevent you from passing a background check you may want to reconsider taking this course as you will not be able to work as a CNA. Please refer to the Idaho Criminal History Unit website at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/bcu. See ‘denials.’ Once course has begun, you will be ineligible for reimbursement or transfer of course fees. If we are informed of a past crime or positive drug screen during the course, we must inform the clinical agency and allow them to decide if the student can rotate. If denied clinical, the student will be unable to finish the course. This course meets the following requirements for Idaho registration of nursing assistants: 1) 88 hours of classroom instruction (including discussion, videos, hands-on lab experiences) 2) 32 hours clinical experience in health care facilities 3) Guidance preparing for manual skills testing and written exam as required by the State of Idaho for placement on state registry. Additional costs include: Textbooks, BLS Healthcare Provider CPR training, clinical attire, clinical tools and immunizations. Clinical hours may be outside normal class hours, but student will be provided clinical dates at least one month in advance. In alignment with state requirements, students are required to attend 100% of the course to complete the program successfully. Please see registration handout for more information. Accreditation: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Board of Nursing, Idaho Division of Career Technical Education Computer requirements: A computer and hard drive with adequate memory, high-speed Internet access, up-to-date internet browser, basic Microsoft package (Word), Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Certified Family Home Basic Medication Awareness and Infection Control
The purpose of this course is to educate Certified Family Home (CFH) providers and substitute caregivers regarding medication safety and infection control. Participants will gain a basic understanding of medications including storing and caring for medications, six rights of medication oversight, medication side effects and warning signs, infection control, maintaining medication records and more. This course satisfies the requirements of IDAPA 16.03.19.400.05: “Each staff assisting with resident medications will have successfully completed a medication training under Section 100 of these rules.” That section states under IDAPA 16.03.19.100.03.e: “Unless a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, physician’s assistant, or medical doctor, completion of a Department-approved medications course through an Idaho technical college.”Successful completion of this course will consist of an open-book written test with a passing rate of 80% or greater and participation in the skills demonstration and testing. (Beginning July 7, 2025 this 5 hour course will be in-person.) Successful completion of this course will consist of an open book written test with a passing rate of 80% or greater and participation in the skills demonstration and testing. Spanish course available. Please call 208-282-3372 for details.
Demystifying Dementia Behaviors
As the population ages, dementia (including Alzheimer’s) increases. Caring for a person experiencing dementia can be challenging. What is normal and what isn’t? What is the best way to respond to gain cooperation and maintain the dignity of the person while reducing caregiver stress and frustration? Intended for those interacting with people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias on a regular basis. Section 1 Dementia Basics A broad overview of dementia and warning signs. Section 2 Dementia Behavior This 2 hour session will dive more deeply into the stages of dementia and the difficult behaviors that may accompany them. Attendees will come away with strategies for how to deal with these behaviors and provide meaningful activities for their loved ones. Section 3 Dementia Essentials Information for support -- including caregiver support, legal support, community support and available resources.
Emergency Medical Technician - EMT (Basic)
Whether you’re starting your career in emergency medicine or expanding your expertise, this course will equip you to deliver high-quality care as an EMT-Basic. Throughout this program, you’ll gain essential skills in emergency medical care, from basic life support to advanced interventions. Our focus is on rapid assessment, decisive action, and compassionate treatment, preparing you to handle diverse medical emergencies with confidence and empathy. Upon completion, students must pass both a psychomotor skills exam and a national written exam for certification. This is an intensive course conducted over 16 weeks. Students attend 8-hours of class per week and participate in 7 Saturday Skills days. In alignment with state requirements, students are required to attend 100% of the course to complete the program successfully. Must be 18 years or older. ADDITIONAL COSTS: Textbook, blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, immunizations, drug screening test, MyClinical Exchange Account skills and written certification exams, BLS Healthcare Provider CPR training certification. NOTE: This course requires an application and interview. Background checks are a course requirement. A failed background check will prevent participation in this course. Accreditation: Idaho Emergency Medical Services Bureau, Idaho Division of Career & Technical Education Program Highlights: Prepare for immediate employment as an EMT upon program completion. Convenience: Evening and weekend course hours. Low student/instructor ratio in hands-on training Download the handout for additional requirements and costs.
Basic EKG Interpretation
This class covers concepts including basic heart anatomy and physiology, cardiac, conduction, rhythm interpretation, distinguishing EKG from cardiac monitoring, and practice interpreting rhythm strips! Students will complete twelve hours of online training. At the completion, an online exam is required with 80% competency to pass. This online course is self-paced. After successful registration, the student will have 90 days to access and review the course. A certificate will be generated after successful completion of course work.
CNA Manual Skills Prep
Do you need additional guidance with the manual skills portion of the nursing assistant’s role? This course includes web videos of each testable skill, a copy of all documents needed to prepare for the CNA manual skills exam, and four hours of one-on-one, face-to-face training with an Idaho-approved nursing assistant instructor. Registration Process: Once registered and paid, please contact our office to schedule a time with the instructor. Either call at (208) 282-3372 or email at cetrain@isu.edu. Intended audience: previously certified nursing assistants who allowed their CNA to lapse and need to retest; people working in settings that don’t require certification, but who perform the work of a nursing assistant; family caring for ill or disabled loved ones; students who don’t feel they mastered the skills within their course; and CNAs wishing to learn the new CNA scope of practice or wanting a review after being away from the field for a time. Course fee for ISU-CNA students is $150 Course for for Non-ISU student is $250