Need Help! Testing out of CNA Course in MN?

U.S.A. Minnesota

Published

Hey guys,

Does anyone know if it's possible to just take the CNA Exam without completing the course? I've heard that it's possible to do at a Tech college, but I don't know if it would be a good idea. I feel like if I bought the book and tried to learn the info by myself, that I wouldn't retain it very well.

Would you pay the extra $800 to take the course when you don't have to?? Help please! :(

Also I wanted to know if it's harder to find a job if you just test out instead of taking the actual courses.

At my MN tech they do not allow test outs for the CNA course.

I know this is a couple months after the orginal post. But I was just wondering if anyone knew if there are any testing sites in the Metro? I have taken my NA class 2 years ago, but its just about to expire, so I am going to have to retest my way onto the registry. I just don't know where the testing sites are and if there is a better place to test compared to others. Thank you.

Specializes in Acute Rehab, Community/ Public Health.

Hi LMT7018:

I know that MCTC in downtown Mpls is a testing site. I am scheduled to take my NATO written and skills test there on August 26th. I am not sure of any other testing sites.

However, if you go to the Dept of Health's website (http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/directory/natrainingsites.cfm) and type in a zip code, you will get a list of NA programs and testing sites for that area.

Hope that helps!

Good luck with your test out bitter_sweet! :) I'm taking the evening class through the Red Cross, starting 9/14.

bikelola,

which site are you taking your class? I took mine through the red cross at the st. paul site. Great class and really glad that I took the class instead of just trying to test out.

Specializes in Acute Rehab, Community/ Public Health.

Just an update-

I passed both the written and skills portion of the NATO examination. I did not take a class, but I did use several youtube videos and the MN candidate handbook. The videos really helped for the skills portion of the NATO.

Here's the youtube link if anyone is interested:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=270974B24753078D&search_query=cna%2C+nc

Congrats bitter_sweet! Yay!!!! I'm really happy that you have that monkey off your back. :) How's the Master's project?

I am doing the Mpls site for the Red Cross...it's close to our neighborhood, so it works. I could technically do the test-out too, but I've decided to take the class again, since I really want to work as a CNA when I'm done. I feel like having done the class again recently will work in my favor. Or, at least I hope so!

:)

Specializes in Acute Rehab, Community/ Public Health.

Thanks for the congrats, bikelola!

I am very happy to be done with that. However, my project for school is going a little slower than I had wished. I hope to be done by October.

Good Luck in your CNA class. I agree that a more recent class should help with securing a CNA position. I wish you luck!!!!

Hey Bitter Sweet! I am scheduled to test out of my CNA on September 9th through MCTC. I was wondering if you had any tips for the test of the skills section??

Specializes in Acute Rehab, Community/ Public Health.

Hi Live&Learn,

For my test out, I read and re-read the candidate booklet and watched CNA youtube videos. I also practiced on my fiance'.

However, I will say to remember KWIPE for every skill.

K - knock on the door

W - wash hands

I - introduce yourself to the client

P - provide privacy

E - elevate bed/ explain procedure (but remember to lower the bed when done)

Also, it helped me to say all the steps of the skill out loud as I was doing it. My evaluator didn't care and it helps them because sometimes they dont watch everything you do. So if you say it as you do it, then they know you're doing it.

Hope that helps!

Good luck on your test!

That's really great advice bitter_sweet. Even though I'm still taking the class again, I'm going to have to remember those tips!

Lucky fiance. :)

+ Add a Comment