Zandu Health Initiative CNA Program

Zandu’s CNA course is delivered in a blended/hybrid format, ideal for students needing flexibility. Online learning takes place Monday through Thursday, and students are expected to complete readings, assignments, and independent practice during the week.

Every Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., students attend in-person sessions focused on skill demonstrations, practice, and proctored exams. These sessions are mandatory and provide the hands-on component necessary to succeed in the clinical environment. For those unable to attend the scheduled in-person dates, alternate arrangements must be made with the program coordinator prior to starting the course.

Clinical training is held over two full days at a long-term care facility, fulfilling the minimum 16-hour clinical requirement.

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The base tuition is $800, which makes it one of the more affordable CNA programs in the Bloomington area. However, students should budget for several required items, including:

• Textbook: $50
• Skills Kit: $50
• Student ID: $20
• Background check: $60
• Fingerprinting: $9.10
• Uniform: $30–$39 (navy or royal blue)
• Tuberculosis screening or chest x-ray: $30–$99
• State exam fees: $250

While the cost of attendance is not all-inclusive, Zandu is transparent about fees and provides guidance on how to prepare financially. Students are also eligible for tuition reimbursement if they meet certain employment-related conditions within one year of course completion.

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Zandu supports students through flexible payment plans. To enroll, students must pay one-third of the tuition up front, with the balance spread out across weekly installments. Students must be paid in full before attending clinicals, and there is a small processing fee if using invoicing or third-party billing.The program also participates in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which may provide full financial coverage for eligible individuals. Those applying through WIOA or other sponsorships must submit documentation from their employer or caseworker by the first day of class.

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To enroll in the CNA program, students must meet the following prerequisites:

• Recent Mantoux (TB) test within the last 3 months before clinicals
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or an official exemption letter
• Ability to lift more than 25 lbs
• Passing score on a reading comprehension test
• Cleared background study (required by Minnesota law for anyone providing direct care)

Applicants with certain criminal backgrounds may be disqualified from working in healthcare settings unless they are cleared by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (MN DHS) or Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

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Once students complete both the classroom and clinical components, they become eligible to take the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry Exam, which includes a written and practical (skills) portion. The exam is not included in the tuition cost, but Zandu supports students in preparing for and scheduling it.

Passing the exam leads to placement on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry—a requirement for working as a CNA in licensed facilities.

Zandu does not directly place students into jobs, but the program includes career counseling, resume support, and access to employer partnerships, which can help students transition into the workforce. The school also has a reputation for instructors who are invested in student success, offering mentorship and personal guidance beyond the classroom.

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Zandu Health Initiative keeps class sizes small, typically around 10 students per session, which promotes a more interactive and supportive learning environment. The school emphasizes real-world readiness through both theory and skills-based practice, and feedback from past students suggests that instructors go above and beyond—often helping with resumes, job interviews, and even employer connections after graduation.

The program also gets strong reviews for its online learning experience, which students say makes it easier to juggle work, family, and school without sacrificing quality. This balance of structure and flexibility makes the learning environment approachable for a wide range of learners.

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One unique perk is the state and federal reimbursement policy. If a student pays for their training out of pocket and is hired at a Medicare-certified facility within 12 months, the employer is legally required to reimburse tuition and related expenses (as long as the student remains employed for at least 90 days).

This can significantly reduce the cost of entering the CNA field and is an important detail to remember—keep your receipts.

Additionally, since the curriculum is aligned with the MNSCU system, it lays a strong foundation for students who want to continue into LPN or RN programs later on. Completing this CNA training fulfills a common prerequisite for many nursing school applications across the state.

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