North Dakota CNA Requirements and State Approved Programs

CNAs provide direct care to patients by assisting with daily activities and providing for their personal needs and comfort. Apart from your compassionate spirit and desire to help others, you’ll need to acquire essential skills in order to fulfill your roles as a North Dakota CNA. Like other states, the North Dakota Department of Health, enforces strict guidelines for the training and licensure of nurse aides. One of the basic requirements for new nurse aides is training, which must take place at a state-approved facilitator. Currently, there are just 52 programs approved by the department. The Division of Health Facilities, in the Department of Health, oversees the training, certification and management of the state’s nurse assistant registry.

CNA Classes in North Dakota:

Certification Requirements

If you’re seeking employment or pursuing nurse aide certification in North Dakota, one of your first steps should be to enroll in a state-approved training program. All nursing assistants, employed at state-licensed facilities and agencies, must receive appropriate training and certification before employment or volunteering direct care services. The state requirements, in line with federal regulations, maintain the quality of care for seniors and disabled persons in hospitals and long term care facilities.

Employers must, by law, verify a prospective employee’s status on the nurse aide registry before hire. This will not only ensure the employee is certified to work, but also reveal any charges of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of resident property.

Out-of-state CNAs can contact the Department of Health for inclusion on the registry through endorsement. This option provides one of the easiest and fastest ways for a CNA to begin working in the state. However, each situation is unique, so the department might require the applicant for endorsement to take the state exam as a requirement for inclusion.

Prerequisites to Training

Although federal and state agencies do not impose minimal requirements (as it relates to education) for state training, your training provider might have restrictions to entry. Many institutions require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent for entry. Others will waive those requirements if the applicant can demonstrate competency in reading, comprehension and writing English at an eighth-grade level at minimum. Since each training provider has different requirements, it’s best to contact them directly to determine if you meet the minimum requirements. You should also attend the institute’s information session, which will help you determine if the training session is a right fit for you.

Following are some other prerequisites to training:

  • At least 18 years
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent (depends on the training provider)
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate in English
  • Clean criminal background free from arrest, assault,, .
  • State identification and social security card
  • A physical exam indicating good health
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray
  • Immunization (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Meningitis)

North Dakota Certified Nurse Aide Training Requirements

The Department of Health, in line with federal regulations, requires all nurse aides to complete 75 hours of state-accredited training. The school’s curriculum should facilitate classroom and clinical training that will prepare graduates to fulfill their responsibilities in a demanding health care environment. Graduates of state-accredited programs are also eligible to sit the state certification exam for inclusion on the nurse aide registry.

Teachers use various methods to impart knowledge in the classroom setting. However, the course content remains the same from one institution to another – since the curriculum is regulated by the state. Students must learn their roles and responsibilities, how to take patients’ vital signs, how to react in emergencies, the importance of patients’ safety and rights, observation and reporting, transferring patients from one point to another, and communication with patients, their family members and other members of the patient care team. The second part of the two-part training takes place in a clinical setting. There, students put their knowledge and skills to work by caring for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse instructor.

The duration of training depends on the training provider’s curriculum and the number of contact hours the course facilitates. Generally, most students complete a 75-hour program in just three weeks.

Cost of CNA Training North Dakota

North Dakota’s 52 state-approved institutions offer training that is more affordable than many other states. Obviously, some programs are cheaper than others, so your final cost depends on where you train. Luckily, there are several options for free training at many of the approved nursing facilities in the state. For this reason, you should check those facilities first if you need assistance with training costs. If you prefer immediate training and want to escape the long waiting lists associated with nursing home programs, you can apply for training at any of the colleges or private institutions below and pay approximately $650 plus costs for textbooks, uniform and state certification.

Licensed nursing homes are required to cover your costs for training and certification if you’re employed or receive an offer of employment with 12 months of certification. Keep copies of your receipts to present for your pro-rated reimbursement.

Nurse Aide Testing

The state certification exam, administered by D&S Diversified Technologies LLP, ensures nurse assistants meet the standards of knowledge and abilities for providing direct care services. There are two parts of the evaluation: a written (or oral) exam and a skills evaluation. Candidates must pass both components of the exam, within six months, to qualify for inclusion on the state registry. If you fail the exam on your first attempt, you’ll have two more chances to pass the exam within the 6-month period.

The written test contains 72 multiple choice questions, which you must complete in 90 minutes or less. Questions test your knowledge of infection control, disease process, personal care, role and responsibility, mental health, growth and development and basic nursing skills. You can request the oral test if you have difficulty reading English, but you must do so at the time of the application – not on exam day.

The skills test rates your nurse aide skills through your performance of five skills selected at random. You must achieve a score of 80% and more to pass the skills test. The skills component is 30 minutes long.

Download the candidate handbook to review the list of skills and for sample questions from the written exam.

Exam Costs 

  • Written exam – $23
  • Oral exam – $33
  • Skills evaluation – $45

Walk with the following items on exam day:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam
  • Two forms of official ID
  • Test approval letter
  • Two No. 2 pencils and eraser
  • Uniform scrubs and flat, non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the skills exam

Out-of-State CNAs

If you’re an out-of-state CNA, you can transfer your license to North Dakota by endorsement.

  • Download and fill out the application for endorsement
  • You must be listed in good and active standing at the out-of-state registry
  • Provide proof of training, certification and employment
  • Fill out the application form and submit it to the registry via fax, email or postal mail
  • Include copies of all relevant documents to expedite the process.

Note: If there are findings of abuse or neglect on your record, the registry will deny your application for transfer.

Renewal

Your CNA license remains valid for two years. Certification expires two years from your test date. To be eligible for renewal, you must:

  • Submit proof of employment within the two-year period. Your employment must be within North Dakota
  • Renewing your CNA license is free.
  • Complete a new evaluation program if you did not perform at least 8 hours of work for compensation within the period.

The registry will mail a renewal card approximately 60 days before your registration expires. The card will contain instructions for online renewal. It is crucial that you maintain an accurate address on the registry to receive updates about your status.

Contact the Registry:

North Dakota Department of Health

Health Resources Section

600 East Boulevard Ave., Dept. 301
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200

Dr. Darleen Bartz, Chief – dbartz@nd.gov

Phone Numbers
Fax 701.328.1890
Office  701.328.2352

Nurse Aide Registry

Office 701.328.2353

Email naregistry@nd.gov

State Approved CNA Training Programs in North Dakota:

Belcourt, ND Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Turtle Mountain Community College

10145 BIA Rd, PO Box 340, Belcourt, ND 58316

701-477-7862

Beulah, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Knife River Care Center

11822nd St NE, Beulah, ND 58523

701-873-4322

Bismarck, ND High Schools offering CNA programs:

Bismarck Public Schools

806 North Washington Street, Bismarck, ND 58501

701-323-4000

Bismarck, ND Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Bismarck State College

P.O. Box 5587, 1500 Edwards Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58506

701-224-5600

Bottineau, ND Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Dakota College at Bottineau

150 Simrall Blvd, Bottineau, ND 58318

701-228-5604

Bowman, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Southwest Healthcare Services

12 6th Ave. SW, Bowman, ND 58623

701-523-3226

Cavalier, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Wedgewood Manor

804 Main St West, Cavalier, ND 58220

701-265-8453

Crosby, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

St. Lukes Sunrise Care Center

705 SE 4th St, Crosby, ND 58730

70-965-6086

Devils Lake, ND Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Lake Region State College

1801 College Drive N, Devils Lake, ND 58301

701-662-1600

Dickinson, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

St. Benedict’s Health Center

851 Fourth Avenue East, Dickinson, ND 58601

701-456-7242

Elgin, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Jacobson Mem Hospital Care Center

601 East Street North, Elgin, ND 58533

701-584-2792

Enderlin, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Maryhill Manor

110 Hillcrest Dr, Enderlin, ND 58027

701-437-3544

Fargo, ND Freestanding CNA programs:

Fargo Adult Learning Center

415 N. 4th St, Fargo, ND 58102

701-446-1000

Fargo, ND Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Bethany On University

201 South University Dr, Fargo, ND 58103

701-239-3523

Glen Ulin, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Marian Manor Healthcare Center

604 Ash Avenue East, Glen Ulin, ND 58631

701-348-3107

Grafton, ND High Schools offering CNA programs:

North Valley Career-Technology Center

1540 School Road, Grafton, ND 58237

701-352-3705

Grand Forks, ND High Schools offering CNA programs:

Grand Forks Public Schools

2400 47th Ave South, Grand Forks, ND 58201

701-746-2200

Grand Forks, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Valley Eldercare Center

2900 14th Avenue South, Grand Forks, ND 58201

701-787-7900

Woodside Village

4004 24th Avenue South, Grand Forks, ND 58201

701-787-7831

Harvey, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

St. Aloisius Medical Center

325 Bwester St, Harvey, ND 58341

701-324-4651

Hankinson, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

St Gerard’s Community of Care

613 1st Avenue SW, Hankinson, ND 58041

701-242-7891

Hettinger, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Western Horizons Care Center

1104 E Hwy 12, Hettinger, ND 58639

701-567-2401

Killdeer, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Hill Top Home of Comfort

PO Box 780, Killdeer, ND 58640

701-764-5682

Lakota, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Lakota

608 4th Avenue Southwest, Lakota, ND 58344

701-249-2902

Langdon, ND High Schools offering CNA programs:

Langdon Area High School

721 11th Avenue, Langdon, ND 58249

701-256-3270

Langdon, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Maple Manor Care Center

1116 9th Avenue, Langdon, ND 58249

701-256-2987

Larimore, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Larimore

501 East Front Street, Larimore, ND 58251

701-343-6244

Lisbon, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

North Dakota Veteran’s Home

1600 Veterans Dr, Lisbon, ND 58054

701-683-6500

Mandan, ND Freestanding CNA programs:

Dakota Travel Nurse Inc.

3015 Memorial Highway, Mandan, ND 58554

701-667-2884

Mayville, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Healthcare Education Network

3303rd St NE, Mayville, ND 58257

701-788-4702

McVille, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Nelson County Health System

200 N Main St, Mcville, ND 58254

701-322-4328

Minot, ND Freestanding CNA programs:

Burdick Job Corps Center

1500 University Avenue West, Minot, ND 58703

701-857-9600

Minot, ND Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Magic City Campus

1100 11th Ave SW, Minot, ND 58701

701-857-3376

Minot, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Trinity Homes

PO Box 5020, Minot, ND 58702-5020

701-857-5000

Mohall, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Mohall

602 Main Street East, Mohall, ND 58761

701-756-6831

Napoleon, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Napoleon Care Center

311 4th Street East, Napoleon, ND 58561

701-754-2381

New Rockford, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd

1226 1st Avenue North, New Rockford, ND 58356

701-947-2944

Oakes, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Oakes

213 9th St, Oakes, Oakes, ND 58474

701-742-3274

Rugby, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Heart of America Medical Center

800 South Main Ave, Rugby, ND 58368

701-776-5261

Stanley, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Mountrail County Medical Center

615 6th Street SE, Stanley, ND 58784

701-628-2442

Tioga, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Tioga Medical Center

810 Welo Street, Tioga, ND 58852

701-664-3305

Valley City, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sheyenne Care Center

979 Central Ave N, Valley City, ND 58072

701-845-2222

Wahpeton, ND Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

ND State College of Science

800 Sixth Street North, Wahpeton, ND 58076

701-671-2106

Wahpeton, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

St. Catherine’s Living Center

1307 7th Street North, Wahpeton, ND 58075

701-642-6667

Watford City, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

McKenzie County Healthcare System

516 North Main, Watford City, ND 58854

701-842-3771

Williston, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Train ND Northwest – Williston

1410 University Ave, Williston, ND 58802

701-774-4200

Williston, ND High Schools offering CNA programs:

Williston Senior High School

PO Box 1407, Williston, ND 58802

701-572-0967

West Williston, ND Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Bethel Lutheran Home

1515 2nd Ave., West Williston, ND 58801

701-572-6766

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