International Institute of Minnesota CNA Program

For the 7-week Intensive class, students attend sessions Monday through Thursday, with one of the days each week conducted online. For example, a class might run from August 5 to September 24, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. each day, with Tuesdays online.

The 11-week Supportive class is designed for learners who may benefit from a slower pace or extra support. It runs Monday through Friday, with Monday and Thursday conducted online. A typical session might start in early October and end by mid-December.

Regardless of the format, all students receive in-person clinical experience and practice CNA skills needed to care for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

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One of the most appealing aspects of this program is that it’s completely free. There are no tuition costs, and materials are provided at no charge. This removes one of the biggest barriers many prospective students face—paying for training—and makes this an ideal opportunity for low-income adults or those starting fresh in the U.S.

IIMN’s mission is to help New Americans establish careers and financial independence, and this program reflects that goal clearly.

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After completing the CNA program, graduates receive job placement support. This includes help with resumes, interview coaching, and guidance applying for positions at local healthcare facilities.

Beyond CNA training, IIMN offers a Medical Career Advancement program that supports students who want to move forward in healthcare. If you decide to pursue a higher-level medical role like RN, LPN, surgical tech, or dental hygienist, the institute can help you with:

• Scholarships and tuition support
• Academic advising
• Tutoring and board exam prep
• Money management and financial coaching
• Job search and employment advancement assistance

This makes the program ideal for someone who wants to use CNA certification as a stepping stone toward a more advanced healthcare career.

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IIMN focuses on serving New Americans, so their eligibility criteria are straightforward and specific.

To qualify for CNA training, applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Live in Minnesota
• Not currently be enrolled in high school
• Attend an in-person intake session (no appointment needed)
• Take an English reading assessment to determine class placement

Intake sessions are held every Friday, between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Students should plan to stay for at least two hours. No appointment is necessary—just show up at the Institute’s St. Paul location.

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The International Institute of Minnesota emphasizes more than just job training—they aim to provide a welcoming and empowering environment for immigrants adjusting to life in the U.S. The classes are held in a culturally sensitive and inclusive setting, with instructors who are used to working with non-native English speakers and first-time learners.

Students are taught not just CNA skills, but also soft skills like professional communication, teamwork, and interview preparation. This is a key feature that distinguishes IIMN’s program from many others.

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The CNA training is hybrid, which combines the convenience of online learning with the value of hands-on in-person training. For students with reliable internet access, the mix of virtual and physical classroom time can make it easier to balance other responsibilities like work or childcare.

However, if you’re someone who struggles with online tools or doesn’t have consistent Wi-Fi, this format may require some extra planning or support.

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For students looking to go beyond CNA work, IIMN’s Medical Career Advancement program is worth considering. It’s geared toward immigrants who have already been accepted into a healthcare training program like nursing or medical assisting.

If accepted, you’re paired with a navigator who supports you through school and job placement. Services include:

• Help applying for financial aid
• Tutoring and exam prep
• Coaching for test anxiety
• Personalized career advice
• Help finding employment after graduation

This kind of ongoing support is rare and can be incredibly helpful for long-term success.

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IIMN shares data to highlight the success of their students. In 2024 alone, they had 43 graduates from their medical advancement programs. On average, students enrolled in the program were earning $25.98/hour, and those who graduated with RN licensure were averaging $39.35/hour.

This shows that IIMN’s training doesn’t just lead to jobs—it opens the door to high-paying, stable careers in healthcare.

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