Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) + NATO
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- 3 credits for prior learning
- Number of Hours to Complete the Course: 80
- Cost: $1,650
- WIOA Eligible Training
- Employer Reimbursement Eligible
- Delivery Method: Hybrid
Why Study Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) + NATO at LSC?
Your healthcare career starts here! This Nursing Assistant course is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health. Learn basic nursing skills including how to take vital signs, provide personal care and mobility assistance. Become prepared to work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, assisted living facilities and home care agencies. Upon completion of the training, you'll be eligible for the Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Assistant Registry exam.
This course includes online D2L (Distance To Learn) component and required on-campus lab/skills sessions. Access to the internet and a computer is required. Online course work is self-paced and must be completed by the assigned due dates given by the instructor. The instructor is available for scheduled periodic check-ins and assistance on pre-determined dates.
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take the Nursing Assistant Registry Exams to be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. Students must pass both the CNA Knowledge and Skills tests to be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. The class fee includes one NATO Knowledge Exam and one NATO Skills Exam.
Plan Your Education
This program is eligible for 3 credits for prior learning.
Being a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a rewarding career in itself, or a solid stepping stone toward a career in professional nursing.
Program Outcomes
- Describe health care workers’ roles and responsibilities within a health care organization.
- Describe basic human needs and how to assist someone meet those needs.
- Describe appropriate communication techniques with residents/clients and staff, including reporting and recording methods.
- Describe and demonstrate infection control principles/asepsis in the healthcare setting.
- Demonstrate good body mechanics.
- Demonstrate the appropriate steps of the skills listed by the MN Nursing Assistant Competency Evaluation Program.
- Describe Resident and Client Bill of Rights.
- Demonstrate organizing time schedule in a facility and/or home environment.
- Describe basic body systems.
- Demonstrate accountability, civility and responsibility for own professional behavior and development.
- Identify emergency situations and implementation of appropriate procedures.
NOTE: If clinicals are at a long term care facility, students must show proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within 90 days prior to the clinical rotation, a lifting requirement, state background check, and be at least 16 years of age or older. Per Minnesota Department of Health standards, this Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation program (NATCEP) is taught in English and exams are in English.
Accreditation
The Nursing Assistant Program at Lake Superior College is accredited through the Minnesota Department of Health, Nursing Assistant Registry PO Box 64501, St. Paul, MN, (800) 397-6124 or (651) 215-8705.
Program Participation Requirements
- Must be over the age of 16, and able to work in the United States.
- Must be in good physical condition. Nursing assistants frequently move patients and have other physically demanding tasks, such as bathing, grooming, toileting, walking, exercising, and feeding patients.
- Must attend all mandatory class sessions and assigned online work. There is no make up time for skills/lab days.
- Must have own computer and internet access to participate in online coursework. A smartphone is not compatible with online coursework.
- Students must be comfortable using technology – minimal assistance is available.
- An 8th grade reading level is required to succeed in this course.
- Must be able to pass a Department of Human Services background study when required by an employer (not required to take this class).
- Must complete the vaccine and tuberculosis testing requirements when required by an employer (not required to take this class).
- Must complete and pass Nursing Assistant Test Out (NATO) knowledge test and a skills test to be added to the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. Nursing assistant class registration includes one virtual knowledge test and one skills test out.
Supplies and Textbooks
Blue scrubs will need to be purchased by the student before the first day of an on-campus class and worn throughout classes and clinicals.
Online Course (D2L & Zoom)
A registration confirmation email will be sent to you once you register. The confirmation email will have instructions on logging into the course. It is the student’s responsibility to login prior to the course starting to verify that you can access the system. The CNA online course is instructed through D2L and zoom.
Loans, Grants and Financing and Employer Reimbursement
While our program is not financial aid eligible, there may be grants/payment/financing options available to you from private sources.
- Alternative Loan Options
- LSC Foundation Scholarships
- Aid for Current and Former Foster Care Children
- American Indian Scholars Program
- Duluth Workforce Development
- Minnesota Indian Scholarship
- Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
- NE MN Office of Job Training
Employer Reimbursement
Participants may get reimbursed for the cost of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course by working for an Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing facility. Contact your employer or desired employer to ask about CNA payment/reimbursement policy.
