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!
Salary and Job Outlook Nursing
Potential Careers for Graduates | Entry Level Annual Wage 2018 | Median Annual Wage 2018 | Projected Growth Rate 2016-2026 | Projected Regional Job Openings 2016-2026 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Registered Nurses | $51,896 | $72,051 | 11% | 3,338 |
Licensed Practical Nurses | $35,298 | $45,469 | 16% | 2,176 |
Certified Nursing Assistants | $26,562 | $32,906 | 3% | 3,687 |

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