Scrubs Academy provides a flexible, hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to prepare students for state certification in as little as 80 hours. With locations in St. Cloud, Buffalo, and Nisswa, the program includes both online coursework and in-person lab training. Students can choose between day, evening, or fast-track schedules. The course costs $1,200 and includes tuition, books, and supplies; the state certification exam is an additional $275. Graduates are eligible to take the Minnesota CNA exam and apply for placement on the Nurse Aide Registry.
Program Overview
Scrubs Academy’s CNA program is built for students looking for flexibility without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re just out of high school, switching careers, or reentering the workforce, this program makes it possible to train quickly and confidently. Students learn the core skills needed to work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
The 80-hour curriculum is a mix of 58 hours of online coursework that students complete on their own time and 24 hours of in-person practical training, guided by an RN instructor. This blend allows students to fit coursework into busy schedules while still getting essential hands-on experience.
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Class Locations and Schedule Options
Classes are held at multiple Scrubs Academy locations—St. Cloud, Buffalo, and Nisswa. Each location follows a similar structure but offers different schedules to meet varying needs.
Options include:
- Daytime classes, typically running from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Evening classes, usually held between 4:00 PM and 8:15 PM
- Fast-track options, completed in just over a week
- Wednesday-only classes, for those who prefer a weekly in-person session
No matter the location or format, each version of the course delivers the same 80-hour training and prepares students for the same certification exam.
Curriculum Highlights
Students are trained in essential CNA responsibilities, including:
- Assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating
- Maintaining infection control standards
- Understanding residents’ rights and promoting independence
- Using effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Learning safety procedures and emergency protocols
A strong emphasis is placed on compassionate care for elderly patients, reflecting the needs of long-term care and assisted living environments where many CNAs begin their careers.
Online Learning and Practical Training
The 58 hours of online content are completed at the student’s convenience, making it ideal for those who need to work around family, work, or personal obligations. Assignments are due before each in-person class session, requiring time management and discipline.
The 24 hours of in-person training are conducted in small groups at each campus and involve supervised skills practice, including a mock skills test-out to simulate the certification exam environment. Students also have access to free open lab sessions for extra practice, led by an RN.
Tuition and Costs
The full cost of the program is $1,200, which includes:
- Online and in-person instruction
- Course books and materials
- Use of facilities and lab equipment
The Minnesota CNA test-out fee is an additional $275, which must be paid separately. In some cases, employers may reimburse the training and testing costs once a graduate begins working.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in Scrubs Academy’s CNA course, applicants must meet the following:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to assist both male and female residents
- Commit to 100% attendance, as required by the Minnesota Department of Health
- Demonstrate English reading comprehension at an 8th-grade level
- Visit the school to confirm in-person enrollment
- Pay the full $1,200 tuition at the time of registration
- Undergo a background study through the Minnesota Department of Human Services
The program is open to individuals from all backgrounds but requires a strong work ethic and ability to meet deadlines.
Certification and Career Preparation
Upon successful completion of the 80-hour course, students are certified by their RN instructor and become eligible to take the Minnesota CNA competency evaluation exam. This step is required to be listed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry, which is necessary for employment as a CNA in the state.
The certification is valid as long as the CNA provides documentation of at least 8 hours of paid work in a qualifying role every 24 months. If employment lapses for more than two years, re-certification is required.
Grading and Retake Policy
Scrubs Academy uses a minimum passing grade of 70% on written tests. Students are allowed up to three retakes per unit, but the highest score recorded from a retake is capped at 70%.Lab skills must be passed with 80% or higher, and students must complete all bolded critical steps during the skills assessment. If a student fails the final exam after four attempts, they must retake the entire course to be eligible for testing again.
Learning Environment and Support
Scrubs Academy is known for its supportive, hands-on learning model. RN instructors are actively involved in student success, and the school offers free open lab sessions for students who want additional time to practice skills. There’s a clear effort to make students feel prepared, not just academically but emotionally, to enter the healthcare field.
The school even provides amenities like a kitchen area with a refrigerator and coffee station for student use. The environment is designed to feel welcoming and structured, with a clear focus on professionalism.
Who Should Consider Scrubs Academy
Scrubs Academy is a strong choice for individuals looking to become CNAs quickly and efficiently without giving up flexibility. Its hybrid format is ideal for self-motivated learners who can manage their time well and keep up with online assignments. The variety of schedules, including evening and fast-track options, make it accessible to working adults, parents, and high school grads alike.
If you’re comfortable with a mix of independent study and in-person hands-on practice, this program checks the right boxes. It’s also a good pick for those who want a more personal learning experience, with opportunities for free extra help in labs and instructors who bring real-world nursing knowledge to the table. Just be prepared to pay tuition up front, and plan to meet the high expectations for attendance and participation.
Category | Details |
Cost: | $1,200 (State test-out fee is an additional $275) |
Duration & Clock Hours: | 80 hours total (58 hours online, 24 hours in-person practical training) |
Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Yes — evening classes are available |
Online Classes?: | Yes — 58 hours of flexible online coursework |
Job Placement?: | No formal job placement services mentioned |
Requirements: | – Must be 16 or older – 8th-grade reading level – Attend all class hours – Background check – Tuition paid in full at registration – In-person enrollment confirmation |
Address: | 3735 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
Phone: | (320) 281-2980 |
Website: | https://scrubsacademy.com |
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