Northwest Technical College CNA Program

NTC’s Nursing Assistant program is hybrid. Most coursework is completed online, which gives students flexibility. However, four days are spent on campus or at clinical sites, where students complete their lab and hands-on clinical requirements.The course is generally offered twice per term, allowing students to choose a session that fits their schedule. Clinical locations vary by term and are based in Bemidji or nearby towns, but students must be able to travel to one of the approved sites.

---

Students fulfill in-person clinical requirements at partner healthcare facilities, most of which are located in Bemidji or within a 1.5-hour radius. Some of these locations include:

• Sanford Medical Center, Bemidji
• Havenwood Care Center, Bemidji
• Cornerstone Nursing & Rehab Center, Bagley
• Essentia Fosston
• CHI St. Joseph’s Health, Park Rapids
• Heritage Community, Park Rapids
• Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, Grand Rapids
• Essentia Detroit Lakes

These facilities give students exposure to various healthcare environments such as long-term care, emergency rooms, rehabilitation centers, and surgical units. It’s a hands-on way to learn what CNA work is really like while also networking with potential employers.

---

The course introduces students to the core concepts and skills needed for CNA work, including:

• Assisting with activities of daily living
• Understanding basic human needs
• Practicing infection control and safety
• Applying principles of body mechanics
• Learning technical nursing skills in a lab setting

The curriculum meets both state and federal standards for nursing assistant training. After finishing the course, students are eligible to take the state-approved certification exam and get listed on the Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Assistant Registry.

---

The total estimated cost of the program is $1,068.48, which includes tuition, fees, and required supplies:

• Tuition: $589.65 (based on $196.55 per credit)
• Student Fees: $33.09
• Textbook + Skills Book: $52.75
• Skills Pack: $59.99
• Scrubs: $50.00
• Professional Liability Insurance: $3.50
• State Background Check: $44.00
• Fingerprinting Fee: $10.50
• State Certification Test Fees: $225.00

This price is very reasonable for a hybrid CNA program and includes everything needed to complete the course and test out for state certification.

---

Students must apply and be admitted to Northwest Technical College before registering for the HLTH 1110 course. Here’s a summary of the admission steps:

Prerequisites:

• Submit an application for admission to NTC
• Send official transcripts by email, mail, or through Parchment
• Once accepted, register for HLTH 1110 via the college’s e-Services platform
• Purchase course materials (books, kits, scrubs) after enrollment
• Attend the four in-person clinical/lab days at one of the assigned locations

After enrolling, students will get further course guidance and requirements through the school’s online system (D2L).

---

Once the course is completed, students must pass the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Exam, which includes:

• A written knowledge test (70 multiple-choice questions; oral test available by request)
• A skills demonstration test, evaluated by a registered nurse using live actors

Students must pass both parts to officially become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and be listed on the Minnesota State Registry.

NTC provides materials such as a Mock Skills Book and Candidate Handbook to help students prepare. Certification tests must be registered for online and include:

• $75 for the knowledge exam
• $150 for the skills exam

---

This program prepares students for direct employment in healthcare settings like:

• Acute care hospitals
• Nursing homes and long-term care
• Clinics and physician offices
• Rehabilitation centers
• Home healthcare
• Public health agencies
• School nursing and group homes

NTC’s partnerships with local medical centers—like Sanford Medical Center and Essentia Health System—often lead to direct employment opportunities for students after certification. For anyone living in or near Bemidji, this built-in regional network is a major advantage.

---

Students who need help with registration, materials, or general questions can reach out to the program’s point of contact, Barb Breeze. After enrollment, all class requirements, item lists, and course updates are shared via NTC’s D2L learning platform.Because this program is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, coursework may also transfer to other public institutions if you plan to continue with nursing education down the road.

---