Nursing Assistant
This 84-hour, 3-credit, state-approved course presents curriculum to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge essential in giving direct and supportive care as a nursing assistant in long-term care, in assisted living, and as a home health aide. After successful completion of the course, students are required to take the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Test.
This class meets OBRA requirements for training nurse assistants and home health aides, and meets the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) standards. Students practice skills in a supervised laboratory setting and in a clinical environment in long-term care.
The CNA certification is a pre-requisite for the Practical Nursing program.
The Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide course is offered multiple times each semester. Each course is 4 weeks, 22 class hours per week.
- The process to obtain a MDH background study with fingerprinting and photo identification will be started on the first day of class.
- Signature-bearing Picture ID (driver's license preferred) required on the first day of class.
- Students are required to provide their social security number at registration.
- The minimum age recommended to take this course is 16.
Due to the accelerated nature of this course, students are expected to be in 100% attendance during classroom, skills, and clinical work experience. Any skills practice/lab/clinical time missed will require the student to pay for private tutor time with the instructor.
A calendar listing all training dates and times, as well as topics covered will be provided to the student the first day of class. Textbooks and materials are included in class fee.
Next Generation Nursing Assistant
Upcoming CNA courses are available at no cost through the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative. More info »
Douglas County, MN Residents:
The Nursing Assistant course is covered for eligible Douglas County residents under the RAISE grant initiative. More info »
Eligible residents must live in Douglas County, MN, be unemployed or underemployed (adjusted gross income of $50,000 or $100,000 if married filing jointly), and have graduated high school or obtained their GED prior to 1/1/2020.