CNA Classes in North Dakota

Before enrolling in a CNA program in North Dakota, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• No high school diploma or GED specifically required, but basic reading and communication skills are needed
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • TB testing (One-Step TST, QuantiFERON Gold, or T-Spot blood test dated within 90 days of clinical)
  • Risk assessment and symptom screening questionnaire

North Dakota makes CNA training accessible to many individuals by not requiring extensive educational prerequisites. This career path serves as an excellent entry point for those interested in healthcare without advanced degrees.

North Dakota follows federal guidelines for CNA education:

• Total of 75 training hours required (minimum):
  • At least 30 hours of theoretical learning in classroom settings
  • At least 45 hours of supervised clinical training in healthcare settings
• The curriculum covers essential nursing assistant skills including:
  • Basic patient care techniques
  • Infection control procedures
  • Patient rights and dignity
  • Communication techniques
  • Personal care skills
  • Safety protocols
  • Vital signs monitoring

All training must be completed through programs approved by the North Dakota Department of Health’s Division of Health Facilities. Programs are available in traditional in-person formats as well as hybrid options like the CNAonline.com program approved by the North Dakota Long Term Care Association (NDLTCA).

Choosing the right training program will help set you up for success:

• Programs are available through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Technical schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities

Program costs vary significantly:

• Full exam costs approximately $250
• Some programs like TrainND Northwest in Williston charge around $1,265
• Bismarck State College offers programs for approximately $689

When selecting a program, consider factors like location, schedule flexibility, and whether the program offers job placement assistance. Some employers offer paid training programs, which can be an excellent option for those concerned about costs.

For assistance locating approved programs, contact the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services or visit their website.

After completing your training, you must pass the competency examination administered by D&S Diversified Technologies LLP/Headmaster LLP:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Knowledge/Written Test: 72 multiple-choice questions covering 12 subject areas
  • Skills Test: Hands-on demonstration of nursing assistant skills
• Subject areas tested include:
  • Safety (8 questions)
  • Basic Nursing Skills (11 questions)
  • Communication (6 questions)
  • Infection Control (5 questions)
  • Data Collection (3 questions)
  • Disease Process (5 questions)
  • Growth & Development (2 questions)
  • Mental Health (4 questions)
  • Personal Care (6 questions)
  • Resident Rights (6 questions)
  • Role and Responsibility (11 questions)
• Passing score: Minimum 75% on both components
• Testing fees: Full exam costs $250; retesting fees are $95 for knowledge test and $195 for skills test
• Required documents: Government-issued photo ID and Social Security Card

Important Policy Change: Effective July 1, 2024, the option to “Challenge” the exam without completing training will no longer be available. This means all candidates must complete the required training program before taking the certification exam.

If you fail the exam, you can retest up to two times within 24 months of completing your training. After three failed attempts, you’ll need to retake the training program.

The final step in becoming a certified nursing assistant in North Dakota:

• After passing your exam and verification, you are automatically entered into the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry
• The registry includes your name, address, SSN, birth date, eligibility date, and employment place
• Applications, renewals, verification, and registration card printing can all be managed online

The North Dakota Department of Health manages the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in North Dakota.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/health/regulation-licensure-and-certification/health-facilities-unit/nurse-aide-registry 
• Phone: (701) 328-2353
• 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 North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/verify/ 

Maintaining your CNA certification in North Dakota 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 nurse aide 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 North Dakota 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://services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/renew/ 

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

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the North Dakota Nurse Aide 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 North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry

Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. North Dakota does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/apply/ 

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

Education Providers:

• North Dakota University System
  • Website: https://ndus.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• North Dakota Long Term Care Association
  • Website: https://www.ndltca.org/education/
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• North Dakota Nurses Association
  • Website: https://ndna.nursingnetwork.com/
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals