Minneapolis College CNA Program

The course is structured into 3 lecture credits and 2 lab credits, with time spent both in the classroom and in Minneapolis College’s large nursing lab facility—noted as one of the largest in Minnesota. While specific schedules aren’t outlined in the materials, attendance is strictly required for all lecture and clinical hours in order to pass the course. This isn’t a program where you can cut corners—hands-on participation is mandatory.

Instruction focuses on a number of core areas including:

• Daily living support (like bathing, grooming, and feeding)
• Safe patient mobility
• Communication skills
• Infection control
• Culturally responsive care

These practical components help students gain the confidence and technical ability to perform well in real clinical settings.

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Minneapolis College clearly defines what students will walk away with. After completing the course, students should be able to:

• Perform basic care tasks for patients with diverse backgrounds
• Understand and carry out the CNA’s role on a healthcare team
• Communicate effectively using therapeutic methods
• Observe patients and report changes or concerns
• Maintain patient safety in various care environments

These are not just academic goals—they reflect the daily expectations placed on CNAs in actual clinical environments. The course’s structure ensures students are prepared for those responsibilities from day one.

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Once students complete the program successfully, they’re eligible to sit for the Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Assistant Registry exam. Passing this test is what allows graduates to work legally as CNAs in Minnesota.

Because the course is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, students can be confident they are receiving the correct training to qualify for state certification and employment.

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This program is not open-entry, meaning there are academic placement requirements you must meet before enrolling.

Prerequisites include:

• Placement into READ 0200 or ESOL 0052
• Or completion of READ 0100 or ESOL 0042

These requirements ensure that students can understand medical terminology and instructions in English, which is essential for both classroom success and safe patient care.Additionally, a criminal background check is required for clinical placement. Students with disqualifying offenses may not be allowed to participate in the clinical component, which would prevent program completion. The school recommends contacting the Minnesota Department of Human Services for questions about disqualifying offenses.

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One notable strength of this program is the faculty. Instructors are described as highly educated and experienced professional nurses, which adds a layer of credibility and real-world relevance to the instruction. You won’t be learning from general educators—you’re learning from professionals who’ve been on the floor and understand patient care firsthand.

The nursing lab used for skills training is one of the largest in the state, which suggests ample space and resources for hands-on learning. This can make a big difference when it comes to mastering essential CNA skills in a low-pressure, controlled environment before transitioning to clinical settings.

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For students who see CNA work as a stepping stone toward a broader healthcare career, Minneapolis College builds in a path forward. The skills learned here are foundational for entry into the college’s larger Nursing program, and there are transfer agreements in place with schools like Augsburg University, allowing students to continue toward a bachelor’s degree.

This is ideal for students who want to test out healthcare with a short-term program before investing more time and money in a nursing degree.

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While the program is short, it’s far from easy. Minneapolis College makes it clear that attendance at all classes and clinical hours is mandatory. This is important to note for anyone working full-time or with an unpredictable schedule—if you can’t commit to full attendance, this might not be the right fit.

There’s no specific mention of weekend or evening classes in the program info, so students will need to check with the college directly about scheduling flexibility. If you’re juggling work or family, that’s a key detail to confirm ahead of time.

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Pros:

• Approved by the Minnesota Department of Health
• Faculty with real-world nursing experience
• Prepares students for CNA certification exam
• Strong lab-based training facility
• Credit-bearing certificate (5 college credits)
• Can serve as a gateway to associate or bachelor’s degrees

Cons:

• Must meet reading prerequisites or complete prep classes
• No clear mention of weekend/evening class options
• Full attendance required—may be hard for those with busy schedules
• No job placement services mentioned
• Requires a clean background check for clinicals

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