Nursing Assistant Training
Free CNA Training for New Americans
Are you a New American looking to start a career in the medical field? Our high-quality certified nursing assistant (CNA) training teaches you the skills needed to begin a satisfying and rewarding career.
We hold free, online information sessions every Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. over Zoom. Attending an information session is a required step to be considered for our next training. Please click the “Get Started” button below to express interest and we will send you a Zoom link.
Next sessions:
8-week Intensive Class: Monday to Thursday (Tuesday online)
January 6 – February 27, 2025 (Class full, join wait list)
Monday to Thursday (Tuesday online)
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid (in-person and online)
*Must attend virtual info session by November 28.
Future 8-week classes:
- February 11 – March 26, 2025 (Tuesday to Friday; Wednesday online)
- March 3 – April 16, 2025 (Monday to Thursday; Tuesday online)
- April 7 – 21, 2025 (Tuesday to Friday; Wednesday online)
- May 5 – June 18, 2025 (Monday to Thursday; Tuesday online)
OR
11-week Intensive Class (Offered every three months): Monday to Friday (Monday and Thursday online)
January 6 – March 19, 2025 (Class full, join wait list)
Monday to Friday (Monday and Thursday online) | 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
*Must attend virtual info session by November 28.
Future 11-week classes:
- April 7 – June 18, 2025
- July 7 – Sept 17, 2025
- September 29 – December 10, 2025
Cost: Free
Placement in 8- or 11-week class depends on an English reading assessment.
Sign Up for an Information Session
Learn how to start our CNA training program and get the tools you need to succeed in the nursing field.
We hold free, online information sessions every Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. over Zoom. Attending one of these sessions is a required step to be considered for our next training. Please click below to express interest and we will send the Zoom link.
Program Eligibility
To qualify for our CNA training, you must:
- Provide proof of permission to work in the U.S. (refugee, permanent resident, naturalized U.S. citizen or work authorization)
- Complete our reading assessment with a high intermediate level
- Be in good physical condition
- Provide proof of vaccination
- Provide your own computer and internet access to participate in online courses
- Be able to attend in-person clinicals and class days
What to expect at the International Institute of Minnesota:
- Thorough and professional CNA training course
- Job-search assistance from our dedicated employment specialists
- Countless job opportunities post-graduation
- Hybrid scheduled: three days in-person and one or two online
Our students also receive free financial coaching to assist with questions about debt, credit, savings, budgeting and spending wisely. We can even help you make a plan to save for college or to buy a house.
Our Results
We are proud to help fill Minnesota’s critical need for caregivers.
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nursing assistants trained and certified by the Institute
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of our students successfully certify
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average starting salary of our CNA graduates
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of our certified graduates are guaranteed job offers
What Our Clients Are Saying
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I’m really learning a lot of good skills from here. It’s going to help me in my working environment. I’m looking forward to helping people, to helping residents with the activities of daily living.
Patience
Nursing Assistant Training graduate
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This Institute is really a great opportunity for the beginners who want to go into the healthcare field. I am very thankful that I knew about this Institute. Now I feel confident that I can be an RN in the future!”
Bineeta
Nursing Assistant Training graduate
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Our instructor is a really kind nurse and a great example of the type of nurse I want to be in the future. I’m excited to start working in the field that I want to do for the rest of my life.
Stefanie
Nursing Assistant Training graduate
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The teachers are very friendly, very nice, very humble. I really love the program. We are doing this free of charge so it’s something that I really feel grateful for. I want to thank the Institute for giving us this opportunity.
Ayorinde
Nursing Assistant Training graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Nursing Assistant Training is free for New Americans. There is a $100 fee for the state Nursing Assistant Certification test.
If you already receive SNAP E&T, certain benefits can support you while you are completing your Nursing Assistant Training by providing:
- Food benefits
- Employment services
- Test fees
- Tuition fees
- Bus cards
- Background check expenses
- Training materials
- Uniforms
Contact us to learn more, [email protected]
No. You are responsible for providing your own uniform. If enrolled in SNAP E&T, please see above.
Yes, we are close to several bus stops. Use the Metro Transit online Trip Planner to map your way to 1694 Como Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 <https://www.metrotransit.org/trip-planner>.
The closest bus stops are Stop #870 or Stop #929 on Como Ave. Other nearby bus stops are on Snelling Ave. and include Stop Numbers 18523, 931, 866, or 56119. From these bus stops, you will have a 5-10 minute walk to the International Institute of Minnesota.
You are responsible for transportation to and from clinicals at the International Institute of Minnesota. If enrolled in SNAP E&T, please see above.
Our program is hybrid: three days in-person and one or two online. You must be able to attend in-person clinicals and class days.
Yes. The health and well-being of our staff, students and your future patients is our number one priority. For this reason, all CNA training applicants must have had the COVID vaccine and booster. You must provide proof of vaccination.
Find the Right Healthcare Career
Read our updated 2023 Guide to Colleges and Careers in Healthcare in the Twin Cities Metro Area to figure out which program is best for you.
More Classes And Job Trainings
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College Readiness Academy
Gain support and confidence in preparing for college or other higher education. We teach New Americans the same skills as expensive prep classes.
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Medical Career Advancement
Meet your potential as a student in nursing or another medical career program with our support. Receive expert guidance, tuition assistance and potential scholarship funding.
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Economic Empowerment
Our financial coaches teach classes and set up private, confidential appointments to help you take control of your money and plan for your future.
Learn More
Contact Us
Please call or email us if you have questions about our Nursing Assistant Training.
Julie Garner-Pringle
Nursing Assistant Training Program Manager
(651) 377-8615
