Becoming A CNA in Minnesota

What is Involved in Completing CNA Programs in Minnesota?

The path to becoming a certified nurse aide in the state of Minnesota starts with completing a CNA training program that is accredited or approved by the Minnesota Department of Health. In order to be listed in the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, you will also need to pass the CNA certification exam that is issued by the state. Once on the registry, you will qualify to work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and most other places that provide medical services.If you are serious about the career path of a certified nursing assistant. Please follow these steps. These steps will help you to create an educational path to your career as a cna.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Minnesota

Step 1:

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

Step 2: 

Complete your CNA training.

Some of the 75 hours will be spent in the classroom learning about medical terminology, psychological skills, and how to help patients deal with their current conditions. Documentation procedures are commonly learned  as well, in addition to a number of other subjects including how to handle emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks, or falls.

You will also be required to perform vital CNA skills in a hands-on environment as part of your training. Learning these skills is essential, and you will need to be prepared to perform several of these tasks during your CNA certification exam.

Part of your training may include CPR skills, but if it doesn’t, you will need to obtain certification on your own. If your school does not offer CPR certification, your local Red Cross Association offers CPR courses.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Minnesota

Step 1:

Apply to take the skills assessment test, and find a testing site.

There are many approved testing sites within the state, and many training institutions are also approved to serve as testing sites. These can be found online from the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry website.

Before you take the CNA certification exam, you should also take a practice test. The practice test will help give you an idea of how well you might do on the real test, and it will also give you an idea of which areas you need to study more.

Step 2:

Take the certification exam. When you arrive to take the test, it is a good idea to arrive a bit early so that your ID and other paperwork that you bring can be processed. Try to get a good night’s rest and take time to study any materials from your training program so you can be on top of your game.

The certification exam will consist of two sections. The first part is a written and multiple choice portion, and the second part is an active, or clinical, test.

Step 3:

Once you pass the certification exam, you can create a CNA resume, and start looking for a job.

Step 4:

Consider additional education in the nursing field. For example, many CNAs choose to take RN or LPN classes, which gives them access to more job opportunities and higher salaries.

The average CNA  salary in Minnesota is $26,200, and you can expect an average 12% growth for this  position in the next ten years. If you are looking for ways to reduce the cost of attending school, investigate our section on free CNA training to discover which students qualify for reduced or no-cost CNA classes in Minnesota.

For additional information contact the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry at:

Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry

Minnesota Department of Health

85 East 7th Place Suite 300

St. Paul, MN 55164-0501

Phone: (651) 215-8705 or (800) 397-6124 (in state only) Fax: (651) 215-8709