7 Free CNA Training Programs in Minnesota - Full Tuition Waiver
Monarch Healthcare Management Programs Offered:Nursing Assistant in Training Program (NAIT) Location:Multiple locations throughout Minnesota (Monarch Healthcare Management facilities) Rating:
Monarch Healthcare Management offers a highly attractive "Nursing Assistant in Training (NAIT) Program" that explicitly pays individuals for their training, testing, and even provides a wage while they are learning. This program is designed to bring new talent into the healthcare field by removing financial barriers and offering a direct path to employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) within Monarch's extensive network of over 60 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Minnesota. The NAIT position is a temporary role focused on preparing trainees to successfully pass the Minnesota Nursing Assistant competency exam.
Participants in the NAIT program are immersed in a structured learning environment that includes orientation to Monarch, facility-specific training, and completion of educational modules. They enroll in a Minnesota DHS-approved 75-hour Nursing Assistant Training & Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). A significant benefit is the opportunity to shadow and work on the floor, gaining practical experience and being paid for this time. Once deemed competent, trainees perform duties similar to a Certified Nursing Aide, further building their skills and confidence. Upon completion of the 75-hour NATCEP course, Monarch assists with scheduling the CNA skills and knowledge state exams. The program covers the costs associated with training and testing.
After successfully passing both state exams and being listed on the Minnesota Nurse Registry, NAITs apply internally for an open CNA position at their current facility, receiving a wage increase. Monarch Healthcare Management is committed to its employees' well-being, offering a robust benefits package that includes immediate access to earned wages through UKG Wallet, free single medical insurance, loan reimbursement, scholarship opportunities, paid time off, 401k with annual contribution match, and referral bonuses. The program also highlights clear career advancement opportunities within the growing company. This comprehensive support, from paid training to a full benefits package and career growth, makes Monarch's NAIT program an outstanding choice for those looking to start a healthcare career with strong employer backing.
Cassia Programs Offered:Cassia CNA Training and Certification Program (also known as Cassia CONNECT Paid CNA Training Program) Location:Multiple Minnesota communities including Apple Valley, Buffalo, Dassel, Hastings, Hopkins, Maple Plain, Maplewood, Milaca, Minneapolis, Moose Lake, and Princeton. Rating:
Cassia offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals aspiring to become Certified Nursing Assistants through its comprehensive CNA Training and Certification Program. This program stands out by providing a full scholarship for the nursing assistant training and certification, effectively making it free for participants. Beyond covering tuition, Cassia ensures that trainees are scheduled for employment upon successful completion, offering a clear pathway to a rewarding career in healthcare. This commitment to both education and immediate employment makes it a highly attractive option for those looking to enter the field without the burden of educational debt.
The training program itself is designed for accessibility and effectiveness, utilizing a hybrid model that combines online learning with essential in-person practical sessions. This 75-hour program covers all the fundamental aspects required for CNA certification, preparing students thoroughly for their state exams. Participants gain crucial skills in patient care, understanding the responsibilities of a nursing assistant, and developing the compassionate approach vital for working with older adults. The curriculum is structured to build confidence and competence, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to provide high-quality care.
A unique and significant benefit of the Cassia program is the opportunity to earn while you learn. In some instances, participants are paid during their training period, further alleviating financial concerns. Upon successful certification, graduates are offered competitive wages, reflecting the value Cassia places on its nursing assistants. The organization also provides a robust benefits package that may include paid time off, holiday pay, retirement matching plans (403(b) or 401(k)), and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Furthermore, Cassia demonstrates a long-term investment in its employees through tuition discounts, scholarship opportunities, student loan forgiveness, and clear pathways for career advancement within their extensive network of communities. This holistic approach supports not only the immediate training needs but also the sustained professional and personal growth of its CNAs, fostering a dedicated and skilled workforce. The program is ideal for compassionate individuals seeking a meaningful career change and a supportive employer committed to their success.
PioneerCare Programs Offered:Nursing Assistant Training Location:M|State Fergus Falls campus, Fergus Falls, MN. PioneerCare facilities (PioneerCare Center, Pioneer Cottages) for employment. Rating:
PioneerCare offers a highly beneficial Nursing Assistant Training program designed to transition individuals into Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) roles with comprehensive support and financial incentives. This program is particularly attractive as PioneerCare commits to covering all certified nursing assistant training expenses and the Minnesota certification exam cost for participants who successfully complete the program and subsequently become a CNA at PioneerCare. This significant financial backing removes a major barrier for many aspiring healthcare professionals, making the path to certification accessible and debt-free. [1]
To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must be at least 16 years old. The application process involves applying for a CNA position, undergoing an interview, completing a criminal background study, and engaging in a job shadowing experience with a current employee. This allows prospective trainees to gain firsthand insight into the daily responsibilities of a CNA at PioneerCare, ensuring it's a good fit before committing to the training. If the job shadowing experience is positive, PioneerCare then assists the individual in signing up for the nursing assistant training course. [1]
The training itself is structured and takes place at the M|State Fergus Falls campus, with specific dates and times for classroom instruction and clinical experience. For example, one class schedule outlined includes evening sessions for theoretical learning and full-day sessions for clinical experience, culminating in the Nurse Assistant Exam. [1] This structured approach ensures trainees receive thorough preparation, combining classroom knowledge with essential hands-on skills in a practical healthcare setting.
Upon successful completion of the training and state certification, new CNAs at PioneerCare start at a competitive hourly wage, which is further enhanced by a premium shift differential of an additional $1 per hour for evening and night shifts (for hours worked between 3:00 pm and 7:00 am). [1] Beyond the attractive starting pay, PioneerCare demonstrates a strong commitment to its employees' long-term growth and well-being through a robust benefits package. This includes generous scholarship opportunities, with nearly $58,000 expected to be awarded to current employees in the upcoming year, and a student loan repayment program for nursing students, with close to $19,000 expected to be paid out in the next year. [1] Employees also receive paid time off, which combines vacation, holiday, and sick time, offering flexibility and promoting a healthy work-life balance. Full-time benefits extend to a 401K retirement program, health, dental, and life insurance, among other comprehensive offerings. [1] This holistic support system, from covering training costs to providing substantial benefits and career advancement opportunities, makes PioneerCare's program an excellent choice for individuals seeking a stable and rewarding career in healthcare.
Sanford Health Programs Offered:Nursing Assistant Training Program Location:Multiple locations in Minnesota (part of Sanford Health's extensive network) Rating:
Sanford Health, a large integrated healthcare system, offers a robust "Nursing Assistant Training Program" designed to provide immediate paid training for individuals hired into qualifying roles. This program is a direct pathway to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) without any educational costs for the trainee. Sanford Health covers the full expenses of training, testing, and state registration, making it an incredibly accessible option for those looking to enter the healthcare field. This employer-sponsored model ensures that participants are financially supported from the outset of their training.
The program is structured to be flexible, allowing participants up to 120 days to complete their training and certification, though it can be completed in as little as two weeks. It combines online coursework with essential in-person skills labs and clinical training. The online content provides foundational knowledge, while the minimum of 24 hours of in-person training with an approved CNA instructor ensures practical proficiency. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering all necessary skills to provide hands-on care to patients in various settings, including medical and senior care facilities. This includes assisting with daily needs such as bathing, dressing, mobility, and monitoring vital signs.
A key benefit of this program is the "earn while you learn" model; students hired into a qualifying job role receive their hourly wage throughout the training. Upon successful completion of the program and passing the state certification exam, graduates receive a comprehensive benefits package and competitive pay as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Sanford Health emphasizes job stability and opportunities for career growth within its vast organization, which spans multiple states including Minnesota. There is an expectation of a six-month employment commitment upon completion, reflecting Sanford's investment in its trainees. This program is ideal for individuals who are ready to commit to a healthcare career and are seeking a fully supported and paid training experience with a large, reputable employer.
Alexandria Technical & Community College Programs Offered:CNA Training Location:Alexandria, MN (hybrid model with online coursework and in-person lab sessions/clinical sites) Rating:
The Next Generation Nursing Assistant program at Alexandria Technical & Community College offers a significant opportunity for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field without the burden of tuition costs. This initiative, supported by the State of Minnesota, provides free training and testing, valued at $1,615, to eligible participants. The program is designed to address the critical need for nursing assistants in senior care facilities across Minnesota. It operates on a hybrid model, combining flexible online coursework with essential in-person lab sessions conducted at the Alexandria campus and local clinical sites. This blended approach allows students to manage their studies while gaining practical, hands-on experience in a real healthcare environment.
The curriculum is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health and is comprehensive, equipping students with fundamental skills necessary for a successful career as a nursing assistant. Key areas of instruction include taking vital signs, providing personal care, assisting with patient mobility, and understanding the nuances of patient communication and safety. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes the importance of compassionate care and professional conduct within the healthcare team. A crucial component of this program is its strong connection to employers. It includes employer connections with facilities actively hiring, facilitating a smooth transition from training to employment. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate and are eligible to take the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Exam, which is also covered by the program. Passing this exam qualifies them for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry, a prerequisite for employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the state.
Eligibility requirements for this free training include being 16 years of age or older, being eligible to work in the United States, and a commitment to work as a nursing assistant in senior care after completing the course. Candidates must also pass a Minnesota DHS background study and health screening, with the costs for these screenings included in the program. The program is intensive, requiring mandatory attendance at all class sessions, underscoring its commitment to producing highly competent and dedicated healthcare professionals. This program is ideal for individuals who are ready to commit to a career in long-term care and are looking for a financially accessible pathway to certification and immediate employment.
Essentia Health Programs Offered:Paid Training - Nursing Assistant Student (PRN) Location:Multiple locations in Minnesota (e.g., Detroit Lakes, with other facilities across Essentia Health's service area) Rating:
Essentia Health offers a compelling "Paid Training - Nursing Assistant Student (PRN)" program, providing a no-cost pathway for individuals interested in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). This program is particularly attractive as it allows participants to earn income while training, providing indirect care to patients. Essentia Health covers the full cost of education and the certification exam to become a CNA, making it an accessible entry point into the medical field for those seeking a new career. This initiative is designed to address staffing needs within their long-term care facilities and other healthcare settings.
The program structure involves working as a Nursing Assistant Student, where trainees assist licensed professionals and direct care staff with personal cares, help maintain a clean and safe environment, assist with meal setup, provide activity and exercise for residents, and observe and report changes in a resident's condition. This hands-on experience is integral to the learning process, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting from day one. While specific program duration can vary, the goal is to prepare individuals to obtain their CNA certification within a few months, typically within four months of hire. Upon successful completion of the training and passing the state certification exam, students are promoted to a Certified Nursing Assistant position, which includes a raise and a regular schedule.
Essentia Health is committed to supporting its employees' well-being and professional growth. Beyond covering training costs and providing a wage during training, the organization offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. This can include health coverage (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans (401k with employer contributions), professional development opportunities (including tuition reimbursement for further education), and work-life balance initiatives (flexible scheduling, paid time off). The program emphasizes a holistic approach to patient-centered care within a home-like environment, fostering a supportive and engaging work culture. This program is an excellent option for individuals seeking a fully sponsored training experience coupled with immediate employment and long-term career stability within a large healthcare system.
International Institute of Minnesota Programs Offered:Free CNA Training for New Americans Location:Saint Paul, MN (hybrid model with online coursework and in-person clinicals) Rating:
The International Institute of Minnesota offers a specialized "Free CNA Training for New Americans" program, uniquely tailored to support immigrants and refugees in establishing a career in the U.S. healthcare system. This program is entirely tuition-free, removing a significant financial barrier for a population often facing economic challenges. The Institute boasts high graduation rates and a strong track record of job placement, largely due to its established relationships with top employers in the healthcare sector. The program's comprehensive approach extends beyond just training, providing academic support, career guidance, and financial coaching to help New Americans achieve self-sufficiency.
The training curriculum is high-quality, teaching all the necessary skills to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It is delivered through a hybrid format, with much of the coursework conducted online via Zoom, offering flexibility for students. Crucially, in-person clinicals are required to ensure hands-on practical experience, which are typically held at the Institute's location in Saint Paul. This blend of online and in-person learning prepares students for the realities of patient care. The program covers essential topics such as basic patient care, communication techniques, safety protocols, and understanding patient needs.
Eligibility requirements include providing proof of permission to work in the U.S. (e.g., refugee status, permanent resident, naturalized U.S. citizen, or work authorization), residing in Minnesota, completing a reading assessment with a high intermediate English level, being in good physical condition, providing proof of vaccination, and having access to a computer and internet for online courses. A standout feature of this program is the guarantee of job offers for 100% of its certified graduates, with an average starting salary of $19.90 per hour. This commitment to employment, coupled with extensive support services, makes the International Institute of Minnesota's program an invaluable resource for New Americans seeking a stable and rewarding career in healthcare.
