Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- 3 credits for prior learning
- Number of Hours to Complete the Course: 240
- Cost: $1,800
- WIOA Eligible Training
- Employer Reimbursement Eligible
- Delivery Method: Hybrid
Why Study Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at LSC?
The nursing assistant course is designed to prepare students for basic entry level employment in a long-term-care facility, hospital, and other medical settings. This course introduces concepts of basic human needs, health/illness continuum, and basic nursing skills. It is designed to prepare students for the entry level as a nursing assistant.
This course includes a mandatory 60 hours of class/lab portion, and 16 hours of supervised practical training portion in a facility, to total 76 mandatory hours. The student needs to be 16 years of age or older to take this class. This course serves as an introduction to the nursing sequence for students who choose to advance in nursing and other medical professions. Upon successful completion of this course, the student may take the Minnesota State Nursing Assistant Test Out (NATO). Passing of NATO is required to be on the Minnesota State Registry. Please note, this course meets Minnesota’s requirements. Please check with the Nurse Aide Registry of other states to see if the course meets the state requirements for that state.
Plan Your Education
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program Guide is a tool to help you map out how to successfully get your degree at Lake Superior College.
View approximate total tuition and fees for MN residents to complete this degree.
This program may be completed with a 3 credit course if pre-program requirements are met.
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: 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
Background Check: Students must be 16 years of age or older and must have a background study done through Minnesota Department of Human Services. Students are responsible for the cost of the background studies. Background study process will be sent to student in confirmation email. **Students will not be allowed to participate in clinicals unless background studies are complete.**
Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Students must have a TB test with negative result within 90 days of clinicals. Students are responsible for the cost of the test. Test process will be sent to student in confirmation email. **Students will not be allowed to participate in clinicals if the TB (Mantoux) test is not complete or results are positive.**
No refunds will be issued if students cannot participate in clinicals.
Students must have a reliable computer with internet access as well as access to a printer and scanner and understand the concept of an online class.
Supplies and Textbooks
A textbook will be provided on the first day of class. 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.
