Bismarck State College CNA Program

Bismarck State College offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant training program designed for those looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or an adult seeking a career change, this program provides the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a CNA. Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, the BSC Nursing Assistant Training Program prepares students to provide compassionate patient care and qualify for the state certification exam, opening doors to employment in various healthcare settings.

The 76-hour program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, giving students a solid foundation in nursing assistant skills. If you’re searching for CNA classes in Bismarck, North Dakota, BSC offers both for-credit and non-credit options to accommodate different educational needs and career goals.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 76 hours (41 hours classroom instruction, 19 hours supervised practical training, 16 hours clinical practice, 4 hours review and testing)
• Cost of Program: $689 for non-credit option (includes book); For-credit option requires BSC enrollment, a $35 application fee, and current tuition and fees
• Accreditation: Approved by the North Dakota Department of Health
• CNA Program Schedule: Evening classes (Monday-Friday, 6-10 p.m.) offered monthly in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, and November; Online hybrid option also available

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The BSC Nursing Assistant Training Program includes 41 hours of classroom instruction covering essential nursing skills. Students learn to:

• Perform basic nursing skills for clients in various settings
• Safely and effectively perform personal care skills
• Recognize psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of clients
• Demonstrate appropriate attitudes in giving nursing care
• Exhibit proper ethical and legal behavior
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Maintain client rights
• Perform nursing care following infection control principles
• Respond appropriately to emergencies

Clinical Experience

The program includes 16 hours of clinical practice, allowing students to apply their skills in real healthcare settings. Currently, clinical practice is performed on the BSC Campus. When allowed back into clinical facilities, students may need to meet additional requirements, such as COVID-19 vaccination.

Exam Preparation

The program includes 4 hours dedicated to review and testing preparation. This helps students prepare for the state certification exam required to become a certified nursing assistant in North Dakota.

Admission Requirements

• TB Skin Test: Students must have a TB skin test prior to class start, with proof of test results provided to the instructor on the first night of class
• Physical Capabilities: Students must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and attend an 8-hour clinical session with minimal resting periods
• Background Check: According to ND Administrative Code 33-43-01-03 and 33-43-01-22, applicants with criminal histories substantially related to CNA duties may not be allowed to begin training without providing specific information about their background

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

BSC offers multiple scheduling options to accommodate different needs:

• Non-Credit Evening Classes: Monday-Friday, 6-10 p.m., offered monthly in January-November
• For-Credit Evening Classes: Monday-Friday, 6-10 p.m., offered in February, April, June, July, September, October, and November
• Online Hybrid Option: Self-paced online theory (7 weeks) followed by face-to-face skills/clinical practice (40 hours/5 days)

Class attendance is mandatory, and students may be dropped if attendance requirements are not met.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Non-Credit Program

• Total Cost: $689 (includes textbook)
• Payment Terms: Payment is due at registration
• Refund Policy: Students must contact BSC Continuing Education at least three working days prior to class start for a refund, with a $50 processing fee deducted

For-Credit Program

• Application Fee: $35 BSC application fee
• Tuition and Fees: Standard BSC tuition and mandatory fees apply
• Payment Terms: Payment in full is due prior to class start
• Financial Aid: Students carrying minimum part-time status may be eligible for financial aid

Students who go to work as CNAs within one year of certification may qualify for employer reimbursement of training costs. Those not eligible for traditional financial aid may contact their local Job Service North Dakota office to inquire about WIOA funding.

How to Apply

Non-Credit Program

1. Register online through the BSC Continuing Education website
2. Submit payment at the time of registration
3. Ensure you have a TB skin test prior to class start

For-Credit Program

1. Submit a BSC application form and $35 application fee
2. Contact the Nursing Assistant program manager to acquire a permission slip prior to enrolling
3. Complete payment prior to class start

The BSC Nursing Assistant class is a two-credit course when taken for credit.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Bismarck State College
• Address: BSC Health Sciences building, 1133 College Drive, Room 144, Bismarck, ND
• Phone Number: 701-224-5600
• Website: https://bismarckstate.edu/continuingeducation/business/CNA/

Additional Resources

• RADaR Program: BSC offers a Registered Apprenticeship Data and Registration (RADaR) program that may provide additional opportunities for CNA students
• ESL Support: ESL students interested in the CNA program are encouraged to complete the Intro to Medical Pathways class before enrolling in the CNA program
• CNA State Exam Information: As of July 1, 2024, the CNA State Exam is no longer available to challenge; students must complete a course with a North Dakota approved training site before sitting for the exam

Summary and Next Steps

Bismarck State College’s CNA program offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant in North Dakota. With flexible scheduling options, practical hands-on training, and preparation for the state certification exam, BSC provides the foundation you need to begin a fulfilling healthcare career. Whether you choose the for-credit or non-credit option, you’ll gain essential skills in patient care that employers value.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.