CNA Classes in Minnesota | 10 Top Programs for Future Certified Nursing Assistants

Don’t let your dreams of joining the medical field slip away. You can join in just a few weeks with the training and practical skills to back you up. You can become qualified with CNA classes in Minnesota. These classes will help you learn everything you need to join the medical field and feel comfortable caring for patients, so even if you don’t know anything now, you’ll be more than prepared to get started. With so many facilities in Minnesota that need certified CNAs, you’ll be able to step into a job in no time.

Who Is the Regulatory Body for CNAs in Minnesota?

This is similar across just about every state since the same department regulates CNA work: the Department of Health. Of course, the Minnesota Department of Health specifically is responsible for registry in Minnesota.
If you would like to be a CNA in Minnesota, this is the body that will be responsible for ensuring that you are registered properly with your Minnesota CNA license and that you have all the skills you need to care for your future patients.

Who Administers the CNA Exam in Minnesota?

While the Minnesota Department of Health is the regulatory body for CNAs, they don't administer the exam. The National Nurse Aide Assessment Exam will be administered by Pearson Vue. Keep in mind if you’re coming from another state that the body that administers the exam will be different from state to state. While Pearson Vue administers it in Minnesota, it will be different for other states.

Minnesota CNA Exam Details

You must take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Exam if you want to be a CNA. You can take the exam without doing one of the CNA training programs in Minnesota if you do the challenging path, but this will more difficult. If you're taking the exam, know that it does have two parts, including a 60-question multiple-choice test that you will have to complete within two hours.
You'll then begin a clinical skills section where you will need to demonstrate what you've learned in a real situation. You will be given some sample clinical CNA skills to perform throughout the day-long exam.

How Much Does the Minnesota CNA Exam Cost?

You have two sections of the exam, but you don't need to pay for them separately. You will pay one total amount for the entire exam when you register, and that will be $64. Unlike some state exams, this will pay for both the multiple-choice and clinical sections. Once you've paid the fee, you will be able to take your exam. Taking this exam is part of your Minnesota CNA requirements, and is a non-negotiable piece of being a CNA.

Where I Take the CNA Exam in Minnesota?

Also before your exam, don't forget to take some practice tests to see how your CNA classes in Minnesota have helped you learn what you need to know. All of these online practice exams will also be free and readily available.

How Much Does a CNA Get Paid in Minnesota?

It’s not all about the money, but it’s important to make a living with your job. You want to be sure that being a CNA will be profitable for you and that you will be able to support yourself.
On average then, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, you’ll make $32,560. Depending on the city, however, your CNA salary in Minnesota will be more or less. So, in a city like Bloomington, you’ll make about three thousand less, while a place like Lakeville will make about $600 more.

Additional CNA Training in Minnesota

There are many free training programs that you can find nearby to teach you the skills you need to know to succeed in this field. If none of these programs appeal to you though, there are several organizations such as health organizations, nursing homes, and trade schools that offer many CNA classes for a small fee. To be a CNA, Minnesota offers you many options to choose from in a variety of locations.

Career Outlook and Salary for CNA in Minnesota

CNA classes in Minnesota

Century College

Stop by Century College to learn about how they will be able to help you become a nursing assistant. Their program is designed to help you find employment under the supervision of a registered nurse—right after you graduate.
When you complete your certificate and take your examination, you'll be able to find your place in long-term care, acute care, or in a home care setting. You can apply for a course for college credit, or more commonly, not for college credit. Both are the same course and fill the requirements you need to be a great CNA.

Saint Paul College

You can learn all about the technical skills you'll need within Saint Paul College and their CNA program. While you're in the classroom, and the clinical setting, you'll work directly with a nurse or doctor to learn more about what you'll be able to do as part of the medical field.
By the time you’re done with the program, you’ll know all about feeding, bathing, positioning, and other comfort measures for the client. You’ll also learn all the legal, ethical, and safety issues in your client care training.

Bridgewater College

Also, you'll have the job security that you need to feel comfortable following your medical journey. When you're done with your training, talk to Bridgewater too to learn more about how they can help you find a place after passing your exam.

Lake Superior College

Head to Lake Superior College to earn your CNA certification on campus. And the best part is that no matter where you are in your life right now, you can still take these classes. They’re offered during the day, but they’re also offered at night so that you can continue working another job or spend time with family before you go to school.

You’ll get an amazing education no matter what time you go to class though as you begin working in a lab on campus before you move to the clinical environment, which will be a local hospital or healthcare facility. The course starts off with laboratory sessions before you advance to hospital or clinical environments. 

You have to complete 100 hours of training and classes which cover knowledge on body systems, controlling infections, emergency situations and 58 other skills required by the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency.

Northland Community and Technical College

You can head on over to Northland Community and Technical College if you want to become a CNA, which can be used as a prerequisite if you’d like to further enroll in the Practical Nursing program. You’ll learn all your factual information through your lectures, but that’s not all you’ll do.

There is also hands-on skills practice where you work in the lab, with audiovisuals, texts, and handouts. After you're done with all the knowledge practice, you'll be able to begin with, the clinical experience. The concepts of basic human needs will be introduced to you so that you're completely prepared for anything you encounter.

Normandale Community College

While you’re there, you’ll specifically learn how to help your patients with the proper positioning, the equipment you need to help them, and what to do when it comes to mental disabilities and illnesses.

Itasca Community College

If you’re looking for an instructor to help push you along and support you in your program, look no further than Itasca Community College. The instructors will push you to do your best while being available to talk with you about any questions or concerns that might arise during the duration of your program.

Their main highlight is that their entire 2019 Practical Nursing graduates all passed the National Council Licensure Examination (also known as the NCLEX). This shows that their program is effective in equipping students for a successful nursing career.

There are also many opportunities for you to work in a clinical setting, meaning that you’ll be completely prepared for any situation you might encounter when you begin your work in the field. Just pick out your program to begin learning about all the course requirements.

Central Lakes College

There are great internship placement opportunities with the healthcare facilities in the area, and the college will help place you in a proper facility after you’re done so that you can get started with your work right away. The team-oriented classroom instruction will help prepare you, while the variety of equipment is perfect for realistic hands-on learning. You’ll have all the resources you need when you visit Central Lakes College.

Inver Hills Community College

The demand for CNAs is high right now, and no one knows that better than Inver Hills Community College. They have responded to the high demand for medical assistants by offering courses in both the day and the evening.

You'll be able to choose a time to learn what works best for you and won't have to be in the courses for too long either. The training program is short-term and very flexible, and certainly encompasses all the skills and experience you need to become a great nursing assistant as soon as you're done with your exam.

Hennepin Technical College

You’ll also learn personal care needs, theory, and all the practical skills that will benefit you in the field. Work in a supervised laboratory setting alongside adult elders in a long-term care setting, and learn from your supervisor how you can improve your work every day.