CNA Classes in Rockford, Minnesota

Rockford 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 Rockford, MN

If you’re considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rockford, MN, you’re in the right place. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a critical role in providing compassionate care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care facilities. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a CNA in Rockford, MN, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements specific to Minnesota.

About Rockford, MN

Nestled along the Crow River, Rockford, MN, is a charming small town located just west of the Twin Cities metro area. Known for its close-knit community and picturesque landscapes, Rockford offers a peaceful environment for both residents and visitors. The town is conveniently located near major highways, making it a great place to live and work while pursuing a career in healthcare. To learn more about Rockford, visit the City of Rockford’s official website.

CNA Training Programs in Rockford, MN

While Rockford itself is a smaller community, there are several excellent CNA training programs located within a short drive. Below are three options for CNA courses near Rockford, MN:

Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park Campus)
- Location: Brooklyn Park, MN (approximately 25 miles from Rockford)
- Program Overview: Hennepin Technical College offers a Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program designed to prepare students for the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Website: Hennepin Technical College Nursing Assistant Program
Anoka Technical College
- Location: Anoka, MN (approximately 30 miles from Rockford)
- Program Overview: Anoka Technical College provides a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that meets the requirements for CNA certification in Minnesota. The course emphasizes patient care skills, communication, and safety procedures.
- Website: Anoka Technical College Nursing Assistant Program
Ridgewater College (Hutchinson Campus)
- Location: Hutchinson, MN (approximately 35 miles from Rockford)
- Program Overview: Ridgewater College’s Nursing Assistant program covers essential skills like infection control, patient care, and communication. The program includes clinical practice at local healthcare facilities.
- Website: Ridgewater College Nursing Assistant Program

Each of these programs is an excellent choice for aspiring CNAs in the Rockford area. Be sure to contact the schools directly to learn about enrollment deadlines, tuition costs, and class schedules.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Rockford

Once you complete your CNA training and certification, you’ll find a variety of employment opportunities in and around Rockford, MN. Below are some of the major healthcare facilities and nursing homes in the area:

Park View Care Center
- Location: Buffalo, MN (approximately 10 miles from Rockford)
- Overview: Park View Care Center is a skilled nursing facility offering long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and memory care services. They frequently hire CNAs to provide compassionate care to residents.
- Website: Park View Care Center
Lake Ridge Care Center
- Location: Buffalo, MN (approximately 10 miles from Rockford)
- Overview: Lake Ridge Care Center is a senior living community offering skilled nursing, assisted living, and rehabilitation services. They are a great option for CNAs looking to work in a supportive environment.
- Website: Lake Ridge Care Center
North Memorial Health Hospital
- Location: Robbinsdale, MN (approximately 25 miles from Rockford)
- Overview: North Memorial Health Hospital is a large healthcare facility offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and long-term care. CNAs play an integral role in supporting patient care teams.
- Website: North Memorial Health Hospital

These organizations are excellent starting points for CNA job seekers in the Rockford area. Be sure to check their employment pages regularly for the latest job postings.

CNA Certification Requirements in Minnesota

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

Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and successfully complete a nursing assistant program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Pass the CNA Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry Exam, which includes both a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation.
Register with the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, allowing you to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s Nursing Assistant Registry page.

Get Started Today

Becoming a CNA in Rockford, MN, is a fantastic way to start a meaningful career in healthcare. With local training programs, nearby employment opportunities, and supportive certification processes, you’re well on your way to making a difference in the lives of others. Take the first step today by contacting one of the schools listed above and enrolling in a CNA program. Your future in healthcare awaits!

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 Rockford?

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 Rockford 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 Rockford 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 Rockford?

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 November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 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 Rockford is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Minnesota CNA Salary info.