There are nurse assistant programs throughout Minnesota’s network of community and technical colleges, as well as through private organizations. Minnesota training programs are required to include 75 hours of coursework and 100 hours of hands-on clinical work. Most programs take two to six months to complete, then students are eligible to take the CNA certification exam if they meet the additional prerequisites.
Minnesota has several requirements you must fulfill before you can qualify for CNA certification. In addition to possessing a high school diploma or GED, you must pass a background check, which includes fingerprinting. Minnesota also requires its nursing assistants to have proof of current immunizations and a negative tuberculosis test within six months of applying for a CNA certificate.
Once you’ve qualified for the CNA exam, you must take a written exam and skills evaluation, also known as the National Nurse Aide Assessment Examination. Passing this examination certifies you as a CNA, allowing you to register with the Minnesota registry of nurses aides and look for employment.
Minnesota law requires that long-term care facilities reimburse newly trained and certified nursing assistants for their training expenses. To qualify for reimbursement, you must work for the facility for 90 days and submit your educational-related receipts to the facility. In addition to tuition, receipts can be for books, uniforms and other supplies.
CNAs work mainly in nursing care facilities and hospitals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment opportunities for nursing aides will rise 19 percent by 2018. This increase is mainly due to expected growth in the number of elderly who will require care in nursing homes. In addition, many nurses aides move on to additional training and become licensed practical nurses and medical assistants—which creates openings for additional CNAs.