CNA Classes Minneapolis, MN

Certified Nursing Assistants are essential members of today’s healthcare teams. They perform hands-on patient care and routine tasks for people of various ages and states of health. CNAs work under the guidance of a registered, licensed practical nurse, or physician in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings. Equipped with the technical skills and knowledge learned in the classroom and clinical sites, nursing assistants feed, bathe, dress, position, and transfer patients and provide for their overall well-being and comfort. Graduates of nursing assistant programs in Minnesota must take the Pearson VUE administered state competency exam for placement on the Minnesota State Nursing Assistant Registry. In Minnesota, employment for Nursing Assistants is expected to grow faster than the average for all other jobs, at an average rate of 22 percent through 2022.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross offers nursing assistant training to individuals seeking an entry-level career as Certified Nurse Assistant. Experienced instructors equip students with the skills to work effectively in the fast-growing industry and alleviate the shortage of qualified direct care professionals. For more than two decades, the ARC has taught nurse assistant students how to feed, dress, bathe, and monitor patients in preparation for employment at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and in-home care. Classes are limited to 10 students per instructor to provide students with personal support in the classroom and clinical sites. The curriculum covers 96 hours of classroom and clinical instruction plus life skill training and preparation for the state exam. Tutoring is also available before and after each class. The ARC guarantees experienced, registered nurse instructors, resume workshops, state-of-the-art classroom and medical equipment, job fairs with local employers to provide placement support to all graduates, and 2-year CPR, First Aid and AED certification. Classes meet Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend an information session
  • Must be at least 16 years or older
  • A high school diploma or GED is recommended

The program cost of $1,500 includes textbooks, student handbook, study guide, and clinical supplies. Scholarships may be available to qualifying students.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Students enrolled in MCTC’s nurse assistant certificate program acquire the basic skills and training, including the fundamentals of nursing, to meet a range of patient needs. They learn how to perform routine health care tasks for a diverse patient population in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Apart from managing patients’ physical needs, students learn how to address emotional, spiritual, and social needs to ensure patients’ comfort and to promote health and well-being. Course topics include infection control, dependability, collaboration and teamwork, behavior management, patients’ rights and independence, range of motion, personal hygiene, principles of resident-centered care, vital signs, and safety and emergency responses. After developing essential skills during the on-campus laboratory sessions, students apply those skills, under the guidance of an experienced instructor, at an approved long-term care facility. Graduates are eligible to take the Nursing Assistant Test-Out (NATO), available at MCTC, for placement on the state’s Nurse Assistant Registry.

Admission criteria:

  • Obtain placement in READ 0200 or placement into ESOL 0052, OR
  • Obtain a passing grade of C or higher on READ 0100 or ESOL 0051 with a faculty recommendation into 0052
  • Pass a criminal background check before clinical placement

Tuition and fees cost $1130 (for completing 5 credit hours). Books, materials, supplies, uniforms, background check, immunization, CPR certification, and insurance are not included in the cost.

Augustana Care

Augustana Care invites adults who are ready for a career change, enjoy working with people, and feel compassion for seniors to enroll in their nursing assistant program. In collaboration with Moose Lake campuses, Augustana Care’s Hastings campus seeks to train, certify, and hire adults who might meet their criteria for becoming a certified nurse assistant. Classes are offered onsite. Students must commit to full attendance and punctuality. Successful candidates will receive a job offer upon completion. Augustana’s employees are friendly and dedicated and benefit from additional career opportunities, paid time off, retirement, and holidays.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age or older
  • Must have compassion for the elderly
  • Must attend an orientation session
  • Submit a completed application online

Tuition is free due to the full scholarship – valued at $1,100- for all applicants selected.   A deposit of $150 may be required but will be reimbursed after an offer of employment is extended.

  • Website:  http://augustanacare.org/
  • Address: 930 W 16th St, Hastings, MN 55033
  • Phone: (651) 437-6176

Accredited School of Nursing Assistant

ASNA nursing assistant program lets students complete the state-required training in less than half the time of other providers. Committed instructors present the material in a way that’s simple and memorable to prepare students for success on the state certification exam. The curriculum covers 84 hours of classroom theory, skills lab, and clinical activities in an approved nursing facility. The program is approved by the Department of Health, so graduates will be eligible to sit for the state certification exam to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. The duration of the program is three weeks. The morning class meets on Wednesday and Saturday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. The afternoon class meets Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application in person or online
  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Complete a satisfactory background study
  • Provide government-issued photo ID and social security card
  • Pay the application fee of $50

The total cost of attendance is $1,000 including tuition, registration, and background study. Assistance is available for low-income students.

North American Medical Academy

North American Medical Academy facilitates a nurse assistant/home health aide program that prepares students for state certification. The curriculum provides 125 hours of instruction in the classroom and clinical sites. The nursing assistant course covers the first 120 hours (4 weeks). It includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours at a local nursing home. Graduates are expected to write the Minnesota State Certification Examination for licensure as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide. Day classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Evening classes meet from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Weekend classes are available upon request. The duration of the program is 4 to 8 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Demonstrate basic English reading skills
  • Complete a satisfactory background check
  • Obtain a negative Mantoux test

Tuition includes supplies for the lecture, lab, and clinical component, books, and trained medication administration training. Uniforms must be purchased by the student.  fees. A discount is available for eligible students.

  • Website: https://northamericanmedicalacademy.com/
  • Address: 5201 Bryant Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN 55430
  • Phone: 952-381-7697

East Side Neighborhood Services, Inc.

Eat Side Neighborhood Services partners with Minneapolis College to supply free nursing assistant instruction to eligible candidates. Students will complete the theory at MCTC prior to commencing the clinical aspect of the program under the direction of professionals at Augustana. To apply for the free nurse aide training, applicants must complete the requirements below.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a clean background check
  • be able to read at the eighth-grade level at minimum
  • Have a high school diploma or GED

ESNS will cover the entire cost of the training including assistance with transport, resume and letter writing, and job placement assistance. They will also provide a stipend that will cover the cost of the state certification test.

  • Website: https://www.esns.org/
  • Address: 1700 Second Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
  • Phone: 612-781-6011

Midwestern Careers

Midwestern Careers provides nurse assistant students with the information and skills to become a competent nursing assistant. The curriculum covers 90 hours of theory and practical training. Students learn vital signs, personal care, hygiene, mental health, hospice care, nutrition, medical terminology, infection control, communication, rehabilitative techniques, and body structure and function. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion that will grant them eligibility to take the state certification test. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The duration of the program is four weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Must have a valid photo ID and social security card

A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

Century College

The Nursing Assistant Certificate course at Century College is designed for individuals seeking entry-level employment in direct patient care. Students have two enrollment options for the program: the non-credit option is available through Continuing Education and the college credit option through Academic Affairs. The curriculum for both options is the same. However, for the Continuing Education option, applicants won’t need to apply as a Century College student. Students looking to utilize financial aid resources and advance to a degree in nursing should choose the “for credit” option. The curriculum includes preparation for Home Health Aide certification. The course meets the requirements of the Minnesota Department of Health and OBRA. Graduates are eligible to take the state exam for placement on the Minnesota Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry.

Admission criteria:

  • Must commit to attend all classes
  • Obtain background clearance before clinical placement
  • Apply for admission to Century College and pay the application fee of $20 if applying to the Nurse Aide class for college credit
  • Register through the Continuing Education Department if enrolling in the non-credit option

Tuition for the credit course is $763.52 ($190.88 x 4 credits) plus $20 for the application. The cost of the non-credit course is $839.00. Students must budget an additional $223 for the Nurse Assistant Competency Exam available through Continuing Education.

  • Website: https://www.century.edu/
  • Address: 3300 Century Avenue North, White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110
  • Phone: 651.779.3300
  • Toll-Free: 800.228.1978

International Institute of Minnesota

The Institute’s Nursing Assistant Training is targeted to new Americans seeking employment as nursing assistants. The program comprises of classroom learning and clinical instruction, which includes cross-cultural differences. Small class sizes, with a student/teacher ratio of 6 to 1, improves students’ chances of success on the state exam. The school currently has a 98 percent pass rate on the certification exam. Graduates are eligible to take the state competency exam to work as entry-level employees in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities. The school’s employment specialists assist graduates with the job search process. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and run for 8 to 11 weeks based on the schedule.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be an official refugee, naturalized U.S. citizen, permanent resident or have permission to work in the U.S
  • Must pass an English written test and interview
  • Demonstrate competency in oral English
  • Must be in good physical health.

Tuition is free, but students must pay for a criminal background check ($30) and the Nurse Assistant Competency test ($100). Students must also budget for uniforms and transport to the clinical sites.

  • Website: https://iimn.org/
  • Address: 1694 Como Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108
  • Phone: 651-647-0191

Dakota County Technical Center – Rosemount Campus

The Nursing Assistant certificate course prepares students to care for elderly patients and persons requiring in-home care. The program includes content for home health aide training. During the classroom and hands-on lab sessions, students learn medical terminology, infection control, basic nursing principles, feeding and nutrition, communication and interpersonal skills, patient hygiene, patients’ rights, patients’ independence, range of motion, rehabilitative and restoration techniques, anatomy and physiology, mental health concepts, and hospice care. The supervised clinical practicum at an approved facility gives students the opportunity to apply the concepts and skills learned in the classroom. Students earn 5 credits upon successful completion of the program. Graduates can take the state competency exam for certification as Certified Nursing Assistants. Day and evening schedules are available at the Rosemount Campus.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the Non-degree Seeking Part-time Student Registration Form
  • Pay the non-refundable application fee of $20
  • Provide a valid photo ID and social security card
  • Pass a criminal background check

The cost of attendance is $936.68, including tuition, fees, lab kit, book, and scrubs.

  • Website: https://www.dctc.edu/
  • Address: 1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068
  • Phone: 651-423-8301

Normandale Community College

The nursing assistant certificate program at Normandale Community College is in high demand. A combination of didactic and practical training includes vital signs, personal hygiene, elimination, feeding, nutrition, range of motion, infection control, and meeting the emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs of patients. Attendance is mandatory to meet the Minnesota Department of Health regulations. Graduates are qualified to the take certification exam for placement on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry for employment as a CNA. The certificate course includes instruction in Home Health Aide for placement on the Minnesota Home Health Aide registry.

Admission criteria:

  • Must provide evidence of negative TB status
  • Obtain full clearance of a Minnesota Department of Human Services Background study
  • Demonstrate effective written and spoken communication skills
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.

The estimated cost of the 4-credit course is $1,100, including tuition, uniform, books, and lab supply kit.

  • Website: http://www.normandale.edu
  • Address: 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431
  • Phone: (952) 358-8200
  • Toll-Free: 1 (800) 481-5412

St Paul College

Students enrolled in the nursing assistant program at St Paul College explore the legal, ethical, and safety issues involved in patient care. The intensive classroom and clinical training prepare students for success on the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) test for inclusion on the Minnesota State Nursing Assistant Registry. Students must complete the lab/lecture and clinical requirements at the same time. State regulations require students to complete 16 hours of clinical experience and 2 hours of clinical orientation to be eligible for the state exam. Students who miss more than 5 hours of classes will not be eligible for graduation. Graduates can take the test at St Paul’s College for a fee of $130 (paid to St Paul College) plus $64 (paid to Pearson VUE).

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a program information session (schedules available on the school’s website)
  • Complete the online application for admission
  • Collect of the student ID
  • Obtain an acceptable score on the Accuplacer placement exam

The tuition of $943.66 is due in full at registration. The course fee does not include books, supplies, uniforms, and the MN Registry test.

  • Website: https://www.saintpaul.edu/
  • Address: 235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102
  • Phone: 651.846.1600
  • Fax: 651.846.1703
  • Toll-Free: 1.800.227.6029

Hennepin Technical College

HTC prepares students for the Nurse Assistant exam and a career in the high-demand field of health care in just four weeks. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students learn basic nursing principles, concepts of human needs, the health/illness continuum, and personal hygiene. The training includes lectures and demonstrations in the classroom, hands-on practice in a simulated lab, and supervised clinical care of adult patients in an approved long-term care facility. Instructors demonstrate 54 skills and ensure students can complete each skill in preparation for the skills component of the state exam. Other topics include verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, principles of infection control, safe moving and transferring of select populations, personal care, dementia strategies, and elimination needs. Students must attend all classroom and clinical sessions.

Admission criteria:

  • Must submit a high school transcript of GED certificate to Enrollment Services
  • Submit a completed application online and application fee of $20
  • Schedule the ACCUPLACER placement testing appointment
  • Complete the new student orientation
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Obtain TB clearance
  • Pass a background study

Tuition costs $927.80 for the 5-credit program. The cost of books uniforms, and supplies are not included.

HeartCert

HeartCert offers nursing assistant training to individuals seeking an entry-level career as a Certified Nurse Assistant. Experienced instructors equip students with the skills to work effectively in the fast-growing industry and alleviate the shortage of qualified direct care professionals. HeartCert offers training through the American Red Cross which for more than two decades, has taught nurse assistant students how to feed, dress, bathe, and monitor patients in preparation for employment at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and in-home care. The curriculum covers 96 hours of classroom and clinical instruction plus life skill training and preparation for the state exam. Students will complete the first 43 hours online. Classes are limited to 10 students per instructor to provide students with personal support in the classroom and clinical sites. Tutoring support is also available before and after each class. Graduates are eligible to take the Minnesota CNA competency exam to be listed on the State Nurse Aide Registry.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 16 years or older
  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Purchase scrubs and masks for in-person sessions
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification is recommended

Tuition for the program is $1,500 and includes textbooks, student handbook, study guide, and clinical supplies.

Anoka Technical College

The Anoka Technical College Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide certificate program prepares students for state certification and employment as certified nursing assistants. The 5-credit program includes classroom theory, skills lab, and clinical rotations at a local healthcare facility.   Expert faculty will cover concepts of basic human needs, basic nursing and personal care skills, mental health and social needs, restorative services, resident’s rights, and home health. Through hands-on activities in the school’s lab and at clinical sites, students will develop the skills useful in practice. The program meets the requirements fo the Minnesota Board of Nursing so graduates are eligible to take the nurse aide competency exam. Day and evening classes are offered. New classes begin in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a virtual information session
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED

Tuition for the program is $955.15 and includes the student association fee, technology fee, and parking/access fee.

St. Catherine University

St Catherine University offers a combined Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) Certificate Training. The program is open to all St. Kate’s students at a lower cost than other area certificate classes. The program is approved by the state Board of Nursing and includes theory and hands-on training.  Course topics include medical terminology, body structure and function, infection control, vital signs, nutrition, communication techniques, personal care, and more. Graduates will be eligible for a CNA license and AHA card. The class size is limited to 30 students per session. New classes begin in the months of January, May/June, and August. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:00 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend an information session
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a criminal background check

Tuition costs $1,200 for St. Kate’s students and $1,300 for other students not enrolled at St Kate. The fee includes class fee, clinical background check, Mantoux TB test, exam fees, and AHA card fee. Scrubs, additional TB testing, fingerprinting fees, and additional retests are at the cost of the student.

  • Website: https://www.stkate.edu/
  • Address: 2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
  • Toll-Free: 800-945-4599
  • Phone: 651-690-6000

Inver Hills Community College

Inver Hills offers a short-term nursing assistant training program for persons interested in a healthcare job. The comprehensive training provides theory and practical training in personal care, nutrition, rehabilitation techniques, vital signs, and caring for members of the senior population. Upon completion of the on-campus requirements, students will complete 24 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care facility. Day and night schedules are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Obtain criminal background clearance
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Have a high school diploma or GED

Tuition for the program is $938.65. Books and supplies are not included.

Crystal G

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.

Comments are closed.