Nursing Assistant Skills Test Out (NATO)
- Certificate
- Number of Hours to Complete the Course: 2-3
- Cost: $250
- WIOA Eligible Training
- Employer Reimbursement Eligible
- Delivery Method: On-Campus
Why Study Nursing Assistant Skills Test Out (NATO) at LSC?
The Nursing Assistant Tests measure the preparedness of nursing assistant students to enter the field.
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant you'll need to pass both tests: The Knowledge Test - which is administered Virtually at Lake Superior College and The Skills Test - which is administered in-person at Lake Superior College.
CHALLENGE/TEST OUT CANDIDATES
You are eligible to test as a Challenge candidate if you have not completed a MN state approved Nursing Assistant Training program within the last two years. To get started as a Challenge candidate, please register for the test date. Then, we will create an account for you in TMU testing platform and will schedule you for your test events.
During test registration process, if asked, please make sure you note that you are a Challenge candidate.
TEST PREP
The Minnesota Nurse Aid Testing Services page provides the Minnesota Candidate Handbook and the Minnesota Mock Skills free for students preparing for the tests.
Other resources on the Minnesota Nurse Aid Testing Service page include:
- A free knowledge test question of the day
- Practice tests for purchase with quesitons randomly generated by Headmaster, LLC (Minnesota's Testing Vendor)
- Minnesota Mock Skills, Minnesota Candidate Handbook
Program Goals and Outcomes
Successful completion of the full testing (Knowledge and Skills tests) enables students to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) as required by the Minnesota Department of Health and be posted on the state registry.
Program Participation Requirements
Must be 16 years or older.
Supplies and Textbooks
Testing Times: You will be notified of your test time 2-3 days prior to testing. Tests will be staggered between 8am-5pm. Your time may be adjusted, depending on cancellations or delays. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled testing time to check-in with the testing coordinator in Room C260 at the Main Campus. If you fail to arrive on time, you will need to reschedule and repay. If you are unable to make your scheduled test time, please contact Marilyn Slattengren at .
BRING A UNITED STATES (US) GOVERNMENT ISSUED, SIGNED, UNXPIRED, PHOTO BEARING ID TO THE TEST. Only original IDs are accepted. No photocopies, faxes orimages are allowed.
TESTING ATTIRE: You must be in full clinical attire, No Open-Toed Shoes Allowed, Long hair must be pulled back
Loans, Grants and Financing and Employer Reimbursement
EMPLOYER REIMBURSEMENT: For participating certified nursing facilities, the cost of nursing assistant tests may be covered by the Department of Human Services (CHS) Nursing Faiclity Scholarship Program. Participanting nursing facilities can claim the allowable costs and receive reimbursement. Certified Nursing facilities that have questions about what is and isn't reimbursable under this scholarship program should contact Munna Yasiri. Note for Nursing Assistant Candidates: Not all nursing assistnat employers are required to reimburse for nursing assistant training and testing fees. Other crieteria may also apply, so please check with your employer before singing up for a test if you are seeking reimbursement. For information can be found on Minnesota Department of Health's Website.
DISLOCATED WORKER OR WIOA FUNDS: The cost of the test may be covered by dislocated worker or WIOA funds. Please contact your dislocated worker or WIOA career navigator to learn more.
