Program Description
Do you want to train in the healthcare field or start your journey to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Hennepin Technical College’s Nursing Assistant hybrid course combines online learning, in-person skills practice, and clinical practice hours. Earning the Certified Nursing Assistant credential is one of the requirements to qualify for the Practical Nursing program.
Nursing aides play a critical role in the healthcare team. They support healthcare systems, working with licensed nurses and other team members to provide patient care.
In this course, you will learn about human needs, health, and illness. You will also learn basic care skills. You can use these skills in hospitals, home health care, and long-term care settings.
Minnesota’s Health Department approves this course, and it meets the 75-hour clinical and contact hour requirement.
After passing the course and certification exam, students are added to the registry of nursing assistants in Minnesota. They can then use the title of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This course also meets the nursing assistant prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program at Hennepin Tech.
Workforce services for eligible adults are available through this program authorized by Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Wages/Outlook/Advancement
Wage and Job Outlook information for this program are available at Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
The role of the nursing assistant in a long-term care (LTC) facility as well as working with various populations is discussed. In addition, the course provides an overview of the nursing assistant’s role in home care. It identifies issues related to working in homes, including adjustments to delivering personal care, food and nutrition, and homemaking responsibilities.
USDE Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Hennepin Technical College Nursing Assistant curriculum is designed to help prepare students to sit for the professional certification exam for Minnesota. At this time, Hennepin Technical College is unable to make a determination if the Nursing Assistant program meets the certification requirement for any state or US protectorate besides Minnesota. You will want to contact the licensing board in which state you intend to pursue licensure for their requirements, below we provide a link to a list of each states licensing board.
For more information on state licensing boards and their contact information for Nursing Assistants visit the Registered Nursing website.
Last reviewed 02/23/2026
Testing
After successfully completing the Nursing Assistant program, students will need to sign up for the Nursing Assistant practical and skills test to become a licensed/certified nursing assistant in the State of Minnesota.
Learn more about certification exams
Please note: exam costs are not included in tution and fees.