CNA Classes in Brainerd, Minnesota

Brainerd CNA Training - Minnesota

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Brainerd, Minnesota

Are you considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Brainerd, Minnesota? This rewarding profession offers numerous opportunities to make a difference in the lives of patients while working in a variety of healthcare settings. This article will guide you through the process of becoming a CNA in Brainerd, including information on local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Brainerd

Brainerd, located in central Minnesota, is known for its beautiful lakes, outdoor activities, and friendly community. As the county seat of Crow Wing County, Brainerd offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. For more information about Brainerd, you can visit the official Brainerd city website.

CNA Training Programs in Brainerd, Minnesota

Several local institutions offer CNA training programs designed to prepare you for a successful career in healthcare. Here are some options:

1. Central Lakes College
   • Location: Brainerd, MN
   • Program Overview: Central Lakes College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program is designed to prepare students for the Minnesota State Competency Exam for Nursing Assistants.
   • Program Page: Central Lakes College Nursing Assistant Program
2. Brainerd Lakes Health
   • Location: Brainerd, MN
   • Program Overview: Brainerd Lakes Health provides a Nursing Assistant training course that covers essential skills and knowledge required for the role. The program includes both theoretical and practical components.
   • Program Page: Brainerd Lakes Health Nursing Assistant Program
3. Good Samaritan Society – Bethany
   • Location: Brainerd, MN
   • Program Overview: This facility offers a CNA training program that focuses on providing compassionate care to residents. The program includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical rotations.
   • Program Page: Good Samaritan Society – Bethany Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Brainerd

After completing your CNA training, there are numerous employment opportunities available in Brainerd. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where you can seek employment:

1. Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center
   • Location: Brainerd, MN
   • Overview: Essentia Health is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of services. St. Joseph’s Medical Center is a key facility within the Essentia Health network, providing comprehensive medical care.
   • Employment Opportunities: Essentia Health Careers
2. Good Samaritan Society – Bethany
   • Location: Brainerd, MN
   • Overview: This facility is part of the Good Samaritan Society and offers high-quality care to its residents. It provides a supportive work environment for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Good Samaritan Society Careers
3. Brainerd Lakes Health
   • Location: Brainerd, MN
   • Overview: Brainerd Lakes Health is a prominent healthcare provider in the area, offering a variety of services including long-term care, rehabilitation, and outpatient services.
   • Employment Opportunities: Brainerd Lakes Health Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Minnesota

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Minnesota, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a nursing assistant program that is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Minnesota State Competency Exam for Nursing Assistants, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Register with the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you must register with the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry to be officially certified.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Brainerd, Minnesota, is a commendable choice that offers both personal and professional fulfillment. Take the first step by contacting a local school today and enrolling in a CNA training program. Your journey towards a rewarding career in healthcare starts now!

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Minnesota may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Brainerd?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Brainerd usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Brainerd will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Brainerd?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Minnesota, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Minnesota, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Brainerd is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Minnesota CNA Salary info.