Anoka Technical College Nursing Assistant Program

The Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide certificate program at Anoka Technical College in Anoka, Minnesota offers a comprehensive pathway to begin your healthcare career. This five-credit course introduces you to essential concepts in basic human needs, nursing and personal care skills, mental health and social needs, restorative services, resident’s rights, and home health. Through supervised laboratory practice and real-world clinical experience in long-term care settings, you’ll develop the confidence and competence needed to provide compassionate patient care.

Perfect for those looking to enter the healthcare field quickly or build a foundation for further nursing education, this state-approved program meets all requirements of the federal government and the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Upon successful completion of the competency evaluation, you’ll be eligible for employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, or home health agencies, opening doors to a rewarding career in patient care throughout Minnesota.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 5 credits
• Cost of Program: $189.75 per credit tuition + $19.41 per credit fees = $209.16 per credit ($1,045.80 total)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Minnesota Department of Health and meets federal government requirements
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for this information
• CNA Program Schedule: Fall semester (August), Spring semester (January), and Summer semester (May)

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning
  The curriculum introduces students to concepts of basic human needs, basic nursing and personal care skills, mental health and social needs, restorative services, resident’s rights, and home health. Students learn essential skills needed to provide direct and supportive care as a nursing assistant in various healthcare settings.
• Clinical Experience
  Skills are performed in a supervised laboratory setting followed by hands-on experience in a long-term care clinical environment. This practical training allows students to apply classroom knowledge while working with actual residents, preparing them for real-world healthcare scenarios.
• Exam Preparation
  Upon completion of the course, students are required to take the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Test. The program’s comprehensive curriculum is designed to prepare students for successful completion of this competency evaluation, which includes both knowledge and skills testing components.

Admission Requirements

• Minnesota Law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a health care facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health have a background study conducted by the state.
• Signature-bearing picture ID (driver’s license preferred) required on the first day of class.
• Students are required to provide their social security number at registration.
• The minimum recommended age to take this course is 16.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide certificate program at Anoka Technical College offers multiple start dates throughout the year:

• Fall Semester: August
• Spring Semester: January
• Summer Semester: May

For specific class schedules, session dates, or availability of evening or weekend classes, please contact the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the program costs are as follows:

• Tuition: $189.75 per credit ($948.75 total for 5 credits)
• Fees: $19.41 per credit ($97.05 total for 5 credits)
• Total Cost: $209.16 per credit ($1,045.80 total for 5 credits)

Additional Expenses:

• Nursing assistant book and skills packet (available through the Anoka Technical College bookstore)
• Student photo ID card
• Black uniforms for clinical training sites
• Watch with a second hand
• Box of non-latex exam gloves

Financial Aid Options:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Minnesota State Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Minnesota GI Bill (for eligible veterans)
• MN Child Care Grant
• MN Future Together Grant (for eligible programs)
• Anoka Tech Foundation Scholarships and Crisis Grants
• Federal Subsidized & Unsubsidized Direct Loans (for students enrolled in at least 6 credits)
• Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
• Private Education Loans

Reimbursable Expenses: According to the Minnesota Department of Health, nursing assistants who pay for the cost of their training and testing prior to employment are eligible for reimbursement. The nursing assistant has one year from completion of the test to submit receipts requesting reimbursement. The facility has 90 days to reimburse the nursing assistant if they remain employed as a nursing assistant for at least 90 days. Only certified nursing homes or boarding care homes are required to reimburse a nursing assistant.

How to Apply

To apply for the Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide certificate program at Anoka Technical College:

1. Complete an application for admission to Anoka Technical College.
2. Register for the Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide course.
3. Provide your social security number during registration.
4. Bring a signature-bearing picture ID (driver’s license preferred) on the first day of class.
5. Complete the Minnesota Department of Health background study process, which will be initiated on the first day of class.

For more information about the application process or to register for classes, contact the Enrollment Services department at [email protected] or call 763-576-7710.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Anoka Technical College
• Address: 1355 West Highway 10, Anoka, MN 55303
• Phone Number: 763-433-1100
• Program Contacts:
  • Teresa Dill, Department Chair: 763-576-4136, [email protected]
  • Jean Jurek, Faculty Advisor: 763-576-4023, [email protected]
  • Enrollment Services: 763-576-7710, [email protected]
• Website: https://www.anokatech.edu/programs/nursing-assistanthome-health-aide/

Additional Resources

Industry & Career Outlook:

• Potential jobs include Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, and Personal Care Aide
• Median wage: $20.79 per hour
• Top earners: $25.08 per hour
• This is considered a top 10 career in demand in Minnesota

Virtual Tour: Take a virtual tour of the Anoka Technical College campus to get an idea of what it’s like to be a student: https://massinteract.com/anoka-technical-college/

Related Programs at Anoka Technical College:

• Health Technology Certificate
• Medical Assistant (Degree, diploma)
• Practical Nursing (Diploma)

Summary and Next Steps

The Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide certificate program at Anoka Technical College provides you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to begin a rewarding career in healthcare. With hands-on training from industry experts and a curriculum approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, you’ll be well-prepared to take the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Test and enter a field with excellent job prospects and growth potential.

Whether you’re just starting your healthcare journey or looking to change careers, this program offers a solid foundation that can lead to immediate employment or serve as a stepping stone to further education in nursing or other healthcare fields. With multiple start dates throughout the year and comprehensive support services, Anoka Technical College makes it easy to take your first step toward a fulfilling career caring for others.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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