Normandale Community College CNA Program

The course, NURS 1057, is a 4-credit class that includes:

• 3 hours of lecture per week
• 2 hours of lab per week
• 16 hours of clinical experience at the end of the course

This hybrid format means students split their time between online lectures, on-campus lab practice, and a real-world clinical setting. While online participation is allowed for the lecture portion, lab and clinical components are in-person, and attendance is mandatory. The program is only available during the fall and spring semesters, with no summer offering mentioned.

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Students are introduced to all of the core responsibilities of a CNA in Minnesota. This includes:

• Measuring and recording vital signs
• Assisting with personal hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and mobility
• Providing care for residents with emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs
• Practicing infection control, body mechanics, and emergency procedures
• Learning effective communication and behavior management strategies

The course is specifically geared toward preparing students for the demands of long-term care environments, which are the primary employers of CNAs in the state.

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A key part of Normandale’s CNA program is the 16-hour clinical rotation that occurs at the end of the course. Students apply their learned skills in a long-term care facility, working under the supervision of licensed nurses. This is where classroom knowledge becomes practical, and it’s required by state regulations to qualify for the certification exam.

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Students who pass the course and the Headmaster exam are placed on the Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Assistant Registry. This listing is essential to gain employment as a CNA in any licensed facility in the state.

Earning this certificate also lays the groundwork for students interested in continuing into more advanced healthcare education, such as nursing, medical assisting, or other allied health programs.

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Unlike many other programs, Normandale’s CNA course doesn’t list any formal academic prerequisites like placement tests or prerequisite courses. However, there are several clinical participation requirements that must be met:

Prerequisites for clinical participation:

• Must pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background check
• Must provide negative TB test results (within the last 12 months) or clearance via chest X-ray
• Must show immunity to Rubella and Rubeola (via MMR vaccination or blood titer)
• Must indicate COVID-19 vaccination status
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds
• Must attend all course sessions; only limited emergency make-up options are available

Additionally, students need strong spoken and written communication skills, as effective interaction with patients and healthcare teams is essential.

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Normandale defines clear goals for students in this program. By the end, students should be able to:

• Understand and apply infection control procedures
• Perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and take vital signs
• Communicate effectively with patients and staff
• Recognize patient needs and changes in condition
• Apply ethical and legal standards in care delivery
• Make safe and appropriate care decisions as a CNA
• Demonstrate professional behavior and work ethic

Student learning is evaluated through a mix of written exams, lab skill demonstrations, and performance in clinicals.

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The program cost is not listed directly on the college’s website, so students will need to contact Normandale’s admissions or registrar’s office for current tuition and fees.

That said, students should plan for additional expenses such as:

• Scrubs/uniforms (required for lab and clinicals)
• TB testing and immunization records
• Transportation to clinical sites

Certification exam fee (for the Headmaster test)

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Normandale is committed to inclusive education, and students with documented disabilities can request accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). However, the physical nature of CNA work means that all students must be able to safely lift at least 50 pounds and meet clinical requirements for patient care.

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Pros:

• Approved by the Minnesota Department of Health
• Strong focus on hands-on learning and real-world clinical experience
• Hybrid learning structure with online lecture access
• Direct path to CNA certification and registry placement
• Clearly defined learning outcomes and job preparation
• Emphasis on long-term care, which is a growing employment sector

Cons:

• Program offered only in fall and spring (no summer start mentioned)
• Attendance is strictly mandatory, limiting flexibility
• No job placement assistance mentioned
• Costs are not transparently listed online
• Additional requirements (vaccines, TB testing) may create prep time or cost

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