Century College’s Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide certificate is a 4-credit, statewide-approved program preparing students for Minnesota certification and Registry placement. Classes run day or evening schedules across fall, spring, and summer, with both credit and non-credit options and the exact instruction regardless of format.
Program Overview
Century College’s nursing assistant training is designed to get you ready to work in long-term care, hospitals, or in-home care under a nurse’s supervision. It meets state requirements—including OBRA—and prepares students for the Minnesota Department of Health CNA exam.
You’ll learn all the essential personal care routines, safety practices, infection control, and communication skills needed for CNA work. The course also includes Home Health Aide content, so you’ll be prepared for additional roles under the same certification.
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Format & Options
Century gives you flexibility: take the course for college credit (HSCI 1001) or as non-credit through Continuing Ed. Both follow the same curriculum and require the same attendance, but only the credit option allows access to financial aid and appears on academic transcripts.
Full- and part-time tracks are available across day or evening sessions, so the program fits around many schedules. This makes it a good pick whether you’re working, in school, or need a faster path to certification.
Coursework & Exam Fees
Regardless of format, the core class is HSCI 1001, worth 4 credits. You’ll cover personal care skills, taking vital signs, safe transfers, activity support, infection control, and respecting patient rights. Attendance is mandatory, especially during your clinical hours at care facilities.
The Nursing Assistant Competency Exam costs $250 ($120 if just the written portion), payable when you register via Continuing Ed. Passing this gets you onto the Minnesota Registry and ready for employment in multiple care settings.
Admissions Requirements
To enroll or participate in clinicals, you need to meet certain criteria:
- Placement into RDNG 0080 or ESOL 0032
- Be 16 years or older
- Clear a DHS background check
- For clinicals: clear the registry check and fingerprints
- Equivalent English proficiency
You also need to complete either the college application & $20 fee for credit courses or register via Continuing Ed for non-credit.
Financial Aid & Cost Structure
The tuition aligns with Century’s public college rates, which are lower than private schools. If pursuing credit, you can use financial aid, grants, loans, and scholarships—including the school’s foundation awards.
Both credit and non-credit students pay the same course fee. A $250 exam fee is also required. Employees at long-term care workplaces can often use employer reimbursement, which helps reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Career Path & Transferability
After certification, students can work as CNAs and Home Health Aides in long-term care, acute care, and home settings. Certificates don’t apply toward degrees directly, but the program is recommended for those planning to continue to nursing school.
Century has transfer agreements with state universities for students aiming for an LPN or RN path. If you’re starting in healthcare and might go further, this is a smart first step.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Flexible scheduling: day/evening and part/full-time
- Both academic and non-credit route available
- Eligible for financial aid if taken for credit
- Prepares for CNA & HHA certification under one program
- Public college tuition, lower than private alternatives
Cons
- College credit doesn’t count toward degrees
- You need to do background checks and meet reading placement
- No mention of job placement services
- Exam fee is separate at $250
- Strict attendance policy might not suit everyone
Who Should Consider Century College
Century College is ideal if you’re looking for a flexible, public college option to become a CNA and HHA under Minnesota standards. With evening classes, full- or part-time schedules, and credit or non-credit tracks, it caters to a wide range of students—whether you’re working, in school, or aiming to progress to nursing. Its low tuition and financial aid access make it practical, though you should be ready for strict attendance and upfront costs for exams and background checks.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | Refer to Century’s current tuition rates; non-credit and credit fees similar; $250 exam cost separate |
| Duration & Clock Hours: | 4-credit course (lecture, lab, clinical hours) – course length varies by term; includes required clinical placement |
| Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Yes – daytime or evening schedules available, full- or part-time |
| Online Classes?: | No fully online; combination of in-person labs/clinicals and (for credit option) standard coursework |
| Job Placement?: | Not mentioned; career support not specified |
| Requirements: | – Placement into RDNG 0080 or ESOL 0032- Must be ≥16 years old- DHS background check- High school diploma or GED (credit)- Clinical site registry clearance |
| Address: | 3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 |
| Phone: | 651‑444‑2000 |
| Website: | https://www.century.edu/programs/nursing-assistant/ |
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