North Dakota State College of Science CNA Program

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed for individuals looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or someone seeking a career change, this program provides the essential skills and knowledge needed to become a vital part of a healthcare team. Located in Wahpeton and Fargo, North Dakota, the NDSCS CNA program prepares students to provide compassionate patient care and qualify for the state certification exam, opening doors to employment in nursing homes, hospitals, and home healthcare settings.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services-approved 75-hour program combines classroom theory with hands-on clinical experience, giving students a solid foundation in nursing assistant skills. If you’re searching for CNA training in North Dakota, NDSCS offers both hybrid and self-paced learning options to accommodate different learning styles and schedules.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 75 hours (North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services requirement)
• Cost of Program: $650 for self-paced format; $750 for hybrid format
• Accreditation: Approved by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
• CNA Program Schedule: Hybrid format (instructor-led online classes with face-to-face skills training) or self-paced format (complete theory at your own pace with scheduled face-to-face skills training)

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The NDSCS CNA program curriculum covers essential nursing assistant skills, including:

• Roles and responsibilities of a CNA, including ethical and legal responsibilities
• Communication skills and North Dakota CNA regulations
• Identifying and caring for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of residents
• Appropriate behavior when caring for residents
• Infection control practices
• Emergency response
• Promoting resident independence
• Understanding and protecting resident rights

Clinical Experience

Students complete hands-on clinical training that allows them to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings. This practical experience is essential for developing confidence in performing nursing assistant duties under supervision.

Exam Preparation

Upon successful completion of the NDSCS CNA program, students will be prepared to take the North Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Exam. This exam consists of two parts:

• A knowledge test (72 multiple-choice questions)
• A manual skills test (demonstration of selected nursing skills)

Students must pass both portions of the exam to become certified nursing assistants in North Dakota.

Admission Requirements

The NDSCS CNA program has specific requirements for enrollment:

• 100% attendance is required for the course (North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services requirement)
• Access to email and internet for course communications
• Ability to create and use a Zoom account (for hybrid format)
• Access to NDSCS Blackboard for class instruction, videos, and presentations
• Time management skills to complete all required coursework

For the hybrid format, students must:

• Attend all scheduled online and in-person classes
• Have reliable internet access for streaming video
• Be visible on camera during online sessions
• Have a quiet place to attend virtual classes

For the self-paced format, students must:

• Complete all course content within the designated timeframe
• Attend scheduled face-to-face skills lab sessions (16 hours)

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

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

NDSCS offers two flexible learning formats to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences:

Hybrid Format

• Classes are held three times a week
• Two days are online instructor-led sessions
• One day is face-to-face skills instruction
• Days and times vary by class offering

Self-Paced Format

• Complete theory coursework at your own pace within a set timeframe
• No face-to-face instructor interaction for theory portion
• 16 hours of required face-to-face skills instruction (dates vary by course)

Both formats require 100% attendance for all scheduled sessions. Students who miss more than 8 hours of class time may be dropped from the course regardless of the reason.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Hybrid Format ($750)

• Includes textbook, workbook, and 2 practice knowledge exams
• Does not include CNA certification exam fee ($250)

Self-Paced Format ($650)

• Textbook and workbook NOT included (approximately $50 additional cost)
• Students must purchase materials separately
• Does not include CNA certification exam fee ($250)
• Optional practice exams available for purchase through Headmaster ($8.95 each)

Financial Assistance Options

Several financial assistance options may be available for eligible students:

• Job Service North Dakota (Workforce and Innovation Opportunity Act funding)
• SENDCAA (income-eligible students)
• M.E.T. (Motivation Education & Training, Inc.) for those with agriculture or seasonal farm work experience
• Employer sponsorship through long-term care facilities

Students are encouraged to explore these options by contacting the respective organizations directly.

How to Apply

To register for the NDSCS CNA program:

1. Create an account with NDSCS
   • Visit the NDSCS registration website
   • Complete the “Registrant Profile” form
   • Note: If you’ve previously taken classes with NDSCS Workforce Affairs, use your existing account
2. Search for and register for a CNA course
   • Visit the NDSCS course search page
   • Search for “CNA” or “Certified Nursing Assistant”
   • Select your preferred format (hybrid or self-paced)
   • Add the course to your cart and complete payment
3. Claim your Blackboard account
   • Follow instructions in the emails from [email protected]
   • Activate your NDUS/Blackboard account
   • Log in to Blackboard at online.ndscs.edu
4. Prepare for class
   • For hybrid courses: Pick up textbook and workbook at the Fargo NDSCS campus
   • For self-paced courses: Purchase required materials online
   • Test your technology setup before the first day of class

Cancellation Policy: To withdraw from a course and receive a full refund, provide written notice at least one business day prior to the start of the class. Failure to provide timely notice will result in forfeiture of the class fee.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: North Dakota State College of Science
• Locations:
  • Wahpeton Campus: 800 6th Street N, Wahpeton, ND 58076
  • NDSCS-Fargo: 1305 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
• Phone Number: 701-231-6930
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.ndscs.edu/trainnd-southeast/certified-nursing-assistant-cna

Additional Resources

• North Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Exam Information: Detailed information about the certification exam process, including registration, testing components, and fees
• Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to common questions about attendance requirements, criminal background considerations, and license reactivation
• Financial Assistance Resources: Information about organizations that may provide funding for CNA training

Summary and Next Steps

The North Dakota State College of Science CNA program provides a quality pathway to starting a healthcare career in North Dakota. With flexible learning options, comprehensive training, and preparation for state certification, NDSCS equips students with the skills needed to become caring, competent nursing assistants.

CNAs play a vital role in the healthcare team, ensuring the safety, comfort, independence, and well-being of those they care for. This entry-level healthcare position can serve as either a rewarding career on its own or as a stepping stone to further healthcare education.

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