CNA Classes in Minnesota – CNA Training & Classes

If you wish to achieve an extraordinary and rewarding career within the healthcare field, the CNA profession is among the most growing in the state of Minnesota, as well as has a high successful rate for people who search a nursing assistant position.

Making a difference starts within your community and if you want to make an impact, you can start taking CNA classes in Minnesota. CNA’s are the first healthcare professionals to care for the patients and provide them comfort or medical care when needed. They assist the other members of the healthcare team in order to provide the best care or treatment as possible. There are a number of people who take the training program because they know that becoming a CNA imposes several benefits.

In the state of Minnesota, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) receive specific training because their role is to offer important healthcare services and treatments to patients. Those who wish to work as a nursing assistant in health care field, must complete a CNA training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Approved training programs offered throughout the state within specialized schools, universities, community colleges, as well as online courses through distance education schools which make it easy to access the experiential learning. Furthermore, there are several hospitals, nursing homes, hospices or other healthcare facilities offering their own free training programs and a job position upon completion of the training. Also, the American Red Cross offers regular CNA training classes in an affordable price.

All programs meet the national guidelines and Federal regulations and are designed to provide all the skills needed for someone to become a certified nursing assistant.

Duties and responsibilities of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) include moving and transporting patients, administering medication, bathing, toileting, dressing and proper feeding, changing bedpans and linens, checking the vital signs, such as taking blood pressures or temperature a patient, proper maintenance and sterilizing medical equipment as well as precautions for safety and keeping a clean environment for the patients. They do all of this under the supervision of a licensed nurse or a licensed practical nurse in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, hospices and in other healthcare facilities in the state.

CNA Training Requirements in Minnesota

According to federal requirements, applicants who enroll in a CNA approved program training, must be at least eighteen years old, need to have a high school diploma or GED certification, clean criminal record and will must also pass the mandatory tests required including a physical exam and a tuberculosis test.

The Minnesota Department of Health regulates and approves CNA training programs in the state of Minnesota, that require at least 75 hours of classroom coursework and 100 hours of clinical practice. These programs can last from 4 to 9 weeks and their fees may range from $300 to $2200.

During CNA courses, a student learns about the legal and ethical issues of nursing, anatomy, physiology, medical terminologies, basic clinical skills, emergency response procedures, dietary issues, hygiene issues and environmental cleanliness issues, nutrition, infection control, and many other nursing related topics.

The Department of Health in Minnesota provides the complete listing of state approved facilities offering CNA classes. You can find there the organizations that offer a low cost training or a free of charge training. If you grab the free training, you will have to work on the facility after passing the certification exam. This is a great opportunity to work as a CNA right after the training. The most important thing to remember is you have to pass the exam and get a certification in order to become eligible in working as a CNA.

The CNA classes will not take that long. In fact, the state requires 75 hours of training only and you can work as a Certified Nursing Assistant even if you are not yet certified or you are still undergoing the training. You simply have to complete the course and pass the exam within four months from the start of your employment.

Minnesota CNA Certification

The state of Minnesota has adopted National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) test developed by National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and controlled by Pearson VUE.

The competency exam in Minnesota consist of two sections. One written test which includes 70 multiple-choice questions that covers the technical protocols of working as a CNA pertaining to physical care, psycho-social care, and role of nursing assistant, and it takes around two hours to completed.

The second section is a practical exam which includes demonstration in a clinical setting 5 skills chosen at random out of a set of 25 practical skills learned during the CNA training. If examinee fail to pass the competency exam within three tries, then will must retake CNA training. Successful candidates can apply for inclusion within 120 days on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry that maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health and keeps a database of individuals certified as nursing assistants in the state.

As soon as you completed the training and successfully passed the certification exam, your name will be placed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry list. There will be no fees involved in the process including the renewal of license. You only have to present a minimum of 8 hours CNA work experience in the past 24 months. The state of Minnesota does not have in-service requirements but the Federal government obligates at least 12 hours of in-service training annually. This is to ensure that Certified Nursing Assistants are updated with the latest skills and training in the field so that they will be able to provide the best care as possible.

Renewal of certification is every two years and the aide must have worked at least 8 hours during the same period. Also, in order to stay eligible to work, CNAs must complete 48 hours of continuing education units every two years.

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Minnesota

There are really 3 key reasons why you would want to become a CNA in the state of Minnesota.

First of all, the CNA salary in the state of Minnesota is above national average and around $28,670, with the demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) expected to grow significantly, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This includes benefits like annual salary increase, sick leave, paid vacation as well as dental insurance and health benefits. Aside from that, you can work flexible working hours.

Secondly lots of employers in Minnesota are looking for Certified Nursing Assistants so you have a several options to choose from. You can work in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, long-term care facilities or various healthcare organizations. Government agencies, hospitals, and several other healthcare facilities are also able to offer employment and a good salary for well trained and experienced Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

Thirdly, becoming a CNA is the most effective way to get into better paid career as you can always get additional training and become a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse. Both of these jobs pay considerably more than CNA jobs.