CNA testing

U.S.A. Minnesota

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I am starting the nursing program at NHCC this fall. I have not taken a CNA course yet. Does anyone know if I have to take a CNA class, or can I just take the test after the first semester of nursing school?

Thanks!

Josie72

21 Posts

This is a copy of what the MN dept. of health sent me........

First of all, the testing sites are vocational technical colleges. You do not need to train before testing. Minnesota has a “test out” option that allows anyone to test without a training program. You would tell the school you want to test at that you are a challenger (no training program within the past 24 months). You have three tries to pass each test (written nursing assistant test and the skills test).

Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

Josie72, I'm just so happening to possibly be moving to Minnesota in the next month or so, is the STNA/CNA test hard? That's so weird because in Ohio you have to take the classes, and show proof that you attended the required hours before testing. I guess each state is different.

ShelbyaStar

468 Posts

Josie72, I'm just so happening to possibly be moving to Minnesota in the next month or so, is the STNA/CNA test hard? That's so weird because in Ohio you have to take the classes, and show proof that you attended the required hours before testing. I guess each state is different.

It sounds like it's easier here than some places. For example, blood pressure is not on the test, though we did learn it in class.

In the program I was originally going to do, we had to take the class but didn't necessarily have to test. I'd call your school for verification. I don't remember seeing anything about it in MANE but maybe I just glossed over it since I already have it.

Specializes in Critical Care.
It sounds like it's easier here than some places. For example, blood pressure is not on the test, though we did learn it in class.

In the program I was originally going to do, we had to take the class but didn't necessarily have to test. I'd call your school for verification. I don't remember seeing anything about it in MANE but maybe I just glossed over it since I already have it.

I wouldn't be so sure about that. When I did mine, there was a list of practical skills, and they chose randomly. I had a completely different set of items than my partner that I was paired up with.

ShelbyaStar

468 Posts

Our tests had random tests as well, and everyone had different tasks, but our instructors let us know in no uncertain terms that blood pressure would definitely not be one of the tasks. It was also not listed in our handbook that listed potential tasks. Which I thought it was strange, seems to be pretty crucial, but anyway. Same went for bed making.

tcRN2015

54 Posts

I am starting the nursing program at NHCC this fall. I have not taken a CNA course yet. Does anyone know if I have to take a CNA class, or can I just take the test after the first semester of nursing school?

Thanks!

You don't need to take a CNA course to get your CNA in MN, you can test out. Also, you shouldn't need your CNA for the nursing program at NHCC since it's the MANE curriculum.

virgo7598

140 Posts

You do not need to have your CNA before starting the MANE program at NHCC. I'm sure it'll be helpful though. I got mine last year and it was informative and good to know considering I'll be starting the program at NHCC in the Spring.

As far as testing goes, I was so nervous for mine. In fact, when my partner got pulse reading and had to take mine, both her and the instructor were like "Oh my goodness you must be nervous. Your pulse is racing!"

I think I built up the testing so much in my head, when in fact, its not bad at all. The girl I was partnered with missed a bunch of steps and wanted to stop in the middle of testing because she was so anxious and started crying. The instructor calmed her down and told her to just keep going. I thought she was going to fail, but she ended up passing.

FutureIDNP

39 Posts

I didn't think you needed to have your CNA for the new MANE program. In fact, in many hospitals only require 1 clinical rotation in an accredited nursing program. Working as a CNA before becoming a nurse is a big help in my opinion.

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