The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Family Healthcare Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a fully online training course priced at $1,000. It’s designed for adults who want a flexible learning format that still holds students to high academic standards. The curriculum includes 11 detailed units, multiple practice exams, and a structured progression model that requires students to score 90% or higher in each section before moving on. This course prepares students for the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Exam (NACE) and provides a strong foundation for those starting their healthcare careers.
Program Format and Curriculum
The CNA course at Family Healthcare Academy is designed as a self-paced online program, making it a good choice for people with work or family commitments. The training is divided into 11 content-rich units that are broken down into lessons, practice quizzes, and guided objectives. Each unit is focused on one major topic relevant to CNA work, such as infection control, personal care, or legal responsibilities.
What makes this program unique is the mastery-based progression system. You must achieve a minimum score of 90% in each unit before you’re allowed to move forward. This ensures students not only finish the program but also fully understand the content before advancing. It creates a higher bar for learning and encourages deep comprehension rather than just skimming through material.
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Course Content and What You’ll Learn
The content covered is quite thorough for an online program. You’ll start with the basics of healthcare, then move into more detailed subjects such as:
- Vital signs, safety, and personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, feeding)
- Patient communication and ethics
- Legal topics and resident rights
- Understanding special populations, such as elderly patients and those with cognitive impairments
- Hygiene, infection control, and environmental safety
- Mobility and nutrition assistance
- Documentation and teamwork
- CPR, first aid, and basic emergency response skills
Each section contains state-aligned objectives, unit quizzes, and practical training concepts to prepare students for real-world situations in long-term care, assisted living, and hospital settings.
The program also includes a skills checklist packet and multiple practice tests, including quizzes on terminology and abbreviations—valuable tools for preparing for the CNA certification exam.
Structure, Duration, and Access
Although the total time commitment isn’t specifically broken down in terms of hours or weeks, the course is designed to be self-paced. That said, the program is described as intermediate in skill level and likely requires several weeks to complete for most students, especially due to the 90% minimum passing requirement in every section.
Students who enroll get lifetime access to course materials, which can be especially helpful for review before certification exams or even as a refresher once you’re working in the field.
This fully online setup does require a degree of personal discipline and time management, but it eliminates the need for commuting or attending scheduled in-person sessions.
Certification and Career Preparation
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a certificate of completion, qualifying them to take the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Exam (NACE). While the school does not mention formal job placement services, the program is clearly built with a focus on preparing for both the state exam and practical employment.
The emphasis on mastering communication, safety, personal care, and ethical responsibilities helps students build the professional confidence needed for patient-facing roles. Additionally, lessons on teamwork and documentation prepare students to operate effectively in the high-pressure environment of healthcare.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in the CNA program at Family Healthcare Academy, applicants must meet several standard requirements. These are in line with what most state-approved CNA programs expect but are worth noting, especially for students new to healthcare.
Program Prerequisites:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old
- Education: High school diploma or GED (some exceptions may apply for high school students with counselor permission)
- Background Check: Must complete a criminal background check; certain offenses may disqualify applicants
- Health Clearance: Proof of immunizations and a negative TB test is required; general physical health documentation may also be requested
- English Proficiency: Must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and communicate in English
- Legal Status: Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Commitment to Clinical Training: Students must be available for any in-person clinical training, should it be required
- Fees: Students pay an application and enrollment fee, in addition to the course tuition
Program Support and Expectations
Family Healthcare Academy appears to focus more on academic excellence and self-driven learning than on handholding students through every step. There’s a high standard in place with the 90% unit minimums and a deep pool of test prep materials.
However, prospective students should understand that this is not a live, instructor-led course, and while that allows for maximum flexibility, it also requires strong self-motivation.
Support is available through email and phone contact, and the school’s website provides direct access to enrollment and course information.
Technology and User Experience
The online format is mobile-friendly and does not appear to require any special software downloads. All materials—videos, readings, quizzes—are organized neatly into lesson plans. For tech-savvy students, this should be a smooth and accessible experience.
One bonus of this format is lifetime access, meaning you can revisit content whenever you need a refresher, even after you start working as a CNA.
Who Should Consider Family Healthcare Academy
Family Healthcare Academy is a good fit for self-motivated adults who need a flexible, online path to becoming a CNA. It’s ideal for working individuals, parents, or those looking to change careers without committing to a full-time in-person course. The $1,000 price point is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other programs with similar certification outcomes.
The program’s strength lies in its structure: it ensures students actually learn the material, not just complete it. The 90% requirement in each unit raises the bar and helps ensure that graduates are well-prepared for both the state exam and the demands of the job.
This program may not be ideal for students who need hands-on instruction or live classroom support, but for independent learners who are serious about entering healthcare, Family Healthcare Academy is a solid, structured option.
Category | Details |
Cost | $1,000 |
Duration & Clock Hours | Self-paced; exact hours not specified, but includes 11 units and practice exams |
Evening/Weekend Classes? | No scheduled classes; fully online and self-paced |
Online Classes? | Yes; fully online |
Job Placement? | No formal placement; prepares students for state certification and employment |
Requirements | – Must be 18+ years old- High school diploma or GED- Background check- Proof of immunizations and TB test- English proficiency- Legal work eligibility |
Address | 501 Dale St N #101, St Paul, MN 55103 |
Phone | 651-309-7335 |
[email protected] | |
Website | https://familyhealthcareacademy.com/ |
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