Northwest Technical College Nursing Assistant Program

The Nursing Assistant course (HLTH 1110) at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Minnesota provides a comprehensive introduction to the nursing profession while preparing students to become certified nursing assistants. This three-credit course is designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, career changers, and those seeking a stepping stone into nursing careers. Following a hybrid delivery model with online coursework and hands-on clinical training, students learn essential caregiving skills that open doors to employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the Minnesota state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and join the Minnesota Department of Health’s nursing assistant registry.

Whether you’re considering nursing assistant training in Bemidji as your first step into healthcare or as a prerequisite for the Practical Nursing diploma or Traditional RN program at Northwest Technical College, this course equips you with fundamental skills for providing compassionate patient care while creating opportunities for career advancement.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 4 weeks (3 credits)
• Cost of Program: Approximately $1,068.48 total (includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and testing)
• Accreditation: The curriculum meets state and federal requirements
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for this information
• CNA Program Schedule: Hybrid format with online coursework and 4 days of in-person lab/clinical; offered twice per term

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning
  Students are introduced to the concepts of basic human needs and learn to assist individuals in activities of daily living. The curriculum covers principles of body mechanics, common technical nursing skills, and the role of nursing assistants in healthcare settings. Course content is delivered online through the college’s learning management system (D2L).
• Clinical Experience
  The program includes hands-on clinical experience in a long-term care setting where students apply their knowledge in a supervised environment. Students practice essential skills and assist actual residents with daily care activities. The clinical component consists of 4 days of in-person training, with specific schedules determined each term.
• Exam Preparation
  The integrated curriculum prepares students for the state certification exam, which consists of two parts: a Knowledge Exam with 70 multiple-choice questions and a Skills Test where students demonstrate their nursing assistant abilities. Successful completion of the course prepares participants to take the state-approved competency evaluation and seek employment in long-term care settings.

Admission Requirements

• Complete application for admission to Northwest Technical College
• Submit official transcripts to the admissions office
• Register for the HLTH 1110 Nursing Assistant course through e-Services or with assistance from the Admissions office
• Purchase required books, skills kits, and scrubs as listed in the course materials
• Complete the Minnesota Department of Health background study (conducted during the program)

For the most up-to-date admission requirements or additional prerequisites, please contact the program directly.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The HLTH 1110 Nursing Assistant course at Northwest Technical College follows a hybrid delivery model:

• 4-week course duration
• Course content delivered online through the college’s learning platform
• 4 days of in-person lab and clinical experience
• Typically offered twice per term

Students can view the current course schedule on the Northwest Technical College website by selecting the academic term and filtering by subject (HLTH) to find the HLTH 1110 Nursing Assistant course.

Specific onsite requirements for lab and clinical components vary depending on the term. For detailed scheduling information about upcoming course sessions, please visit the NTC course schedule page or contact the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The estimated total cost for the Nursing Assistant course at Northwest Technical College is $1,068.48, broken down as follows:

• Tuition: $196.55 per credit ($589.65 total for 3 credits)
• Student Fees: $11.03 per credit ($33.09 total)
• Professional Liability Insurance: $3.50
• Textbook: $41.25
• Skills Book: $11.50
• Skills Pack: $59.99
• Scrubs: $50.00
• State Background Check: $44.00
• Finger Printing Fee: $10.50
• Test Out Fee: $225.00

Please contact the Northwest Technical College financial aid office directly for information about available assistance.

How to Apply

To apply for the Nursing Assistant program at Northwest Technical College, follow these steps:

1. Complete an application for admission to Northwest Technical College through the institutional application portal on the NTC website.
2. Send official transcripts by email to [email protected], through Parchment, or mail to: Northwest Technical College 905 Grant Avenue SE Bemidji, MN 56601
3. View the course schedule on the NTC website to check availability. Select a term and filter by subject “Health (HLTH)” to find HLTH 1110 Nursing Assistant.
4. Once accepted to NTC, enroll in HLTH 1110 through your e-Services account by following these steps:
   • Log in to myNTC
   • Click “e-Services” on the left
   • Click “Courses & Registration” on the left
   • Click “Search for Courses”
   • Search for the Nursing Assistant Course by selecting subject area: Health (HLTH) and course number: 1110
   • Click “Add” and the course will be added to your Wishlist
   • From the Wishlist (under “Review My Plan”), select the course and register
   • Confirm your registration with your e-Services password
   Alternatively, you can make an appointment with Admissions for registration assistance.
5. After enrollment, purchase the required books, skills kits, scrubs, and other materials as listed in your D2L course information.

For questions about the Nursing Assistant course after enrollment, contact Barb Breeze at [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Northwest Technical College
• Address: 905 Grant Avenue SE, Bemidji, MN 56601-4907
• Phone Number: (218) 333-6600 or Toll Free: (800) 942-8324
• Program Contact: Barb Breeze, [email protected] (for questions after enrollment)
• Website: https://www.ntcmn.edu/career-paths/health-care/nursing/nursing-assistant-course/

Additional Resources

State Certification Exam Information:

• The Knowledge Exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions written in English (oral test available by request).
• The Skills Test requires demonstration of nursing assistant skills on a real “actor” observed by an RN Test Observer.
• Registration for the exam costs $225 total ($75 for the knowledge exam and $150 for the skills exam).
• Register for both exams online through the NTC website.

Exam Preparation Resources:

• Mock Skills Book and Candidate Handbook available for download from the Headmaster website.
• Review the vocabulary words in the back of the Candidate Handbook to prepare for the exam.

Career Information: For detailed information about wages, employment outlook, and career opportunities for nursing assistants, visit the CareerWise Minnesota website at http://www.careerwise.minnstate.edu/programlmi/plPrograms?progr=7433&icode=25005&open=Y.

Summary and Next Steps

The Nursing Assistant program at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Minnesota offers a practical, efficient pathway to begin a rewarding career in healthcare. In just four weeks, you’ll gain the essential skills needed to provide compassionate care to patients in various healthcare settings. The hybrid format combines the convenience of online learning with the hands-on experience that employers value, making it accessible for busy adults and career changers.

Upon completing this state-approved program, you’ll be eligible to take the Minnesota certification exam and begin working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and other healthcare settings. For those interested in advancing their nursing education, this course also serves as a prerequisite for Northwest Technical College’s Practical Nursing diploma and Traditional RN program.

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