CNA Classes in Elgin, Minnesota

Elgin 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 Elgin, MN

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Elgin, Minnesota, you’re in the right place. Becoming a CNA is a rewarding path that opens doors to various opportunities in the healthcare field. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a CNA, the programs available in and around Elgin, and the job prospects in the area.

About Elgin, MN

Elgin is a small, welcoming community located in southeastern Minnesota, known for its peaceful rural atmosphere and close-knit neighborhoods. Situated in Wabasha County, Elgin is just a short drive from larger cities like Rochester, making it a great place for those who enjoy small-town living with access to bigger city amenities. You can learn more about the town by visiting the official City of Elgin website.

CNA Training Programs in Elgin, MN

While Elgin itself may not have a wide selection of CNA programs, there are several excellent options available in nearby cities. Here are a few schools that offer CNA programs near Elgin, MN:

1. Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC)
   • Location: Rochester, MN (approximately 25 miles from Elgin)
   • Program: RCTC offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate program that prepares students to take the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
   • Learn more about RCTC’s CNA program
2. Winona State University – Rochester Campus
   • Location: Rochester, MN (approximately 25 miles from Elgin)
   • Program: Winona State University offers a CNA training course through its continuing education department. This program covers basic nursing skills, patient care, and the knowledge needed to pass the state certification exam.
   • Learn more about Winona State’s CNA program
3. Riverland Community College
   • Location: Austin, MN (approximately 50 miles from Elgin)
   • Program: Riverland Community College provides a Nursing Assistant program that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for certification. The program is designed to meet the requirements for CNA certification in Minnesota.
   • Learn more about Riverland’s CNA program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Elgin, MN

Once you complete your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in and near Elgin where you can seek employment. Below are some of the top healthcare employers in the area:

1. Mayo Clinic Health System – Rochester
   • Location: Rochester, MN (approximately 25 miles from Elgin)
   • Description: Mayo Clinic is one of the largest and most prestigious healthcare institutions in the world. With multiple campuses in Rochester, Mayo Clinic offers numerous employment opportunities for CNAs in various departments, including long-term care, acute care, and rehabilitation.
   • Explore career opportunities at Mayo Clinic
2. St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
   • Location: Wabasha, MN (approximately 30 miles from Elgin)
   • Description: Located in Wabasha, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center offers a range of healthcare services, including long-term care and rehabilitation. CNAs can find roles in patient care and support services.
   • Explore career opportunities at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
3. Samaritan Bethany
   • Location: Rochester, MN (approximately 25 miles from Elgin)
   • Description: Samaritan Bethany provides senior care services, including skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care. They frequently hire CNAs to assist with daily patient care and support.
   • Explore career opportunities at Samaritan Bethany

CNA Certification Requirements in Minnesota

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Minnesota, you need to follow these steps:

1. Complete an Approved CNA Program: You must enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Evaluation, which includes both a written test and a skills test.

3. Get Listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the competency exam, your name will be added to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, making you eligible to work as a CNA in the state.

4. Renew Your Certification: CNA certification in Minnesota must be renewed every two years. To remain active on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, you must work at least eight hours as a CNA during the two-year period.

For more information on CNA certification requirements, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Elgin, MN, is a fulfilling career choice that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. With several excellent training programs nearby and a variety of employment opportunities in the region, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the schools mentioned above to learn more about their CNA programs and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in healthcare.

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 Elgin?

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 Elgin 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 Elgin 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 Elgin?

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