Alexandria Technical & Community College CNA Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) in Alexandria, Minnesota offers comprehensive training designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This 84-hour, 3-credit, state-approved nursing assistant course equips students with essential skills in patient care, vital sign monitoring, and mobility assistance. Perfect for compassionate individuals looking to enter the healthcare field or those planning to advance to nursing programs, the ATCC nursing assistant training provides the foundation needed to pass the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Test and begin working in long-term care facilities.

With a combination of classroom instruction, supervised laboratory practice, and hands-on clinical experience in long-term care environments, this CNA program in Alexandria follows the Minnesota Department of Health standards while preparing students for immediate employment opportunities. The program is also a prerequisite for ATCC’s Practical Nursing program, making it an excellent starting point for your healthcare career journey.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 84 hours (3 credits); typically 4 weeks with 22 class hours per week
• Cost of Program: $182.61 per credit tuition plus $25.28 per credit fees (on-campus); total approximately $623.67 for the 3-credit course
• Accreditation: State-approved program meeting Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) standards
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for this information
• CNA Program Schedule: Multiple sessions offered each semester; both traditional and hybrid options available

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning
  The curriculum covers essential nursing assistant skills including introduction to healthcare, basic human needs, growth and development, body system basics, common chronic conditions, communication skills, cross-cultural care, infection control, vital signs, nutrition, elimination, and specialized care for residents with particular needs. Students learn both theoretical foundations and practical applications of nursing assistant work.
• Clinical Experience
  Students participate in supervised clinical experience with actual residents in a nursing home facility. This real-world practice allows students to apply their classroom knowledge and laboratory skills in a professional healthcare setting under appropriate supervision.
• Exam Preparation
  After successful completion of the course, students are required to take the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Test, which consists of both a knowledge (written) test and a manual skills test. Students must pass both portions to be listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry.

Admission Requirements

• The minimum recommended age to take this course is 16
• Students must provide a signature-bearing picture ID (driver’s license preferred) on the first day of class
• Students are required to provide their social security number at registration
• A Minnesota Department of Health background study with fingerprinting and photo identification will be initiated on the first day of class

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Nursing Assistant course is offered multiple times throughout each semester. Each course session runs for approximately 4 weeks, with 22 class hours per week. The program offers:

• Multiple session start dates throughout the year
• Traditional in-person format
• Hybrid options that combine online coursework with in-person lab sessions and clinical experiences

For hybrid courses, students must have access to a computer and internet. A complete calendar listing all training dates, times, and topics is provided to students on the first day of class.

Due to the accelerated nature of this course, 100% attendance is expected during classroom, skills lab, and clinical work experiences. Any missed skills practice, lab, or clinical time will require students to pay for private tutor time with the instructor.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition and fees for the CNA program are as follows:

• On-Campus Program: $182.61 per credit tuition + $25.28 per credit fees
• Online/Hybrid Courses: $211.55 per credit tuition + $14.59 per credit fees

For the complete 3-credit Nursing Assistant program, the total cost would be approximately:

• On-campus format: $623.67 (includes tuition and fees)
• Online/hybrid format: $678.42 (includes tuition and fees)

Textbooks and materials are included in the class fee.

The Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative offered through the State of Minnesota provides eligible candidates with free training and testing (a $1,615 value). To qualify for this program, candidates must:

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Be eligible to work in the United States
• Pass a Minnesota DHS background study including fingerprinting
• Pass a health screening for clinical sessions
• Attend all class sessions
• Plan to work as a nursing assistant after completing the course

How to Apply

For the standard CNA program:

1. Contact Alexandria Technical & Community College for current registration information
2. Complete the registration process, providing your social security number
3. Prepare to bring a signature-bearing picture ID on the first day of class

For the Next Generation Nursing Assistant program:

1. Participate in an online Minnesota State Information Session (mandatory)
2. Complete the eligibility survey
3. Register for the class when you receive the campus email
4. Attend all class sessions, orientation, and employer events

To register for a free information session about the Next Generation program, visit the ATCC website.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Alexandria Technical & Community College
• Address: 1601 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, MN 56308
• Phone Number: 320-762-0221
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.alextech.edu/programs/nursing-assistant

Additional Resources

Minnesota Nursing Assistant Testing Information:

• Knowledge Test: 70 multiple-choice questions with a maximum of 2 hours to complete
• Skills Test: Demonstration of randomly selected nurse aide skill tasks for an RN Test Observer
• Testing Costs: Knowledge and Skills test package ($260), Knowledge test only ($100), Skills test only ($160)
• Testing Attire: Full clinical attire (scrubs) required; no open-toed shoes allowed; long hair must be pulled back

Test Preparation Resources:

• Candidate handbook available on Headmaster’s Minnesota webpage
• Free knowledge test question of the day
• 10-question online practice test
• Nursing Assistant Skill videos from HealthForce Minnesota
• Minnesota Mock Skills resources
• Vocabulary review materials

Summary and Next Steps

Alexandria Technical & Community College’s CNA program provides comprehensive training that prepares you for success as a nursing assistant while building a foundation for potential advancement in healthcare. With affordable tuition rates and multiple format options, this program is accessible to students with various needs and schedules. The state-approved curriculum offers the skills, knowledge, and clinical experience needed to pass the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Test and begin working in healthcare settings.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota, contact ATCC today to learn about upcoming class dates and registration details. With multiple session options and possible funding through the Next Generation initiative for qualified applicants, now is the perfect time to begin your journey into a rewarding healthcare career.

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