CNA Classes in Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Cottage Grove, Minnesota? This comprehensive guide will help you understand the steps to becoming a CNA, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements specific to Minnesota.

About Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove, Minnesota, is a vibrant city located just southeast of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Known for its beautiful parks, including the popular Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, and a family-friendly environment, Cottage Grove offers a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and easy access to urban amenities. For more information about the city, visit the official Cottage Grove website.

CNA Training Programs in Cottage Grove, Minnesota

If you’re looking to enroll in a CNA program in Cottage Grove, here are some local options to consider:

1. Inver Hills Community College
   Located in nearby Inver Grove Heights, Inver Hills Community College offers a Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide course designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   Inver Hills Community College Nursing Assistant Program

2. Saint Paul College
   Situated in Saint Paul, this college provides a comprehensive Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program. The course covers essential skills and knowledge required for the CNA role, including patient care, safety, and communication.
   Saint Paul College Nursing Assistant Program

3. Dakota County Technical College
   Located in Rosemount, Dakota County Technical College offers a Nursing Assistant program that includes both theoretical and practical training. The program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in a CNA position.
   Dakota County Technical College Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Cottage Grove

Several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in and around Cottage Grove offer employment opportunities for CNAs:

1. Cottage Grove Health Care Center
   This facility provides a range of services, including skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   Cottage Grove Health Care Center Employment Opportunities

2. Woodwinds Health Campus
   Located in Woodbury, just a short drive from Cottage Grove, Woodwinds Health Campus is part of the HealthEast Care System and offers various healthcare services. They regularly hire CNAs for different departments.
   Woodwinds Health Campus Employment Opportunities

3. Regency Hospital of Minneapolis
   This long-term acute care hospital in Golden Valley offers specialized care for patients with complex medical conditions. They often seek CNAs to join their team.
   Regency Hospital of Minneapolis Employment Opportunities

CNA Certification Requirements in Minnesota

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

1. Complete an Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Competency Evaluation: Successfully pass the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Exam, which consists of a written (or oral) test and a skills test.
3. Get Listed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry, making you eligible to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, is a fulfilling and impactful choice. With numerous local training programs and employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Reach out to a local school today and start your journey toward becoming a CNA.

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 Cottage Grove?

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 Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove?

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 Cottage Grove is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Minnesota CNA Salary info.