Professional & Workforce Training at Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids CNA Program

This is a hybrid course, meaning that students will split their time between online coursework and in-person training sessions. The in-person portion is held on the Coon Rapids campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Room G238, located in the Health & Wellness Center, just off the walking track.

In-person sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, for a total of 12 sessions over the five-week course period. Attendance is mandatory for both online and in-person activities. If you have a tight or inflexible schedule, be aware that full participation is required.

In addition to lectures and skills practice, students will participate in a mock clinical experience, simulating the real-world environment of patient care to help build confidence before entering the workforce or taking the state exam.

Each session lasts 5 hours, and students are expected to complete online assignments during off days to stay on track.

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Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate of completion and qualify to take the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Evaluation. This test is a required step for placement on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry, which is needed to work legally as a CNA in most healthcare settings.

The state exam costs an additional $250, which is not included in the base course fee. However, there’s some good news: students who pay for their training and testing out of pocket before employment are eligible for reimbursement, which can significantly lower your net out-of-pocket cost if you land a job soon after certification.

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The total cost of the course is $899, which is considered relatively affordable compared to many other CNA programs in Minnesota. This fee covers tuition and instructional materials for both the in-person and online components.

Not included in the cost are:

• State certification exam fee: $250
• Uniform and supplies, which students must provide:
  • Scrub top and pants
  • Clean, comfortable shoes
  • Watch with a second hand

While the upfront cost may feel steep, the short duration and reimbursement opportunity make it a solid value for students who are serious about entering the field quickly.

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The course is led by Cynthia Dussault, a registered nurse with experience in training and workforce education. Based on how the program is structured, students will receive guidance from instructors who are committed to their success and well-versed in practical caregiving.

The hybrid format requires self-motivation for the online portion, so it’s best suited for students who are organized and able to keep up with assignments on their own between live class sessions.

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Classes are held at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. The college is part of a larger workforce training partnership that includes Anoka Technical College, offering a wide range of professional development resources. The in-person sessions take place in a designated health training facility designed for hands-on learning.

Additional training and academic resources—such as a testing center, career services, and professional guidance—are available through the school’s Professional & Workforce Training division.

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While no specific prerequisites were listed in the program description, students are expected to:

• Provide their own scrub top and pants
• Wear clean, closed-toe shoes appropriate for clinical settings
• Bring a watch with a second hand
• Be able to commit to all scheduled in-person and online sessions

Because the course is state-approved, applicants should expect to follow all standard enrollment procedures required by Minnesota law for nurse aide training, including providing identification and possibly undergoing a background check before state exam eligibility.

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After completing the course and passing the state exam, students will be qualified to apply for jobs as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) across Minnesota. The skills taught in the course are immediately applicable in a range of care environments—from long-term care facilities to hospitals and private homes.

Given the high demand for CNAs and Minnesota’s reimbursement program for training costs, this course can be a smart stepping stone to steady employment and a potential gateway to more advanced healthcare careers.

Students interested in further education might consider continuing toward LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or RN (Registered Nurse) certification down the line. Starting as a CNA is often the most affordable and quickest entry point into the nursing profession.

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