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Nursing Assistant

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.

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100% Online Program

Learn from anywhere on your schedule so you can balance school, work, and life.
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Career-Ready Training

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Nursing assistant supporting an elderly woman with a warm smile.
Overview
Class Time Day
Semester Fall | Spring | Summer
Campus Brooklyn Park | Eden Prairie
Awards

Nursing Assistant Certificate

Tuition & Learning

Planning your investment is easy. Our program provides comprehensive training that prepares you for immediate entry into your chosen field. Below you'll find detailed information about program costs and required materials.

Tuition Estimates by Award

Costs below apply to each specific award option:

Certificates

Nursing Assistant
$839
Occupational Certificate
The tuition rate for 2025-2026 academic year is
$209.73 per credit

Scholarships & Savings

Ready to turn your dreams into reality? At Hennepin Tech, we believe that nothing should stand in the way of your education. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of paying for college, so you can focus on what really matters – your future.

FAFSA

Your key to financial aid. The first step to unlocking financial assistance for college is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing this form, you’ll qualify for a variety of federal grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities that can help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Don’t worry, our financial aid advisors are here to help, even if you have unique circumstances or are an undocumented individual.

Check out your first step to funding college

North Star Promise

If you’re a Minnesota resident who meets certain income criteria, you may also qualify for the North Star Promise, which provides additional financial support to cover the cost of tuition and fees. It’s another way we’re making college more accessible and affordable for students like you.

See if you qualify for free tuition

Foundation Scholarships

The Hennepin Tech Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help students offset the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reduce your college expenses!

Explore scholarships just for our students

PSEO & Concurrent Enrollment

High school students can jumpstart their college education by participating in our Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) or Concurrent Enrollment programs. Earn college credits while still in high school and save on future tuition costs!

Discover how you can earn college credit in high school

VA Benefits

Veterans and their dependents may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can help cover tuition, housing, and other costs associated with attending college. Contact our veterans services office for assistance in accessing and maximizing your VA benefits.

Maximize your military education benefits

Third-Party Payments

Did you know that some employers, organizations, or government agencies offer tuition assistance programs? If you’re eligible, you can use these funds to help cover your college expenses. Be sure to check with your employer or inquire about any available benefits.

Let a sponsor help fund your education

Transfer Credits

Transfer the credits you’ve already earned from previous colleges or programs to reduce the classes you need, helping you finish your degree faster and at a lower cost.

Make your hard work count twice

To maximize your savings, apply for FAFSA early, explore scholarships, and review your potential for credit through prior learning and transfer evaluations.

Accreditation & Recognition

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 03/28/2025

How to Apply

Ready to start your journey at Hennepin Tech? Learn the skills you’ll need to succeed and follow our simple application process to take the first step toward your career goals.

Application Process

Faculty & Staff

Gayle Godfrey Practical Nursing Faculty - Adjunct Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Gayle.Godfrey@HennepinTech.edu
Jean Wayne Nursing Assistant Instructor Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Jean.Wayne@HennepinTech.edu
Andrea Fenton Crooks Nursing Assistant Faculty Phone: 763-488-2507 E-mail: Andrea.FentonCrooks@HennepinTech.edu
Patricia Reinhart Faculty Phone: 763-488-2507 E-mail: Pat.Reinhart@HennepinTech.edu
Tara San Roman Nursing Assistant Faculty TPT Phone: 763-488-2507 E-mail: Tara.SanRoman@HennepinTech.edu
Jessica Hemmerich Nursing Assistant Faculty TPT Phone: 763-488-2441 E-mail: Jessica.Hemmerich@HennepinTech.edu
Kecia Hayslett Faculty Phone: 952-995-1381 E-mail: Kecia.Hayslett@HennepinTech.edu
Candance Leopold Nursing Faculty Phone: 952-995-1381 E-mail: Candance.Leopold@HennepinTech.edu

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I took the six-week NAHA course this summer. This course had a positive impact on me because it allowed me to get the feel for what becoming a nurse would be like. Throughout the course, I learned many skills on how to be a successful Nursing Assistant. Not only with hands-on experience, but I learned course objectives such as important communication tactics to use with residents and how to successfully take care of patients.

In the end, I was able to complete the course and pass both the written exam and skills test on my first attempt to become a CNA. I am thankful for Hennepin Tech for the resources given to enhance my education and for Murriel Kruggel, my instructor, who was very knowledgeable in the field and was helpful throughout the course. All of these factors played into having a great experience within the NAHA course.

Alana Johnson, NAHA student

College Honors Adoptees

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

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Each November, National Adoption Month reminds us of the human need to belong.

$4.1M DEED Grant Received

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

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Hennepin Tech receives $4.1M from DEED to expand semiconductor training and grow Minnesota’s high-tech workforce.

Invitation to Vote on New Website Design Theme

Monday, October 20, 2025

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Help choose the new Hennepin Tech website design and score some swag! Vote now for your favorite theme before October 31.

Celebrating Manufacturing Month

Friday, October 3, 2025

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October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota and across the nation.