Loving Lotus in Newport, Minnesota offers a self-paced, hybrid CNA training program that’s ideal for busy individuals. With 2.5-week completion time, weekend options, and a combination of online and in-person training, the program is structured to provide fast, flexible access to the healthcare field. At $1,400, the tuition includes materials, uniform, and hands-on equipment. This course is especially well-suited for new grads, career changers, and those needing quick entry into the job market.
Program Overview
Loving Lotus offers a Hybrid Self-Paced Nursing Assistant Course designed for individuals ready to begin a career in healthcare but need flexibility to accommodate work, school, or family schedules. This is not your typical in-class program—students complete most of the coursework online at their own pace, followed by four days of in-person skills training.
The program is built around Minnesota’s CNA requirements, which mandate at least 75 hours of training. Students complete 42–44 hours of online coursework through Cinematic Health, which must be finished before any in-person lab work. Afterward, they complete 35 hours of hands-on, instructor-led practical training.
The online learning modules include real-world healthcare scenarios, interactive lessons, and practice quizzes to help students fully prepare. The hands-on portion is completed either at Loving Lotus’ training site or in a clinical setting.
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Schedule and Format
Loving Lotus is known for its flexible scheduling. Students can choose from weekday or weekend sessions, depending on their availability. In-person training typically spans four consecutive days from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, whether on weekdays or weekends.
Several training blocks are offered each month, allowing students to start their program quickly rather than waiting for a new semester to begin. The total training time is approximately 75 hours, with 2.5 weeks being the average completion time for motivated students who keep up with the online material.
This self-paced design allows learners to manage their time while working through the curriculum, which is a major benefit for adults juggling multiple responsibilities.
Tuition and What’s Included
The total cost of the program is $1,400, which is fairly standard for CNA training in Minnesota. However, what’s impressive about Loving Lotus is the amount of material covered in that cost.
Included in the tuition:
- Online course access through Cinematic Health
- One uniform
- Background check
- In-person skills lab training
- Access to medical tools like a gait belt, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and training textbook
The state exam fee is not included, so students should expect an additional cost when registering for the official CNA certification exam.
Loving Lotus also offers payment plans to help with affordability. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure a seat in class, and all remaining balances must be paid before the first in-person session unless other arrangements have been made.
Admissions Requirements
Loving Lotus keeps admissions fairly open, making the program accessible to a wide group of learners. Here’s what you need before enrolling:
- Must be 16 years or older
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a physical Social Security card
- Have a state-issued ID or Driver’s License
Before the first day of in-person class, students must also provide:
- A recent Mantoux/TB test or chest X-ray (within the last 12 months)
- Their Social Security card and state-issued ID
- A notebook and backpack for class materials
What to Expect After Enrollment
Once students register, they’ll receive a welcome email from Loving Lotus and another from Cinematic Health, which gives them access to their online course modules. It’s important to note that students cannot attend in-person sessions until all online sections are completed—so time management is key.
After completing the full training (online modules and in-person labs), students are eligible to schedule their state CNA exam. The exam is not hosted by Loving Lotus, but students can take it at a nearby college or testing center.
Career Preparation and Program Outcomes
The Loving Lotus CNA program isn’t just a box-checking exercise to sit for the state exam—it’s structured to prepare students for real-world employment. The curriculum is centered around building competency in the following areas:
- Patient hygiene and grooming
- Basic mobility and transfer techniques
- Vital sign measurement
- Communication and safety in patient care
- Documentation and reporting
Students are trained to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and private home care. The training is also ideal for students who plan to pursue nursing, medical school, or physician assistant (PA) programs. Many colleges require CNA experience as a prerequisite or recommended clinical exposure.
Instructor Quality and Training Environment
One of the standout aspects of this program is the experienced and passionate instructor team. With over 20 years of combined field experience, the educators at Loving Lotus focus not only on clinical skills but also on compassion, safety, equity, and empathy. Their goal is to equip students not only to pass the exam, but to enter the healthcare field with professionalism and heart.
This student-centered approach is particularly helpful for those who are new to healthcare or unsure if this career is the right path. The instructors take the time to explain, demonstrate, and reinforce material in a way that supports every type of learner.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast-track program that can be finished in as little as 2.5 weeks
- Self-paced online learning is great for students with unpredictable schedules
- In-person training options available on weekdays or weekends
- Payment plans available for those who can’t pay tuition upfront
- Comprehensive tuition package includes medical equipment, uniform, and materials
- Curriculum supports career advancement into nursing and medical fields
Cons:
- Students must be disciplined with their time to complete the online portion before in-person sessions
- The state exam fee is not included in tuition
- Clinical placements are not specified—students should verify where hands-on training takes place
No mention of job placement assistance, so grads may need to navigate the job search on their own
Who Should Consider Loving Lotus
Loving Lotus is best suited for individuals who need maximum flexibility in how and when they complete their training. Whether you’re a high school graduate testing the waters of healthcare, someone looking for a fast career pivot, or unemployed and needing income quickly, this program is structured to support you.
It’s also a solid fit for pre-nursing or pre-PA students who need to check off CNA experience for admission. The combination of online learning with real-time instructor guidance allows students to learn at their own speed while still gaining the essential clinical skills they’ll need on the job.
However, this program is ideal only if you can stay self-motivated to complete the online content before your scheduled in-person dates. It doesn’t offer job placement, so you’ll need to be prepared to navigate the next step in your career on your own or with outside support.
If you’re looking for an affordable, fast, and flexible way to break into healthcare without sacrificing quality, Loving Lotus is worth considering.
Category | Details |
Cost: | $1,400 (State exam fee not included) |
Duration & Clock Hours: | 2.5 weeks; Minimum 75 hours (42–44 hours online, 35 hours in-person) |
Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Yes, weekend classes available |
Online Classes?: | Yes, hybrid self-paced online format |
Job Placement?: | No job placement services mentioned |
Requirements: | – At least 16 years old- U.S. citizen- Social Security card- State-issued ID- TB test or chest X-ray (within 12 months) |
Address: | 303 21st Street Suite 252, Newport, Minnesota 55055 |
Phone: | 651-321-7500 |
Email: | [email protected] |
Website: | https://lovinglotuscna.com |
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