CNA Classes in Minnesota

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Minnesota, you must meet several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must be legally able to work in the United States
• While not all training programs require background checks, all employers will conduct them
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • Up-to-date immunizations
  • COVID-19 vaccination (required by most healthcare employers)
  • Additional health requirements may vary by program

No specific educational prerequisites are mandated by the state, making this an accessible career entry point for many. However, some programs may have their own educational requirements, so it’s advisable to check with specific training providers.

Minnesota has specific requirements for CNA training programs to ensure all nursing assistants receive standardized education:

• Total of at least 75 clock-hours of training required
• Must include 16 hours of supervised practical training with a live person in a laboratory setting
• Programs must use curriculum from the Minnesota-Approved Training Curricula list
• Instructors must be:
  • Minnesota registered nurses with at least two years of licensed nursing experience in the US
  • Have at least one year of experience in long-term care facility services
  • Hold a curriculum-specific Train the Trainer certificate if required

The curriculum covers essential skills like basic patient care, infection control, safety procedures, communication techniques, and residents’ rights. While program lengths vary, most can be completed in 3-6 weeks, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.

Finding an approved CNA training program is an essential step in your certification journey:

• Training is offered through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Technical schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities

One unique advantage for Minnesota residents is the state-funded free CNA training initiative:

• Available to all Minnesotans who are 16 or older and able to work in the US
• Covers costs for tuition, fees, and materials
• Additional support for transportation and technology needs
• Part of a state initiative to train at least 1,000 new CNAs

This program makes Minnesota one of the most affordable states to obtain CNA certification, removing financial barriers for those interested in entering this high-demand field. To find participating programs, visit the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website.

After completing your training, you must pass the Minnesota State Registry Test administered by South Central College:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Virtual Knowledge Test ($110)
  • Skills Test ($160)
• You must register for both parts in advance (walk-in testing is not available)
• Testing timeline requirements:
  • You have up to 24 months from training completion to pass both exam sections
  • Four attempts allowed for the knowledge exam
  • Three attempts allowed for the skills exam
  • If you exhaust all attempts before the 24-month period ends, you must complete another approved training program before retesting

On exam day, bring government-issued photo identification and dress appropriately. Arrive early to complete registration procedures and prepare mentally for both portions of the exam.

Candidates who cheat on either exam will be barred from testing opportunities for 45 calendar days, so ensure you’re well-prepared and follow all testing protocols.

The final step is being listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry:

• After passing both sections of the exam, you are automatically listed on the registry
• Your certification status can be verified online using your certificate number or your name and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
• If you can’t find your listing, contact registry staff for assistance:
  • Phone: 651-201-4200 or toll-free 1-800-397-6124 (Minnesota only)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday

Once registered, you’ll be eligible to work in hospitals, veterans homes, and long-term care facilities across Minnesota. The search results don’t specify renewal requirements, so it’s advisable to contact the registry directly for information on maintaining your certification.

The Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), is your primary resource for certification matters in the state.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/nursingassistant/index.html
• Phone: (651) 201-4200
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides

To check your certification status, visit the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://nar.web.health.state.mn.us/certificate-search 

Maintaining your CNA certification in Minnesota requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a nursing assistant within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Your employer must submit verification of employment through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry
  • CNAs are responsible for ensuring their employer submits the verification
  • No renewal fee required
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal information and verification forms, visit: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/nursingassistant/docs/tutorial/renewalapp.pdf 

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Minnesota, follow these steps for reciprocity:

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry Reciprocity Application
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
  • Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security card
• Mail your application and documents to the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry

Allow 2-3 weeks for processing. Minnesota does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/nursingassistant/docs/tutorial/interstate.pdf 

While Minnesota doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:

Education Providers:

• Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
  • Website: https://www.minnstate.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Care Providers of Minnesota
  • Website: https://www.careproviders.org/ 
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• Minnesota Nurses Association
  • Website: https://mnnurses.org/ 
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of Minnesota
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/minnesota.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses