Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work in many different locations across the United States, but the specific requirements to become a CNA may differ depending on the state. If you are interested in becoming a CNA in Minnesota, this guide will provide you with information on the steps you need to take.

Key Points

• A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides essential care to patients in healthcare settings, assisting with daily activities and monitoring vital signs.
• To become a CNA in Minnesota, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical practice, and pass a background check.
• CNA training programs in Minnesota typically range from 4 to 12 weeks, with an average cost of $1,200 to $2,000, depending on the school and program type.
• In Minnesota, the average CNA salary is $42,960 per year, with an hourly wage around $20.65.

What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and assistance to patients, often in nursing homes, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities include tasks such as helping patients with daily activities, monitoring their vital signs, and reporting any changes in their condition to the nursing staff.

What are the requirements to become a CNA in Minnesota?

• Pass a background check: the background check will check for any criminal convictions, including those involving theft, violence, or drug possession.

• Have required documents: You will also need to have certain documents, such as a Social Security Card or an ITIN Number. A high school diploma or GED is not typically required for private, state-approved schools, but it is required for community colleges and other federally-accredited schools. Students must be at least 16 years old.

• Complete a CNA training program: In Minnesota, CNA training programs must be at least 75 hours long, which includes 16 hours of in-person clinicals in a nursing home or labs. Some schools may offer the classroom portion online. You can find a list of approved CNA training programs (and graduation rates) on the Minnesota Department of Health's website.

• Pass the CNA exam: It's important to note that you need to set a date for your test within two years from the day you complete your training program. If you don't take the test within these two years, you'll need to go through another training program approved by the MDH to become eligible for testing.

Where can I find CNA classes in Minnesota?

Dreambound is your go-to platform if you're searching for CNA classes near you in Minnesota. As the leading resource for vocational training programs, Dreambound provides an extensive list of CNA courses in Minnesota, detailing course length, cost, and accreditation status. With Dreambound, finding a CNA course near you and comparing different options is a breeze.

You can view classes in Minneapolis or search by zipcode through Dreambound. Whether you're looking for classes that are close to home or prefer online learning, Dreambound makes it easy to find a CNA course that fits your needs and schedule. Simply put, Dreambound helps you make a smart decision about your CNA training path.

Exploring a Career in CNA Outside Minnesota

If you're aiming to pursue a career as a CNA but find yourself in a different state, remember, your goal is still within reach. You can explore opportunities to start your career as a CNA in places like Florida, Utah,, California, Pennsylvania or Texas If these locations don't work for you, Dreambound simplifies the journey to becoming a CNA no matter where you live. By enabling you to find and compare CNA classes with a quick zip code search, Dreambound empowers you to move forward confidently toward a rewarding career in healthcare, regardless of your current location.

The CNA State Exam in Minnesota

The CNA exam in Minnesota has 2 parts. The Knowledge part of the exam has 70 questions and a 2-hour timeframe is given for every candidate to complete it. The passing score for this portion is 76% or higher. You may also take the exam in an audio (oral) form. This should be done before you schedule your exams.

As for the Skills part of your exam, you'll be given three or four random tasks, each with its own scenarios. The nurse overseeing the test will read these scenarios to you right before you start each task. You have a maximum of 30 minutes to finish all your tasks.

How do I register for a CNA exam in Minnesota?

After completing your training, your school will directly register you for the exam. You can also register with D&S yourself.

The CNA exam varies per testing provider but costs between $200-250. If you need to change your exam date, please do it quickly. Get in touch with your testing center and follow their rules for changing exam dates.

Remember: If you don't ask your testing center to change your exam date at least one full business day before your exam, they usually won't let you change it!

You have four tries to pass the knowledge part and three tries to pass the skills part of the exam within two years from the day you finish your nurse aide training. If you don't finish the tests within two years of finishing your training, you'll need to do a new training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health before you can try the Minnesota NA exams again.

How do I prepare for my CNA exam in Minnesota?

Your CNA school will give you materials to help you prepare for the state test. D&S also has some practice questions on their site (check the left-hand column).

For the skills portion, we strongly recommend reviewing videos to practice, although be sure to look for Minnesota-specific videos.

How do I get a job as a CNA?

In Minnesota, you can work for as long as 4 months between graduating and passing the exam. As for CNAs who passed the exam, the MN nurse aide registry will issue each nursing assistant a unique certificate number. To check for the status of your CNA license, go to the nurse aide registry.

Although you can start applying for jobs during school, employers generally prefer people who have passed their test. Your school will be able to recommend a facility to you based on your preferences (eg where you live, preferred shift schedule, preferred environment, etc). You can also work at the facility where your clinicals were if you like working there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a CNA program in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the average CNA class costs $1200 to $2000 and is between 4 and 12 weeks. This can vary depending on your selected type of class and school.

How long does it take to be a CNA in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) typically takes between 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the program you choose. CNA training programs must be at least 75 hours long, including 16 hours of in-person clinical experience. The exact duration can vary based on the class schedule and whether the program is full-time or part-time.

How much does a CNA get paid in Minnesota?

The mean annual wage for CNAs in Minnesota is $42,960 and the mean hourly wage is $20.65. The salaries of CNAs can also vary in terms of their experience, location, skills, and more! This is why the salary range for CNAs in Minnesota is around $36,450 to $50,600 according to the BLS.

What's the most a CNA can make an hour?

The highest hourly rate recorded on the BLS website for CNAs is in the District of Columbia. The hourly mean wage for CNAs here is $23.01.

Which state pays CNAs the most?

The District of Columbia holds the top 1 spot as the top-paying state for Nursing Assistants! This is followed by Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington!

What do you need to be a CNA in Minnesota?

To become a CNA in Minnesota, you need to complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical practice. You must also pass a background check and provide required documents, such as a Social Security Card or ITIN. While a high school diploma or GED is not mandatory for private programs, it is required for federally-accredited schools. Additionally, you must be at least 16 years old.

Can you take the CNA test without classes in MN?

No, you cannot take the CNA test in Minnesota without completing a state-approved CNA training program. The state requires you to complete at least 75 hours of training, including clinical experience, before you can sit for the CNA exam. If you attempt to take the test without completing an approved program, you will not be eligible for certification.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a CNA in Minnesota is a rewarding journey that opens doors to various healthcare opportunities. By completing CNA classes near you and passing the required exams, you can start working in diverse settings while earning a competitive CNA salary. Whether you’re looking for cna jobs near you or exploring different training options, taking the first step towards this fulfilling career is well within your reach.

‍Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you:

• Become a CNA in 3 easy steps
• Become a CNA in High School
• STNA in Ohio

Exploring diverse professional options? Dreambound has comprehensive guides to assist you in making well-informed decisions. Take a look at these resources:

• LVN Training in Minnesota
• Patient Care Technician Training in Minnesota
• Phlebotomy Training in Minnesota
• EKG Training in Minnesota
• Medical Assistant Training in Minnesota