Nursing Assistant Training Programs in Minnesota
The CNA profession is one of the fastest growing jobs in the health care sector both nationally and in Minnesota. It is an exciting time to begin researching a CNA career in Minnesota.
CNA Training in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health regulates nursing assistants in the state of Minnesota. To become a CNA in Minnesota you will need to first attend a Minnesota Department of Health approved nursing assistant training and the pass a competency evaluation exam that consists of a written section as well as a skills evaluation section. Within four months of successfully passing the competency evaluation/exam you will need to apply to get on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry, which will allow you to work in certified nursing homes and certified boarding homes.* So, the first step is to find a nursing assistant program in MN that is convenient for you. You can find a link to the most updated list of programs posted below.
Federal Regulations require that a nursing assistant program be at least 75 hours. In Minnesota free nursing assistant training is aways an option. If you are employed or have received a job offer from a facility prior to enrolling in a nursing assistant training program you can not be charged for the costs of the program or the competency evaluation/exam. For those nursing assistants that pay for their training and testing, they are eligible for reimbursement within one year of completing the competency exam. Regulations require that the nursing assistant submit receipts for cna classes and the competency test to their employer/facility and within 90 days, the facility must reimburse the nursing assistant for the cost of training and the competncy evaluation/exam. To capitalize on this opportunity you must be working for a certified nursing home or a certified boarding house.* This is quite an opportunity.
CNA classes incorporate CPR certification as well as instruction for taking vital signs, basic clinical nursing skills, basic patient care training, medical terminology, control of infection, emergency response procedures and other nursing facility related skills.
Working as a CNA in Minnesota
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, nursing assistants and related occupations make a median annual salary of $26,200 and a median hourly wage of $12.58. These earnings are both above the national average for nursing assistants and related occupations. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development projects 12% job growth in the state for nursing assistants and similar fields through 2016. This is a bit below the national average. Job growth coupled with the earning potential and the fact that the CNA position is often a stepping stone to a professional nursing career (LPN and RN), it appears this is an opportune time to start researching nursing assistant training programs.
The medical assistant position is a related career field with exciting growth potential as well. You may be interested in researching the Medical Assistant programs in Minnesota. Programs can be completed in as little as 6 months. Find career, school and salary information for this rapidly growing field of health care by clicking on the above link.
(Sources: *Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development)
Nursing Assistant Training in MN
Approved CNA Training Programs in MN
Programs Offered: Nursing Assistant
List of approved schools provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development: Click Here.