Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are critical to the care and service delivery – assisting both patients and nurses. To become certified, you will complete a 75-hour training program and take a state exam. The training will be conducted in a blended learning environment with both online and onsite components. The onsite, clinical training will take place at St. Olaf College. More details to become available in mid-October.
Taught by credentialed nurse instructors with professional experience, the Nurse Assistant Training program delivers an engaging curriculum that meets state and federal education regulations. Theory and skills practice, including a clinical experience at a skilled nursing facility, is conducted under nursing supervision. The course content focuses on critical thinking, decision-making and team concepts while incorporating elements of care and communication/interpersonal skills.
CNAs provide assistance with day-to-day activities, including:
Bathing, dressing and personal hygiene
Assisting with eating
Assisting in ambulation and mobility
Helping nurses with other duties
Note: Students can generally expect to complete their training and be ready to take their state certification exam to become a licensed or certified nurse assistant (CNA) within 4 weeks of beginning their training.
First aid preparedness and first response training in or out of the workplace
A clear understanding of physiology, anatomy, and biomedical terms
Taking vital medical signs from patients and assisting doctors with exams
A clear understanding of HIPAA, Medical, legal and ethical obligations
How to promote a resident’s independence
Gain an understanding and perspective within the healthcare industry
Students enrolled in the Interim 2025 Ole Career Launcher: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate program are required to work as a registered CNA at a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) during the Spring 2025 semester.
In addition to this experience, students are required to register for a 0.25 credit Internship & Reflection Seminar during . This course will be a space to reflect on their experiences and consider how they can prepare for a productive and satisfying professional life in the health professions. All students who complete this seminar with a passing grade will earn the Ole Experience in Practice General Education requirement (unless the student has previously earned the OEP requirement).
More details to follow!
First-years, sophomores, junior and seniors with an exceptional academic record
Any academic discipline is welcome
Strong interest in the subject matter
Able to effectively work as part of a team
Questions?
Meghan McMillan
(she, her, hers)
Associate Director, Ole Career Launcher, Innovation and the Arts