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How to Become a Certified Nurse Aide in North Dakota

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(found 51 schools, updated in May 2017)

Certified Nursing Aides or CNAs in North Dakota work in various settings including nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and group homes. The state of North Dakota recognizes a difference between CNAs and Nurse Aides (NAs), which are also known as nursing assistants in some regions. NAs are not held to the same training and assessment levels.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • 6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in North Dakota
  • How to Keep CNA Status Active
  • Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in North Dakota
  • List of Bordering States

6 Steps to Becoming a CNA in North Dakota

Becoming a CNA in North Dakota requires certain conditions are met prior to working in the health care field. CNAs are under the jurisdiction of Department of Health; however, the training and oversight have been transferred to the Board of Nursing since 2011. The categories of CNAs are the standard nurse aid that is not certified and the certified nurse aide. Either can become a home health aide or a medication assistant I. Check out the details below for the differences and requirements for all positions.

Nurse Aide

An NA does not require a completed training program, but must undergo a Department of Health approved course to be able to administer medication as a Medication Assistant I. If an NA takes a competency assessment they can become a CNA and may work as a Home Health Aide.

Certified Nursing Aides

CNAs in North Dakota must take part in a department-approved training program that is at least 75 hours, which is the federal guideline minimum. The Department of Health has a listing of over 50 CNA programs available in the state of North Dakota in 2017.

Medication Assistant I/II

An NA or CNA may become a Medication Assistant by completing a North Dakota Department of Health approved training course, also called CNA classes. Only CNAs can become a Medication Assistant II.

Understanding the steps required to become a CNA is integral in obtaining a certification and a new career. The following steps are required to become a Certified Nursing Aide in the state of North Dakota.

Step 1: Determine Which CNA Program Fits

Determining the best Certified Nurse Aide program can be difficult. Every program has its bonuses and weaknesses. There are many factors to consider, but the biggest factor is that the program is state-approved. Location and times may also be important in selecting a CNA program. Some programs are more in-depth than others and may focus on more aspects of CNA policies than others.

  • There are over 50 state-approved CNA training programs available in the state of North Dakota as of 2017.
  • Depending on the end-career choice, there may be a program that is geared towards the final career choice that is desired.
  • Find the location and times that will be most convenient.

Find Local CNA Classes in North Dakota

The following table lists all the state-approved CNA programs in the state. The school data is updated in May 2017.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

CountyCityProgram ProviderPhone
MercerBeulahKnife River Care Center
krcc-nd.net
(701) 873-4322
BurleighBismarckBismarck Public Schools
www.bismarckschools.org
(701) 323-4340
BurleighBismarckBismarck State College
bismarckstate.edu
(701) 328-9841
BurleighBismarckBismarck State College - Online
bismarckstate.edu
(701) 328-9841
BowmanBowmanSouthwest Healthcare Services
swhealthcare.net
(701) 523-3214
PembinaCavalierWedgewood Manor
www.cavalierhospital.com
(701) 265-8453
RamseyDevils LakeLake Region State College
www.lrsc.edu
(701) 662-1552
RamseyDevils LakeLake Region State College - Online
www.lrsc.edu
(701) 662-1643
StarkDickinsonSt Benedict's Health Center
www.saint-benedicts.org
(701) 456-7242
CassFargoND State College of Science, Skills & Technology
www.ndscs.edu
(701) 231-6900
CassFargoFargo Adult Learning Center
www.fargo.k12.nd.us
(701) 231-6900
CassFargoBethany on University
www.bethanynd.org
(701) 239-3523
CassFargoDATA School of Nursing(701) 404-0809
CassFargoFaith Homecare Professionals(701) 388-8465
MortonGlen UllinMarian Manor Healthcare Center
www.marianmanorhc.com
(701) 348-3107
WalshGraftonNorth Valley Career & Technology Center
website
(701) 352-3705
Grand ForksGrand ForksGrand Forks Public Schools
www.gfschools.org
(701) 746-2407
Grand ForksGrand ForksWoodside Village
www.valleymemorial.org
(701) 787-7831
Grand ForksGrand ForksValley Eldercare Center
www.valleymemorial.org
(701) 787-7952
RichlandHankinsonSt Gerard's Community of Care
www.stgerards.org
(701) 242-7891
WellsHarveySt Aloisius Medical Center
www.staloisius.com
(701) 324-4651
AdamsHettingerWest River Health Services
www.wrhs.com
(701) 567-6015
LamoureLamoureSt Rose Care Center
www.strosecarecenter.org
(701) 883-5363
NelsonLakotaGood Samaritan Society
www.good-sam.com
(701) 247-2902
CavalierLangdonLangdon Area High School(701) 256-5291
CavalierLangdonMaple Manor Care Center(701) 256-2987
Grand ForksLarimoreGood Samaritan Society
www.good-sam.com
(701) 343-6244
RansomLisbonNorth Dakota Veterans Home
www.nd.gov/ndvh
(701) 683-6517
RansomLisbonParkside Lutheran Home
parksidelutheranhome.com
(701) 683-5239
MortonMandanDakota Travel Nurse Inc.
dakotatravelnurse.com
(701) 391-3621
TraillMayvilleTraill-Steele Affordable Rural Coalition for Health Board(701) 788-4702
WardMinotTrinity Homes
www.trinityhealth.org
(701) 857-5800
WardMinotBurdick Job Corps Center
quentinnburdick.jobcorps.gov
(701) 857-3376
WardMinotMagic City Campus High School
website
(701) 857-4526
RenvilleMohallGood Samaritan Society
www.good-sam.com
(701) 756-6831
HettingerMottGood Samaritan Society
www.good-sam.com
(701) 824-3222
LoganNapoleonNapoleon Care Center
napoleoncarecenter.com
(701) 754-2381
EddyNew RockfordLutheran Home of the Good Shepherd
www.lhgs.org
(701) 947-2944
DickeyOakesGood Samaritan Society
www.good-sam.com
(701) 742-3274
PierceRugbyHeart of America Medical Center
www.hamc.com
(701) 776-5261
RoletteSaint JohnTurtle Mountain Community College
www.tm.edu
(701) 278-5304
MountrailStanleyMountrail Bethel Home
www.stanleyhealth.org
(701) 628-2442
WilliamsTiogaTioga Medical Center
www.tiogahealth.org
(701) 664-3313
BarnesValley CitySheyenne Care Center
www.sheyennecarecenter.com
(701) 845-8222
MchenryVelvaGood Samaritan Society - Souris Valley Care Center
www.good-sam.com
(701) 338-2072
RichlandWahpetonSt Catherine's Living Center
www.blcwahpeton.org
(701) 642-6667
CassWest FargoOptions Unlimited
www.optionsunlimitednd.com
(701) 388-8465
WilliamsWillistonWilliston Senior High School
highschool.willistonschools.org
(701) 572-0967
WilliamsWillistonBethel Lutheran Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
blnrc.com
(701) 572-6766
WilliamsWillistonWilliston State College - Online
www.willistonstate.edu
(701) 774-6236
McintoshWishekWishek Living Center
www.wisheknursinghome.com
(701) 452-2333

Step 2: Determine the Costs of the CNA Program

There are some programs run by the state that are free of charge and others that run around $650, plus the cost of books, uniform, and state certification and even others that are $1800. The free programs are reserved for those most in need of financial assistance. Take the time to put in an application for assistance and see what is available.

Some health care facilities are willing to train you while on the job and allow working through the CNA program at their facility and some may even pay for the training and certification.

If you are considering a nursing home facility as a career, they are required by the state to pay or reimburse for certification costs and training if it was completed within 12 months of hire.

Step 3: Research the Prerequisites for the CNA program

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Clean criminal background
  • State identification and social security card
  • Physical exam with current vaccinations
  • Negative TB skin test 6 months prior to entering the program

Step 4: Successfully Complete a Training Program

Certified Nurse Aide training programs in North Dakota require at least 75 hours of training. This is the federal minimum, but many programs include even more hours of training for a CNA license. The topics covered include:

  • Patient Rights
  • Bathing and Grooming
  • Feeding and Nutrition
  • Vital Sign Measurements
  • Infection Control
  • Medical Record Documentation
  • Bedside Manner
  • Transferring Patients

Step 5: Successfully Pass the North Dakota State Exam

The certification exam for Certified Nurse Aides in North Dakota is the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). It consists of two sections, the Skills Assessment and the Written Assessment.

Skills Assessment

The Skills Assessment requires a skills portion that contains 5 random tasks that must be completed in 30 minutes and a score of 80% must be obtained. The skills are randomly taken from a list of specific skills and a score of 80% must be achieved during each skill assessment and no critical steps can be missed.

Written Assessment

The Written Assessment is a multiple choice test. The test must be completed in 90 minutes and is 72 questions. A score of a 75% is required to pass the written portion of this test. There is also another test option with an audio test if you have trouble reading English, but it must be requested in advance and will cost an additional fee.

Both parts must be passed within 6 months to be placed on the state registry. If a part is failed, there are two additional attempts that can be made before the 6 months are complete. No more than 3 attempts can be made in a 3-month time period.

Test Costs

The test must be registered through the Board of Nursing and costs will run around $120 in 2017. Don’t try and use a credit card, only cash, money order, or checks are accepted. Most employers will incur these costs for their CNAs within a 12-month period of hire.

Test Sites

There are only certain cities that administer the tests: Bismarck, Fargo, Dickinson, Jamestown, Grafton, Minot, Devils Lake, Mayville, and Grand Forks. The Board of Nursing can be contacted for testing dates.

Routes to NNAAP Exam

The exam may be taken after a certified CNA course in North Dakota. Some instances of NAs taking NNAAP exam can be accepted if their skills are vouched for by a RN at a previous work facility.

Step 6: Get Certified by the state of North Dakota

Once the NNAAP is passed, the Board of Nursing in North Dakota is contacted and the newly licensed CNA is added to the Nurse Aide Registry of licensed CNAs for the state. The Board does not mail cards out showing certification, as of 2012, but you can log onto the ndhealth.gov website and print off a card if needed.

When to Renew

This CNA licensing is good for two years with the state of North Dakota. The registry will mail a letter 60 days prior to expiration with instructions on how to renew. Do not let renewal time lapse or licenses can be revoked and certification may need to be performed again.

CNAs From Other States

Out-of-state CNAs that have already taken an exam are usually endorsed and transferred to North Dakota, barring any criminal or disciplinary decisions from their prior state. As long as they are in good standing there is no need to take the National CNA exam again. They are eligible for CNA status, but will need to meet requirements for renewal for the state of North Dakota when their certification is expired, which is 2 years after endorsement.

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How to Keep CNA Status Active

Certified Nurse Aides in North Dakota keep their licensure active for 2 years after their test date. To obtain a renewal, proof of employment as a CNA in North Dakota must be submitted. Renewals are free, which is awesome. If you did not perform at least 8 hours of work for compensation during the 2-year time period, a new evaluation program can be performed to maintain certification. The registry will mail out a renewal card 60 days before expiration. The card has instructions for how to renew a CNA certification, so please make sure to have a current address on file with the CNA registry.

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Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in North Dakota

Certified Nurse Aides in North Dakota make higher than average salaries compared to the rest of the United States. CNA annual wage is on average $31,600 in North Dakota, according to the U.S. Bureau and Labor Statistics from May 2016. This is significantly higher pay for CNA jobs than the average for Nursing Assistants in the United States at $27,650. There are over 13,700 people registered to work as CNAs in the state of North Dakota, according to the North Dakota Department of Health. | See Job Openings

CNA Salaries in North Dakota

ND CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
North Dakota687015.19316001.311.9114.9518.97247703110039460
Bismarck, ND150015.68326202.412.5615.5219.02261303229039570
East Central North Dakota nonmetropolitan area103015.00312102.411.5514.7418.70240103067038910
Far East North Dakota nonmetropolitan area55015.16315402.012.6214.8318.66262403085038820
Far West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area75015.91331003.412.2215.9819.51254103323040580
Fargo, ND-MN172014.74306603.710.8614.5318.98225903022039480
Grand Forks, ND-MN95014.93310502.712.1614.5818.65252903033038800
West Central North Dakota nonmetropolitan area83015.00311902.912.0514.7618.77250603070039040

The current job outlook is 11% lower than average with fewer job postings than the national average. The amount of CNA jobs in North Dakota are not booming, but they do have many more employed CNAs than the national average. CNAs have a rewarding career by working as an assistant to nurses. By choosing this job, a career with endless possibilities can blossom into a medication assistant or even an LPN or RN with more required training. | See Job Openings

List of Bordering States

  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • South Dakota

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