Nursing Assistant Program

Nursing assistants are high-demand, entry-level healthcare providers working the front line. You are a friendly caregiver who can brighten someone’s day simply by the simple things you do. Learn the basics for direct patient or resident care to work in long-term care facilities, assisted living neighborhoods, or hospitals. Test the healthcare waters and make a difference every day.

Program delivery

• Hutchinson and Willmar campuses – plus in some high schools
• Several starts throughout the year – see current options

Skills you will learn

• Basic human needs
• Resident and client rights
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Basic nursing and personal care skills
• Mental health
• Social needs
• Restorative services
• Safe lifting and moving

Choose Ridgewater

Caring for others is at the heart of health care, regardless of your career. Ridgewater’s Nursing Assistant program has a long training history of excellence. Choose from several, convenient five-week options throughout the year, whatever works for you. Practice your skills in our state-of-the-art labs with supervised, hands-on, real-world experiences. It’s no wonder employers seek our Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)!

Program Distinction

Approved by the Minnesota Department of Health

Program attributes that help students thrive

• Hands-on experiences with committed, clinical partners
• State-of-the-art equipment and simulation lab
• Small class sizes for personal attention
• Numerous training and assessment options
• Experienced instructors

NOTE: Successful completion requires comprehension of written material. To success, students must have at least an eighth-grade reading level. Some classes are available for those who could benefit from extended learning time, who do not have English as their first language, who have a learning disability, or who have financial challenges. Students must submit current Mantoux test results (within 90 days) before clinicals.

Put the care in health care. Who knows – it could inspire you to pursue even more nursing education!