You need to have a CNA certification in Minnesota before you can apply as a nurse aide for a long-term care facility. The state’s nurse aide registration is handled by the Minnesota Department of Health and it contains the names of applicants who have successfully passed the training and examination of the state. You should also comply with the requirements set forth by the federal government in order to be allowed to take the certification exam. Below you will find all of the current requirements to become certified as a nursing assistant in the state of Minnesota.
A nursing assistant or nurse aide works in nursing facilities or healthcare facilities under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. You cannot apply as a nursing assistant without first passing the exam and being entered on the state’s nurse aide registry. Those who are already working under the capacity of nurse aides should enroll themselves at a state-approved training program as well as pass the nurse aide exam within 4 months of being hired in a nursing facility.
If you want to become a nurse aide you should first train at an accredited nursing assistant training program that offers that state approved amount of instruction. The training requirements are 75 hours of training with a curriculum based on either the one set by the Red Cross or by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. The course covers learning about nursing assistant skills and techniques such as basic care, grooming, nursing skills as well as taking note of a patient’s progress. The applicant will also be reimbursed by the government if he is able to return receipts of the expenses incurred during the training within a year from the time he or she takes the state exam. This privilege comes with the condition that the applicant should be employed as a certified nurse aide for 90 days from the day that the receipts are sent. In addition, training should be supervised by a registered nurse.
After completing the nurse aide training program, you can now apply to take the examination. The applicant should submit necessary documents such as fingerprint cards, photo ID, passport sized photos, certificate of completing the training, as well as the fee for the exam. If an applicant passes the exam, his or her name shall be immediately entered on the state of MN Nurse Aide Registry by the Department of Health. A person’s registry number will be their social security number.
Reciprocity is also available for those who already have a CNA certification from another state and is currently on an active status and is in good standing. The applicant should also show at least 8 hours of paid work as a nursing assistant. He or she should submit the necessary papers such as endorsement forms and proof of certification. The processing would take about 30 days. The license will be renewed after 2 years and the applicant should submit proof of employment for at least 8 hours as nurse aide. If the license expires, the certification will be considered inactive. There is also a required in-service training of about 12 hours per year for the nursing assistant employed at a nursing facility.
You can click this link to read more about nursing assistant classes in Minnesota.