Next Generation Nursing Assistant: Train. Test. Work. CNA Training

Ready to start a career in senior care? The Train. Test. Work. program offers free training and testing for Minnesotans who are ready to work as nursing assistants.

 

Nursing assistants are essential to Minnesota’s healthcare system. That's why the state is funding the Next Generation Nursing Assistant: Train. Test. Work. initiative to fill these critical roles in senior care.

If you’re ready to begin (or restart) a rewarding career in healthcare, this program is for you! It provides focused, ready-to-work training and opportunities to connect with employers who have immediate openings. Many participants receive job offers before completing their certification exams.

Before enrolling, make sure this program is a good fit. Read the requirements below:

Program requirements for eligible applicants:

• Must be over 16, and legally able to work in the U.S. (Minnesota).
• Must be interested in and plan on accepting a long-term care position in Minnesota after completing the program. If you are not ready to work immediately, please wait or consider a different training program.
• Must be in good physical condition. Nursing assistants frequently move patients and have other physically demanding tasks, such as bathing, grooming, toileting, walking, exercising, and feeding patients.
• Not currently working in healthcare.
• Must be able to pass a Department of Human Services background study.
• Must complete the vaccine and tuberculosis testing requirements of their employer.
• Must attend mandatory orientation, all class sessions, and testing.
• Must complete and pass a knowledge test and a skills test to be added to the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry and seek employment.
• For hybrid courses, applicants must provide their own computer and internet access to participate in online courses.

How do I sign up for training?

1. Show up (virtually) and attend a Train. Test. Work. Information Session.
2. Complete the eligibility survey.
3. Register for class when you receive the campus email.
4. Attend and participate in all class sessions, orientation, and employer events.
   
   

  SIGN UP FOR AN INFORMATION SESSION  

SEE UPCOMING CLASSES AND LOCATIONS

Steps are time-sensitive, so please check your email regularly to complete them on time. Classes fill up fast, and there are a limited number of sessions across the state.

If you can't get into a class, don’t worry—there are other ways to start your career as a nursing assistant!

• Did you know that over two-thirds of our Train. Test. Work. employer partners cover the costs of nursing assistant training and testing? Your journey could begin by simply reaching out to a local employer. Additionally, contact your local Minnesota CareerForce Center to explore training and support programs.
• For more resources and guidance on starting your caregiving career, visit Caring Careers Start Here. You can also provide your contact information to stay updated on upcoming programs.

Employers

Are you looking to hire Train. Test. Work. candidates? Connect in a variety of ways including showing support at orientation, sharing information about your local job openings, hosting or attending employer visits, sending recruiters for interviews, attending job fairs and reverse job fairs, and more! Employers interested in connecting with Train. Test. Work. candidates, please sign up and learn more.

You can also contact us to learn about options to bring customized training to your group or organization.

 

FAQ

Currently there isn't training near me, or the training is full. What should I do?

Train. Test. Work. trainings will run through the Spring of 2025 and there are a limited number of classes. Classes fill up quickly. Don’t worry if you don’t get in. Please add your name to the "I’m interested” list to be notified when training programs are added near you.

There are other great ways to start your career as a nursing assistant. We also encourage you to:

1. Contact your local nursing homes and see if they will support you in becoming a CNA. Jobs are available across Minnesota - there is probably a senior care employer near you.  Sometimes they will hire you into a different role and then pay for your nursing assistant training. This is a great way to start!
2. Your local CareerForce center also may be able to help. Find a CareerForce location near you.
3. You can enroll in any other Minnesota approved nursing assistant program. Minnesota State offers credit programs and continuing education programs. You can find private, non-profit, employer-based, or high school programs on the MN Department of Health website. For some programs, you may have to pay out of pocket up front, but after working for 90 days in a skilled nursing home, the nursing home is required to reimburse you for the cost of the training and the state certification test. Information on that can be found at the MN Department of Health website.

I need my nursing assistant training (or certification) for my college application or prerequisite to another healthcare program, can I take this training?

Unfortunately, the training is not for individuals whose main purpose for taking the training is to satisfy a prerequisite for a college application or other healthcare program. Train. Test. Work. is for individuals who are willing and able to start work in long term care upon completion of the program.

I am currently working in a nursing home. Should I take this training?

Please ask your employer about their nursing assistant scholarship options first. Luckily, there is a mechanism already available to nursing facility employees to reimburse for nursing assistant training and testing. Under both federal and state law, nursing facilities are required under certain circumstances to pay for and/or to reimburse the costs of nurse aide training, testing and associated expenses. Please ask your employer’s human resources department about the MN Nursing facility employee scholarship program available through Minnesota Department of Human Services. If your employer’s department has questions about what is and isn’t reimbursable under this scholarship program, they can contact Munna Yasiri.