Need Help! Testing out of CNA Course in MN?

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.

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.

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!

:)

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??

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. :)

I'm getting on board for this discussion late, but I am wondering the same thing as several other folks on here. I, too, live in Minnesota. I am taking pre-nursing courses through Minnesota West and plan to eventually go all the way through the RN program. The CNA course is around $750, which I do not have. However, I have worked in home-care as a PCA for over five years, and am still doing so. I have been told by several nurses that by now I have learned all I need to to pass the challenge test. The only thing I am not confident in is taking blood pressures. If I purchased a cuff and practiced, I think I would do fine with the challenge. I just don't know where to try to take the test. Can anyone tell me about testing areas in Southern Minnesota? How about purchasing a bp cuff? What is the easiest way to purchase one?

Thanks to ya all....

Julie