The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at 3H Institute provides a blended learning format that combines self-paced online coursework with in-person lab and clinical training. The full program totals 75 hours and meets all Minnesota Department of Health requirements for CNA certification eligibility. Priced at $1,450, the course provides flexibility for busy students, with online modules accessible anytime and four in-person training days required for hands-on skills development. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the state CNA exam—though test registration and fees are separate. Job reimbursement is possible after 90 days of employment in a long-term care facility.
Program Format and Structure
3H Institute’s CNA course is structured to support students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. The course includes 43 hours of online education, followed by 16 lab hours and 16 clinical hours, totaling 75 hours of required training. The online portion is provided through the ReadyCNA Cinematic Health Education platform, which uses interactive video storytelling and quizzes to engage students beyond standard textbook learning.
Students must complete the entire online portion before attending any in-person sessions, which are held over four full weekdays, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The blended structure allows for about 50% of the program to be completed online, giving learners the freedom to work through lessons at their own pace.
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Course Schedule and Requirements
To ensure students are prepared, 3H Institute requires early registration—at least 12 days in advance—so that the 43-hour online module can be completed before in-person labs begin. During in-person skills and clinical sessions, 100% attendance is mandatory. These sessions include state-tested skills and a final exam to determine if the student is ready to sit for the official CNA certification exam.
The program is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, and students who pass both components (online and in-person) receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to register for the Minnesota CNA state exam.
What You’ll Learn
The 3H Institute CNA curriculum covers all foundational areas needed to work as a nurse assistant:
- Fundamentals: CNA roles and responsibilities, patient communication, legal and ethical care, and basic anatomy
- Safety & Infection Control: Emergency response, injury prevention, infection control procedures
- Direct Care: Measuring vital signs, mobility assistance, grooming and hygiene, nutrition and elimination
- Special Care Topics: Dementia care, pediatric care, end-of-life support, and home healthcare practices
- Transitioning to Work: Professionalism, communication with healthcare teams, and understanding the workplace environment
The Cinematic Health Education platform makes this content more engaging through story-based learning—an approach designed to simulate real-life patient scenarios and help students think critically.
Program Cost and Refund Policy
Tuition for the course is $1,450, which includes access to online materials and in-person training. The state exam fee is not included and must be paid separately by the student.
3H Institute does offer a partial refund policy, but it’s important to read the fine print:
- If you cancel before starting the online training and more than 7 days before the in-person class, you’ll receive a refund minus a $200 cancellation fee.
- If you have started the online portion, an additional $500 will be deducted to cover the cost of those materials.
- No refunds are given to students who are dismissed due to poor attendance, behavior, or academic performance.
While the upfront cost is higher than some other programs, Minnesota law requires long-term care employers to reimburse newly hired CNAs for training and testing fees after 90 days of employment. This makes the program effectively free in the long run for those who secure a qualifying job.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in the CNA course at 3H Institute, students must meet the Minnesota minimum age requirement and commit to the program structure.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Minimum age of 16 (per Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry rules)
- Ability to complete 43 hours of online instruction
- Commitment to 100% in-person attendance for labs and clinicals
- Ability to register at least 12 days prior to the in-person sessions
These requirements help ensure students are prepared and serious about completing the course successfully.
Instruction Style and Learning Environment
Courses are taught by Registered Nurses who are certified through the American Red Cross and approved by state and federal regulations. This ensures students are trained by professionals with real-world healthcare experience who understand both the technical and emotional challenges of patient care.
The program emphasizes five core principles: Privacy, Dignity, Independence, Communication, and Safety. These values are not just theoretical—they are built into the lessons and clinical practice, shaping how students interact with patients and healthcare teams.3H Institute was founded by Yasmin M., a nurse with over a decade of experience, who built the school around the idea that CNA training should be both personal and practical. This student-centered mindset shows in how the program is delivered—online tools that work on any device, in-person labs that simulate real patient care, and clear instruction focused on your success.
Technology & Support
Because the course is partly online, technical reliability is key. Fortunately, the online platform used by 3H Institute requires no special downloads, works on both computers and phones, and comes with 24/7 technical support. This ensures that students who are new to digital learning or juggling access on shared devices won’t fall behind.
The flexibility of self-paced learning combined with scheduled in-person labs gives students structure without overwhelming their schedules. However, success in this format requires self-discipline and reliable access to the internet.
Job Outlook and Reimbursement
After completing the course and passing the CNA exam, students are eligible for work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care. Entry-level CNA positions are in high demand, and long-term care employers in Minnesota are legally required to reimburse students for training and exam costs after 90 days of employment.
That means while the initial investment is $1,450, most students will recoup that amount if they quickly begin working in a qualifying role.
Who Should Consider 3H Institute
The CNA program at 3H Institute is best for motivated self-starters who want flexibility and convenience without compromising on quality. If you’re balancing work or family obligations, the online portion allows you to learn at your own pace, while the four required in-person days provide the critical hands-on experience you need to succeed in the field.
Because the program is approved by the state and taught by certified nurses, it’s a strong option for students who value professional instruction and are aiming to become certified quickly. The upfront cost may seem high, but reimbursement policies through Minnesota employers make this a smart investment for those ready to enter the workforce soon after graduation.
This program isn’t for someone who struggles with time management or needs daily in-person guidance, but for a focused learner with a busy schedule, 3H Institute delivers a fast, flexible pathway into healthcare.
Category | Details |
Cost | $1,450 (state exam fee not included; reimbursement possible after 90 days of employment in long-term care) |
Duration & Clock Hours | Approximately 3–4 weeks; 75 total hours (43 online, 16 lab, 16 clinical) |
Evening/Weekend Classes? | No; in-person classes held on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Online Classes? | Yes; blended format with 43 hours completed online |
Job Placement? | No formal placement; graduates may qualify for reimbursement if employed in long-term care |
Requirements | – Minimum age 16- Register at least 12 days in advance- Complete 43 hours of online training before in-person sessions- 100% attendance required for labs/clinicals |
Address | 8700 W 36th St Ste 201, St Louis Park, MN 55426 |
Phone | (612) 532-8627 |
Website | https://3hinstitute.com/cna/ |
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