Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are critical to care and service delivery, assisting both patients and nurses. To become certified, students will complete a 75-hour training program and take a state certification 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.
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, are conducted under nursing supervision. Course content focuses on critical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork while incorporating elements of care, communication, and interpersonal skills.
CNAs provide assistance with day-to-day activities, including:
Bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
Assisting with eating
Assisting with 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 nursing assistant (CNA) within four 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 2027 Ole Career Launcher: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate program are required to work as a registered CNA at Northfield Retirement Community by Vivie during the Spring 2027 semester.
In addition to this professional experience, students are required to register for a 0.25-credit Internship & Reflection Seminar during the spring semester. This course will provide students with a structured space to reflect on their experiences as healthcare professionals and consider how they can prepare for productive and satisfying professional lives in the health professions.
Students who successfully complete the Internship & Reflection Seminar with a passing grade will earn the Ole Experience in Practice (OEP) General Education requirement, unless they have previously fulfilled the OEP requirement.
More details to follow!
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 Anderson
(she, her, hers)
Associate Director, Ole Career Launcher, Innovation and the Arts