NDSCS offers high quality courses for those interested in entering the CNA field or using the CNA course as a pathway to a future healthcare career. The coursework is emphasized on caring for residents in the long-term care setting, however CNAs can work in various healthcare settings. 

Our CNA program offers two different formats that allow you the flexibility to choose which format fits best with your schedule and personal preference. 

Upon successful completion of your CNA course, you will receive a signed certificate verifying that you have completed your North Dakota Department of Health Approved (ND DHHS) CNA course through NDSCS. 

CNA Course Objectives

• Students will be able to understand the roles and responsibilities of a CNA including ethical and legal responsibilities, communication and ND DHHS CNA regulations. 
• Students will be able to identify and care for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of a resident 
• Students will be able to learn how to exhibit appropriate behavior when caring for a resident 
• Students will be able to identify the importance of infection control practices and how to perform cares while following infection control practices. 
• Students will be able to identify an emergency and learn how to respond appropriately. 
• Students will be able to learn how to promote a resident’s independence 
• Students will be able to learn the rights of a resident and exhibit behavior that promotes and protects them. 

Required Course Materials 

• Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: The Basics, 6th Edition 
•  
  • Workbook and Textbook 
  • Link to order directly from Hartman’s website. If you wish to order your textbook and workbook from a different site, you are more than welcome to. Just make sure that you have the correct materials.
    • https://www.hartmanonline.com/TheBasics/index.html 
• An audiobook is also available to purchase on the Hartman’s website 
• Amazon link to purchase books if you wish
  • Textbook
  • Workbook

This course is formatted for those who are interested in completing their course with an instructor-led online portion and a face-to-face skills portion. 

Classes are held three times a week. Two days are met online with your instructor and one day face-to-face skills instruction. Days and times of class instruction may vary, please see the specific class registration for more information. 

The hybrid course format includes online instructor-led classroom lectures, unit exams, medical terminology quizzes, group discussion, workbook assignments and 16 hours of face-to-face skills instruction. 

Cost 

• The course fee is $599 
  • Textbook, workbook and 2 practice knowledge exams are provided as part of your class fee. 
• CNA certification exam fee is $250 (This is separate from the course fee) 

Class Requirements 

1. Email is the primary way of connecting with students. Make sure you have your email password because there may be times when you have to sign into an NDSCS computers and email. 
2. Create a Zoom Account. Google ‘Free Zoom Download,’ install the software and create a login/password. Practice zooming and using the mute, camera, and chat controls at the bottom. Know how to use the speaker and gallery view buttons which are located in the upper right corner. Get familiar with common etiquette. 
3. Check access to NDSCS Blackboard – for class instruction, videos, presentations, and Zoom – for class meetings and discussions. 
4. Your calendar – mark your calendar for all class days and testing. Reschedule any appointments because 100% class attendance is required by ND Department of Health. All unit tests and skills must be passed with 75% or higher. Parents should make arrangements for childcare. Your full attention in class is a necessity. Students do not receive credit for time when they are off camera or not paying attention in class. 
5. Internet – Check to make sure the quality of streaming video is okay. The instructor must be able to see you on camera and talk with you. As needed, you may need to turn off other devices to make sure all your bandwidth is available for class. If necessary, you may need to find another place to attend class. Do not use a phone or tablet to attend class; this is not adequate. NDSCS does have loaner laptops for rent. 
6. Review your schedule with family and friends to ensure they understand the commitment needed to be successful in CNA class. 
7. Set up your desk/study area. Make sure you have a quiet place to attend class and stay focused.

Our self-paced CNA course format is designed for those who are able to complete the course content at their own pace, within a set timeframe. Please be aware that you do not have any face-to-face interaction with an instructor for the theory portion of the course. 

The self-paced course content consists of recorded lectures, various assignments per unit, workbook completion, unit exams and medical terminology quizzes. This course also requires students to complete 16 hours of face-to-face skill instruction. Dates of the face-to-face skills lab sessions vary per class, please see specific course for dates and times of lab sessions. 

Cost 

The course fee is $499. 

• The textbook and workbook are NOT included in the course fee. Students are required to purchase these on their own. The cost of the workbook and textbook are about $50. 
• Suggested materials to purchase are a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. You may borrow them if able, or you can purchase them anywhere they are sold. If you wish to purchase from amazon here is a recommended link: 
  • Blood pressure cuff 
  • Stethoscope
• Practice exams are also available for purchase through headmaster for $8.95/practice exam.
  • https://www.dandsdiversifiedtech.com/cgi-bin/WebPractice/subscribe?TestType=itest&StateAbbrv=NA  

CNA certification exam fee is $250 (This is separate from the course fee)

1. Create an account with NDSCS 

• https://registration.xendirect.com/ndscs/checkOutAccountInfo.cfm?newAcct=1  
• Fill out and complete “Registrant Profile”- make sure to include everything with a red star beside it. 
• Once all fields are filled out, hit submit. 
• **** If you have taken classes previously from NDSCS Workforce Affairs, you already have an account in our registration system. Please do not create a new account. You can use the Forgot Username and Forgot Password links to retrieve and/or change your information. 

2. Search for CNA courses to place into your cart

• https://registration.xendirect.com/ndscs/search.cfm?noneFound=1 
• Type in CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant in the Keyword box 
• Choose “healthcare” in the category box o If you would like to narrow it down further, you can choose the format of the class. 
• Once you find the course that you would like to take click on it and add it into your cart and follow the prompts to register and pay for the course. 

3. Once you are registered and have paid for the course you will need to claim your blackboard account

• Your Blackboard account is the learning platform that is used by NDSCS. You will have 24/7 access to your course content throughout the timeframe of your course.
• You will be receiving two emails from no-reply-idm@ndus.edu 
• One with your NDUS EMPLID
• One with your claim number.
• After you receive those emails, please follow the instructions to claim and activate your NDUS/Blackboard account.
• Once you have successfully completed this process, you will receive an email from no-reply-idm@ndus.edu alerting you that your account has been claimed.
• Use the login ID and password that you just set up to log into Blackboard at online.ndscs.edu or by clicking on the “Blackboard” link at the top of the NDSCS homepage at ndscs.edu

1. Ensure that you can login to Blackboard and that you can see your CNA course. 

2. Get your class materials 

• If you are taking a Hybrid course, your workbook and textbook are included in your course fee. Make sure to stop into the CNA office at the Fargo NDSCS campus to pick them up PRIOR to the start of your class. 
• If you are taking a self-paced course, please go online to purchase these right away so you have them ready for when your class begins. 

3. Hybrid course 

• Your instructor will send you a zoom link that you will use to access your class meetings. Please be looking for this in your email. 
• Be sure to use this link to sign into your class on the first day of class at the appropriate time.
• It is a good idea to try and login to the class via the zoom link well before the start of your class to make sure that you are able to open up the link with no problem. 

4. Self-paced course 

• Once you have your course materials you can get started on your course right away.
• Your instructor will send you a welcome email. Please look over this carefully it will include a lot of course information.

Withdrawal from Course

• If you need to withdraw from the course, please notify the NDSCS CNA office as soon as possible. We will need written notice of withdrawal from the course at a minimum of 1 business day PRIOR to the first day of the class. For example, if your class beings on a Monday, you will need to provide written notice no later than the Friday before your class beings.
• If you provide the written notice of withdrawal prior to the first day of the class, you will receive a full refund. If you do not provide the written notice at least 1 business day prior to the start of your course, you will forfeit your class fee. 

Cancellation of CNA Course

• If the CNA course does not have the minimum number of students enrolled, the course will be cancelled 7 business days prior to the first day of class and full refunds will be issued.

Scholarships for CNA Class and/or CNA Testing may be available through the following options. If you are approved for a scholarship, work with the funding agency to contact NDSCS.CNA@NDSCS.edu to enroll:

Job Service North Dakota

• 701-239-7300 (Fargo); 701-795-3700 (Grand Forks)
• 1350 32nd St. S., Fargo ND 58103 - appointment required
• Funding is available through the Workforce and Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) 

SENDCAA

• 701-232-2452
• 3233 S. University Dr., Fargo ND 58104
• Intake required to determine income eligibility, SENDCAA offers classes with NDSCS. Give us a call to learn more! Funding may be available for income-eligible students.

M.E.T. (Motivation Education & Training, Inc.) – CNA Class

• 701-352-4903
• Available for those who have agriculture or seasonal related farm work experience. 

Long term care facilities

• Some facilities will hire employees and then pay for class. Visit the career search sites of local long term care employers.