Normandale Community College Nursing Assistant Certificate Program

The Nursing Assistant Certificate program at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota prepares you to provide essential personal care with compassion and skill. This 4-credit certificate course introduces you to the foundational nursing skills needed to become a certified nursing assistant and work effectively in healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed nurses. Perfect for those beginning their healthcare journey or exploring a career change, Normandale’s nursing assistant training equips you with practical skills in measuring vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, mobility, exercise, and nutrition, while also addressing emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs.

Upon successful completion of this Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) approved program, you’ll be prepared to take the National Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Test. After passing this test, you’ll be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry (NA/R), opening doors to employment opportunities in various healthcare facilities, particularly those caring for older adults.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 4 credits (3 lecture hours and 2 lab hours per week, plus 16 hours of clinical experience)
• Cost of Program: $178.23 per credit tuition + $32.72 per credit fees = $210.95 per credit ($843.80 total for 4 credits)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Minnesota Department of Health
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for this information
• CNA Program Schedule: Offered as both on-campus and online/hybrid formats with required in-person clinical component

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning
  Students participate in lectures covering essential topics including healthcare fundamentals, basic human needs, body systems and common diseases, the aging process, communication skills, maintaining safe and clean environments, infection control, vital signs, activities of daily living, exercise, nutrition, elimination, and caring for patients with special needs. The course combines online learning with on-campus classroom sessions.
• Clinical Experience
  The program includes 16 hours of clinical participation at a long-term care facility. During this hands-on training, students apply classroom knowledge by providing direct care to residents under supervision. This real-world experience is scheduled at the end of the course, and attendance is mandatory per Department of Health regulations.
• Exam Preparation
  The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for the Headmaster LLP Nursing Assistant Competency Test. Successful completion of the course ensures students are ready to take this examination, which includes both knowledge and skills components. After passing this test, students are eligible to be placed on the Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Assistant Registry.

Admission Requirements

• No specific prerequisites or corequisites are required for enrollment
• Students must be able to lift at least 50 pounds
• Students must pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study prior to participating in clinical
• Students must have a negative TB test prior to clinical
• Students must be vaccinated against Rubella and Rubeola (MMR) or have a titer showing immunity
• Students must indicate COVID-19 vaccination status
• Students must have communication skills (spoken and written) sufficient to understand and be understood by patients

For additional information about admission requirements, please contact the program directly.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Normandale Community College offers the Nursing Assistant Certificate program in multiple formats to accommodate various learning preferences:

• The program combines online and on-campus learning components
• Students participate in both lecture sessions and hands-on lab practice
• The 16-hour clinical component takes place in a long-term care facility at the end of the course
• 100% attendance is mandatory per Department of Health regulations, with limited make-up sessions arranged only for emergencies at the instructor’s discretion

For specific class schedules, session dates, and format options, please visit the Normandale Community College website or contact the admissions office directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The cost to complete the 4-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate program at Normandale Community College for the 2024-2025 academic year is:

On-Campus Format:

• Tuition: $178.23 per credit ($712.92 total)
• Fees: $32.72 per credit ($130.88 total)
• Total Cost: $210.95 per credit ($843.80 total)

Online Format:

• Tuition: $193.23 per credit ($772.92 total)
• Fees: $32.72 per credit ($130.88 total)
• Total Cost: $225.95 per credit ($903.80 total)

Additional Expenses:

• Books and supplies (costs vary)
• Uniform/scrubs
• Potential additional fees for nursing courses

Financial Aid Options:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Minnesota State Grant
• North Star Promise Scholarship (for eligible Minnesota residents with family income below $80,000)
• Foundation scholarships (up to $3,000 available through a single application)
• Federal and private student loans
• FAFSA Code: 007954 (for financial aid applications)
• MN Dream Act (for Minnesota residents who don’t meet FAFSA citizenship requirements)

For more information about financial aid options and scholarship opportunities, contact the Student Services office at 952-358-8100 or email [email protected].

How to Apply

To apply for the Nursing Assistant Certificate program at Normandale Community College:

1. Complete an application for admission to Normandale Community College either online through the Minnesota State system or through the admissions office.
2. If you’re a first-time college student:
   • Submit your high school transcript or GED certificate
   • Complete any required placement assessments
3. If you’re a transfer student:
   • Submit official transcripts from previously attended colleges
   • Transcripts will be evaluated for possible transfer credit
4. Once accepted to Normandale, register for the Nursing Assistant course (NURS 1057 or NURS 1060).
5. Complete the required background check and health requirements before the clinical portion of the course.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but be aware of the following application deadlines:

• Summer 2025: July 7, 2025
• Fall 2025: August 13, 2025

For assistance with the application process, contact the Office of Admissions at 952-358-8201 or email [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Normandale Community College
• Address: 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431
• Phone Number: 952-358-8200
• Student Services: 952-358-8100, [email protected]
• Admissions Office: 952-358-8201, [email protected]
• Website: https://www.normandale.edu/academics/degrees-certificates/nursing/nursing-assistant.html

Additional Resources

Nursing Assistant Registry Information:

• The “Nursing Assistant Registry” page on the Minnesota Department of Health website provides links to Registry forms, training and testing sites: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/nursingassistant/checkregistry.html

Exam Preparation Materials:

• The D&S Headmaster website offers test/skills brochures and a practice written test for Minnesota nursing assistants: https://hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/Minnesota/MN_CNA_Home.htm

Course Outline:

• For a detailed course outline of NURS 1057 Nursing Assistant, visit: https://www.normandale.edu/_files/documents/course-outlines/nurs/NURS%201057%20Nursing%20Assistant.pdf

Summary and Next Steps

The Nursing Assistant Certificate program at Normandale Community College offers you a straightforward path to beginning a rewarding career in healthcare. In just 4 credits, you’ll gain the essential skills and knowledge needed to provide compassionate care to patients in various healthcare settings, particularly in facilities caring for older adults. The program combines convenient online learning with crucial hands-on experience, ensuring you’re well-prepared for certification and employment.

With the increasing demand for nursing assistants due to our aging population, completing this certificate not only opens immediate job opportunities but also provides a strong foundation for those considering further healthcare education. The skills and knowledge obtained in this program serve as an excellent stepping stone for individuals planning to pursue a career in nursing or other healthcare fields.

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