Train. Test. Work. Enroll in no-cost training and testing to work in senior care!
Find a course: All available courses are listed on the Minnesota State website.
Those who enroll in a course through this initiative will have the cost of their training, books, scrubs, and certification exam covered. Once certified, nursing assistants can apply for positions at any long-term care facility, hospital, and veterans home in Minnesota.
After meeting our initial goal of recruiting and training 1,000 new nursing assistants, the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative received additional funding and we offered a second round of free training. Now, during the 2023 Legislative Session, the Next Generation Nursing Initiative received funding to continue the program into 2025.
In addition to this opportunity, there are other great ways to get free training and start your career.
Many employers offer scholarship assistance to student staff members preparing for careers in healthcare. A nursing assistant who is employed by or has received an offer of employment from a certified nursing home may be eligible for employer reimbursement to cover the cost of nursing assistant training and certification testing.
Please contact your employer of choice for more details or visit the Minnesota Department of Health website to learn more.
Good question! According to data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, nursing assistants are the sixth highest in-demand job in the state. This need has only been exacerbated by the pandemic, and the current pipeline of students pursing a CNA credential is not poised to meet the demand.
To address this need, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education is convening a work group of state agencies, higher education institutions, and long-term care providers to implement the recruiting and training program. The initiative will offer resources and support to those pursuing a CNA credential from the first day of class to the first day on the job. This includes covering costs for tuition, fees, and materials. Additional investments will support transportation and technology needs for students.
The initiative is made possible through federal American Rescue Plan funds.
Member organizations of the workgroup include:
Read the initial press release from Governor Tim Walz announcing this initiative.
Click to view a printable Fact Sheet about the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative
For questions about the initiative, contact CNAProgram.OHE@state.mn.us.
Nursing Assistant Initiative Monitoring Report - Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Nursing Assistant Initiative Monitoring Report - Fiscal Year 2022