CNA Classes in Prior Lake, Minnesota

Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake, Minnesota

About Prior Lake

Prior Lake, Minnesota, is a vibrant city located in Scott County, known for its beautiful lakes and natural scenery. The city offers a blend of suburban charm and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a great place to start a career in healthcare. For more information about the city, visit the official Prior Lake website.

CNA Training Programs in Prior Lake, Minnesota

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Prior Lake, Minnesota, several local schools offer excellent Nursing Assistant programs:

1. Saint Paul College
   • Location: Saint Paul, MN (approximately 25 miles from Prior Lake)
   • Program: Saint Paul College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide program that prepares students for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • More Info: Saint Paul College Nursing Assistant Program
2. Inver Hills Community College
   • Location: Inver Grove Heights, MN (approximately 20 miles from Prior Lake)
   • Program: Inver Hills Community College provides a Nursing Assistant Certificate program designed to equip students with the skills needed for entry-level nursing assistant positions. The program includes training in patient care, safety, and communication.
   • More Info: Inver Hills Community College Nursing Assistant Program
3. Dakota County Technical College
   • Location: Rosemount, MN (approximately 22 miles from Prior Lake)
   • Program: Dakota County Technical College offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate program that focuses on providing quality care in various healthcare settings. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • More Info: Dakota County Technical College Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Prior Lake

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities in and around Prior Lake where you can seek employment:

1. St. Francis Regional Medical Center
   • Location: Shakopee, MN (approximately 10 miles from Prior Lake)
   • Description: St. Francis Regional Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • More Info: St. Francis Regional Medical Center Employment
2. Mayo Clinic Health System – New Prague
   • Location: New Prague, MN (approximately 15 miles from Prior Lake)
   • Description: The Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague provides a variety of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty services, and surgical care. They offer employment opportunities for nursing assistants.
   • More Info: Mayo Clinic Health System Employment
3. The Lodge on Natchez
   • Location: Elko New Market, MN (approximately 12 miles from Prior Lake)
   • Description: The Lodge on Natchez is a senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. They often hire CNAs to provide quality care to their residents.
   • More Info: The Lodge on Natchez Employment

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: You must complete a nursing assistant training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Exam, which includes both a written and skills test.
3. Register with the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry, maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Prior Lake, Minnesota, is a rewarding decision. With several excellent training programs and numerous employment opportunities, you are well on your way to a fulfilling career in healthcare. Contact a school today to begin your journey towards 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 Prior Lake?

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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake?

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