CNA Classes in Minnesota (Top Schools)

In Minnesota, the term is “NA” (Nursing Assistant).

The Minnesota Department of Health regulates the training and registration of NAs.

Double certification is possible, both as an NA and HHA (Home Health Aide); with marginally different requirements.

The Beginning: Training Options

As a training candidate, you have many options; one of them being to take an officially approved education program.

The approved programs follow either the American Red Cross curriculum or the one provided by the Minnesota Colleges and Universities.

There is also a way to “test out” in specific circumstances: the Pearson VUE testing agency grants this possibility to nursing students or graduates (even those trained in other countries).

The choice among approved programs is entirely left to the candidate; however, he has to take care to choose these training programs that will best prepare him for the exam.

While training, there is also a 4-month window of opportunity for employment in suitable agencies.

Those who challenge the exam are not allowed this period, they are obliged to be in the registry.

Furthermore, only the NA exam can be challenged in this way; the requirements are more demanding for the NA/HHA combo.

To get current and up to date school info, please refer to the provided table.

The Challenge: Passing an Exam

The NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) includes both skill and knowledge tests.

Skills are examined by testing five common nurse aide tasks and skillsets (with at least one requiring doing measurements).

Knowledge is tested by a multiple-choice test (alternatively available in an oral form via cassette).

Further information is available in the Candidate’s Handbook provided by Pearson VUE.

Two fee levels are required: one is to be submitted to Pearson VUE ($64 for the complete test, $22 to retake the skill test and $42 to take the knowledge exam again); the other fee varies by the test site.

The registration procedures also differ per testing institution; in some sites, registration can be done on the testing day, while others require doing it in advance.

ID documents are required from candidates, as well as proof of program graduation.

The results are usually available on the same day the test is taken; after 3 attempts, retraining is necessary.

Non-employed candidates have two years to pass the test again.

Those who completed training can repeat the test based on their graduation date; for others, the first attempt date is relevant.

The eligibility date is renewed if the candidate decides to take the training.

For candidates who completed a combined (NA/HHA) program, NA/HHA assessment is required.

Also, for those applicants, the test is slightly different; while the skill test is the same, the knowledge exam isn’t.

Tip: After completing the NA/HHA assessment, only the written test has to be passed, in case the later completion of HHA training is planned.

After the completion of the test, a Pearson VUE certificate is received on the home address within two weeks.

Coming from Outside: Out-of-State CNAs

Transfer of certificates from other states is possible if an applicant is in good standing in his state of origin; however, proof of work experience (at least 8 hours the last 24 months, excluding orientation or training process) is also required.

The top of the interstate verification form is filled by the CNA and sent together with a copy of social security card and expired certificates to the current state of registration.

In the case of certain states, this will instead be sent to the Minnesota registry (these exceptions are listed in the application packet together with the list of all out of state registries).

Inside the packet, there is also a form that should be filled by the employer from the other state; the pay stub or W-2 should be attached.

There is no fee for this process, and help is available at the Nursing Assistant Registry (9:00-3:00).

When all the materials are received, the CNA will receive a confirmation

In case the candidate is judged to be non-eligible, he can challenge the decision.

For Your Information: the Salary

If your passion is helping people and you expect a safe and comfortable existence, few jobs will satisfy you better than an NA position in Minnesota; the average salary of $32,416 is the best proof.

To know more about the salary, please take a look at the more detailed table below.

CNA Schools by City

• Minneapolis