Thank you for your interest in Nursing Assistant Training

The Next Generation Nursing Assistant – Train. Test. Work. program has come to an end, and we’re excited to celebrate its success! A big thank you to the thousands of students who joined the program, the employers who hired them, and the amazing instructors, campus coordinators, and staff who made it all happen.

In the coming months, we will continue gathering testing, employment, and other data for the project to better understand its strengths, opportunities, and impact.

Looking to Begin Your Career as a Nursing Assistant?
Don’t worry—there are still plenty of excellent opportunities to start your journey in healthcare!

1. Contact Local Nursing Homes
   Many nursing homes across Minnesota are hiring and may help you become a CNA. Employers often hire for other roles and offer to pay for your nursing assistant training. Use this employer match tool or internet search to find options near you
2. Visit a CareerForce Center
   CareerForce locations provide career guidance and resources. Find a CareerForce center near you to explore your options.
3. Explore Other Approved CNA Programs
   Minnesota offers many approved nursing assistant programs, including:
   
   
   • Credit and continuing education programs through Minnesota State.
   • Private, nonprofit, employer-based, or high school programs listed on the MN Department of Health website.
   • Some programs may require upfront payment, but if you work in a skilled nursing home for 90 days, you may be eligible for reimbursement of training and certification costs.

Celebrating Success Stories
The program’s impact is best captured through the voices of those involved:

• “This program has helped me “get my feet wet. I hope to continue towards a LPN degree and eventually go for my RN. I am anxious but hope to pass the state test Thursday, so I can start helping elders in my community, and continue to learn and grow in this career.”

• “This program has meant a lot for myself and my family. It has opened a lot of doors for my career. I am very grateful and proud to be a part of this.”

• “This program was amazing for me, I was tight on money and it provided me with a free way to get my CNA so I could get started on my path to my RN. It also provided me with an outlet to get hired at a nursing home that I can start working at as soon as I pass the test. This program is amazing and I hope it will be provided for future CNAs."

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative. Together, we’ve taken an important step toward strengthening Minnesota’s healthcare workforce.