CNA Certification in Minnesota
How to Become a CNA in Minnesota
Becoming a certified nurse aide in Minnesota starts with completing a CNA training program that is accredited or approved by the Minnesota Department of Health. To be listed in the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, you must also pass the state-issued CNA certification exam. Once on the registry, you will qualify to work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and most other medical providers. If you are serious about the career path of a certified nursing assistant, please follow these steps which will help you to create an educational path to your career as a cna.
Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes
Step 1
Find an approved program in your state
You must complete seventy-five hours of CNA classes to become a CNA in Minnesota. Additionally, the state of Minnesota requires that the curriculum follows one or both of the two state-approved program styles.
Step 2
Complete your CNA Training
Some of the 75 hours will be spent in the classroom learning about medical terminology, psychological skills, and how to help patients deal with their current conditions. You will also learn documentation procedures in addition to a number of other subjects such as how to handle emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks, and falls.
You will also be required to perform vital CNA skills in a hands-on environment as part of your training. Learning these skills is essential as you will be expected to perform several of these tasks during your CNA certification exam.
The location in which you train might offer CPR certification, but if it doesn’t, you will need to obtain CPR certification on your own. If your school does not offer CPR certification, your local Red Cross Association offers CPR courses.
CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification
Step 1
Apply to take the skills assessment test, and find a testing site.
There are many approved testing sites within the state, and many training institutions are also approved as testing sites. These can be found online through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry website.
Before you take the CNA certification exam, you should also take our CNA practice tests. The practice test will give you an idea of your performance on the real test. It will also give you an idea of which areas you need more study on..
Step 2
Take the certification exam
When you arrive at the test site, you should arrive early so your ID and other paperwork that you bring can be processed and you have some time to relax before the test. Try to get a good night’s rest the night of the test, and take time to study any materials from your training program so you can be on top of your game.
The certification exam will consist of two sections. The first part is a written and multiple-choice portion while the second part is an active or clinical test.
Step 3
Once you pass the certification exam, you should create a CNA resume and start looking for a job.
Step 4
Consider pursuing additional education in the nursing field. For example, many CNAs choose to take RN or LPN classes which gives them access to more job opportunities and higher salaries.
The average CNA salary in Minnesota is $26,200, and you can expect an average 12% growth for this position in the next ten years.
For additional information contact the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry at:
Minnesota Department of Health
85 East 7th Place Suite 300
St. Paul, MN 55164-0501
Phone: (651) 215-8705 or (800) 397-6124 (in state only) Fax: (651) 215-8709