THE BENEFITS OF
HEALTHCARE COURSES and CNA TESTING

The growing field of healthcare provides a large variety of fascinating and essential job opportunities. We offer training solutions to meet your individual and organizational needs! Our courses are led by instructors with both academic and industry experience and often serve as the first step into a new career or industry credential.

Featured Offerings:

Phlebotomy

Minnesota State Medication Aide

Certified Nursing Assistant Exams

Limited Scope X-Ray or Bone Densitometry Operator

Program Leads

Meriem Aman

Health & Human
Services Rep

Email Address

651-423-8612

Melissa Troska

Administrative Assistant
Customized Training

Email Address

651-423-8269

Gina Zimmer

Administrative Assistant
Customized Training

Email Address

651-423-8279

Healthcare Programs

This comprehensive 72-hour online course will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam for Certified Pharmacy Technicians, CPhT. After course completion, a 120-hour internship will also be completed with our partnering Allina pharmacies. The internship may be scheduled with flexibility around work schedules or other obligations. The addition of this internship now qualifies our program as a MN Board of Pharmacy approved program. See www.phcybrd.state.mn.us/ for more information.

Technicians work in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community pharmacies and other health care settings – working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Technicians also work for healthcare companies in their call centers or processing centers.
Course content includes medical terminology specific to the pharmacy, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Students will learn dosage calculations, I.V. flow rates, drug compounding, dose conversions, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement.

If you are interested in a Future Course Offering of Pharmacy Technician, please fill out the link below to be added to a contact list. We will contact you once a course becomes available or you can find available offerings on our web page: Healthcare Programs Course Offerings

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Nursing Assistant Course

Introduces concepts of basic human needs, health/illness continuum, and basic nursing skills in long-term care and/or home care environments. Instruction consists of a classroom or hybrid setting, and skills labs. Skills are taught in a simulated laboratory setting utilizing demonstration and role-playing.

The course meets the objectives of the federal and state statutory requirements for nursing assistant training. Upon completion of the program the student will be eligible to take the Nursing Assistant Competency Exam for placement on the Minnesota Department of Health Registry.

Prerequisites

Must be a minimum of 16 years of age to register
Students should be fluent English speaker
Must be in good physical condition. Nursing assistants frequently move patients and have other physically demanding tasks, such as bathing, grooming, toileting, walking, exercising, and feeding patients.
Must attend mandatory class sessions.
Must complete and pass a knowledge test and a skills test to be added to the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. Please note that Testing is not included in the cost of the Nursing Assistant Course.
For hybrid courses, applicants must provide their own computer and internet access to participate in online courses.

Financial Assistance:

This course is approved under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) allowing qualifying participants to receive tuition reimbursement. To determine your eligibility status, please contact your local CareerForce center.

To locate CareerForce centers in your area, go to: https://www.careerforcemn.com/locations

Please note that courses offered through Continuing Education and Customized Training are not eligible for Financial Aid; however, as noted above, you may seek funding or assistance from an outside source such as a Government Program, Workforce Agency, Employment Center or Employer.

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Nursing Assistant Exams

Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry Requirements

The Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry registers qualified nurse aides to work in long-term care facilities, maintains information about nurse aides and approves and monitors nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs throughout Minnesota. Candidates must pass both the Knowledge and Skills test to be identified and listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry.

You can register for available exams here: https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/getclass/category_id/23/program_id/5/subcategory_id/125

Test Schedule Information

You must register for the test in advance. Walk-in testing is not available. If you have not completed an approved training program within the last two years, please refer to the Challenge/Test out Candidate information. When registering, please note that any exam that says "waitlisted" means that the exam is full. Please make sure you are signing up for an available (open) exam. Anyone that is on the exam waitlist will only be contacted if we have an exam opening.

Registration Fees are subject to change, please refer to the testing page for the most updated fees.

Full Test ( both knowledge and skills test) - $225.00

Skills Test - $150.00

Knowledge Test - $115.00

You must pass both parts in order to be certified and listed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.
A Minnesota candidate handbook can be accessed at www.hdmaster.com

Students must have access to TMU in order to test. https://mn.tmutest.com

ADA/disability accommodation requests for the NA registry test must be submitted with the required documentation and approved by the test vendor Headmaster at least 14 days in advance of your test date. For ADA questions related to NA testing, please contact Headmaster at 888-401-0462

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Challenge/Test Out Candidates

You are eligible to test as a Challenge Candidate if:

You have not completed a MN State approved Nursing Assistant training program within the last two (2) years
Your status on the Nursing Assistant Registry ( NAR) is expired

Register for the test date of your choice, after you register, please complete the attached Challenge Form here: 1101MN-Candidate Challenge Application This form will need to be completed and emailed back to Meriem Aman at: meriem.aman@dctc.edu at least three (3) days prior to your testing date. Failure to email Meriem Aman your Challenge Form prior to the exam may result in you being considered a "no show" for the exam. We will create an account for you in the TMU testing platform and will schedule you for the test event.

Knowledge Test

The Knowledge test is administered onsite at Dakota County Technical College in a computer lab setting. The test consists of seventy (70) questions written in English. Candidates are allowed a maximum of 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the test.

An Audio Version of the test is available upon request. You must request an Audio test by enabling audio testing in your TMU account before you schedule your test.

You must have a score of 76% of better to pass the knowledge portion of the exam

Passing scores, testing questions, time allotted to test and number of questions is all subject to change. Please refer to the MN Nursing Candidate Handbook for the most updated information. MN Candidate Handbook

Skills Test

The Skills test is administered in the nursing lab at Dakota County Technical College. Please ensure that you are signing in for the Skills test at the Computer Lab where the Knowledge exam is taking place. The test consists of randomly selected, MDH-approved nurse aid skills tasks for demonstration by the candidate. A complete list of skill tasks may be found in the MN Candidate Handbook.

You will be allowed a maximum of thirty (30) minutes to complete all of your tasks. You will be rated on your performance of these skills by an Evaluator based on the Headmasters criteria

Passing scores, skills tested, and time allotted to test is all subject to change. Please refer to the MN Candidate Handbook for the most updated information.

Preparing for the Test

Get a free knowledge test question of the day and a 10-question online practice test at www.hdmaster.com.
You may also purchase complete practice tests that are randomly generated, based on the state test plan from www.hdmaster.com.
Watch free NA Skill videos at http://www.healthforceminnesota.org/students/students-nursing-assistant-skills-skill-videos.html (If you are asked to log in, enter Nursing as both the user name and password. N is capitalized in both.)
Download and review the Minnesota Mock Skills.
Review the vocabulary words in the Minnesota candidate handbook.

Retakes

If you do not pass your test, you may retake one or both tests as needed. You may make a total of four (4) knowledge test attempts and a total of three (3) skills test events within 2-years from the date you completed an approved training program or your first testing attempt. Fees apply.

Knowledge Test - $115
Skills Test - $150
Full Test (Knowledge and Skills Tests) - $225

Testing FAQ's

You do not need to take the Knowledge and Skills tests on the same day.
ADA accommodation requests must be submitted with required documentation and approved at least 14 days advance of your test date. Refer to the candidate handbook.
The testing site and testing teams are not responsible for your personal belongings.
If you fail a test, you will need to register for a new test date and pay again.
If you are late, do not bring the required mandatory ID, or are otherwise unprepared, you will not be allowed to test and will be considered a no-show. No-shows forfeit their testing fees and must register and pay again for another test date. You need to arrive at your confirmed test site 20-30 minutes before your exam is scheduled to start. (For example, if your test start time is 8:00 AM, you must be at the test site for check in no later than 7:30 to 7:40 AM). If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to test and testing fees will be forfeited.
You must provide one form of ID that meets the following mandatory requirements: US GOVERNMENT-ISSUED, NON-EXPIRED, SIGNED, PHOTO-BEARING ID. Refer to the candidate handbook for examples and exceptions.
Testing Attire - you must be in full clinical attires (scrubs - shirt/pants or long skirt), no open-toed shoes are allowed and long hair must be pulled back. NOTE: you will not be admitted for testing if you are not wearing scrubs attire and appropriate shoes. This is considered a NO SHOW and you will have to pay for another test and date.
Cell phones, Smart Watches, fitness monitors, electronic recording devices and personal items are not permitted to be on or near you in the testing room. All electronic devices must be TURNED OFF and removed from your wrist or body.
If you are unable to access your TMU account, go to https://mn.tmutest.com, click Forgot Password and enter your Email. If you need further assistance, please call Headmaster at 888-401-0462.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Refunds and exam rescheduling must be communicated by e-mail or in person no later than three business days prior to the date of the examination. Refunds will not be issued after that date.

Do not remove yourself from the test event in TMU. You must contact Meriem Aman in order to cancel your registration and get a refund, if applicable. Meriem Aman can be reached via email at: meriem.aman@dctc.edu

If you are late, do not bring required mandatory ID and/or do not have the proper testing attire, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TEST AND YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED A “NO-SHOW”. No-shows forfeit their testing fees and must repay to re-register for another test date.

Who do I contact with Questions?

You may contact Headmaster at 888-401-0462 with questions related to TMU, or for any other questions please reach out to Meriem Aman at: meriem.aman@dctc.edu

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Minnesota State Medication Aide

This course will review the information required for unlicensed personnel to administer medications while under the direction and supervision of a licensed registered nurse. You will learn legal and ethical issues related to medication administration, body systems and medications for each, administration of non-parental medication, and other required skills.

What is Minnesota State Medication Aide Training?

Minnesota State provides the required training to work as a Medication Aide in a skilled nursing facility. Students will develop an understanding of drug administration with this comprehensive training program. Available in two formats, classroom and hybrid, the Minnesota State curriculum offers consistency and customized training options to meet any needs. A wide variety of exercises and activities let students apply their knowledge to healthcare settings. The class includes a new textbook specifically designed for the medication aide. The training and supplemental resources will also prepare participants for written and skills exams by building knowledge and developing skills competency. This course requires a minimum of forty-eight hours of instruction. This class is a hybrid class which includes both online and in-person course work.

A Medication Aide Certificate of Achievement is earned upon completion of the course and meeting all course guidelines. This course provides the state approved Medication Administration for Unlicensed Personnel program. This class is WIOA Certified.

What Pre-Requisites are there for students?

Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home. To work as a Medication Aide in a skilled nursing facility, students must have completed a nursing assistant training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health before enrollment in a trained medication aide program. These employees are not required to take the nursing assistant exam, nor to have ever been on the nursing assistant registry. A person who challenges the Minnesota nursing assistant exam or transfers in from another state, for example, would not be eligible. It is the responsibility of the facility to document completion of an approved nursing assistant training program. Students will apply classroom learning in the laboratory setting promoting safe medication administration.

This training fulfills the Minnesota State Statute requirements for a standardized medication administration training program for unlicensed personnel in nursing homes offered through a Minnesota postsecondary educational institution.

Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home. If you question your eligibility or the eligibility of your employees, please read the Minnesota State Statute requirements.

Financial Assistance:

To locate CareerForce centers in your area, go to: https://www.careerforcemn.com/locations

FAQs about Medication Aide Training

Is Medication Aide Training the same as a Trained Medication Aide course?

Yes. We removed the word “Trained” in our course title for clarification purposes. This training fulfills the Minnesota State Statute requirements for a standardized medication administration training program for unlicensed personnel in nursing homes offered through a Minnesota postsecondary educational institution.

Who should take the Medication Aide training?

This course is open to everyone who wants to learn more about how to safely administer medication.

Most often, people take this course to satisfy the requirements needed to work as a medication aide in a skilled nursing facility in Minnesota. People also take the course for their own enrichment, to help them in another work-related role, like assisted living, or for guidance in caring for a family member that may need medications administered.

If the course is being taken to fulfill a work requirement, it is recommended that a person works as a certified nursing assistant for six months before taking this course and be at least 18 years of age. Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home.

Please note: To work as a medication aide in a skilled nursing facility, a person must have completed a nursing assistant training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health before enrollment in a trained medication aide program.

If you question your eligibility or the eligibility of your employees, please read the Minnesota State Statute requirements.

What are the prerequisites for taking this course?

Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home.

To work as a medication aide in a skilled nursing facility, a person must have completed a nursing assistant training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health before enrollment in a trained medication aide program. The skilled nursing facility that employs the medication aide is responsible for documenting the completion of an approved nursing assistant training program and completion of the medication aide training.

If the course is being taken to fulfill a work requirement, it is also recommended that a person works as a certified nursing assistant for six months before taking this course and be at least 18 years of age.

If someone is a trained medication aide in another state, do they have to take this class?

Yes, they must take this class if they want to use this class to meet the requirements to work as a medication aide in a skilled nursing facility in Minnesota. This is true even if someone was trained as a trained medication aide in another state. Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home. If you question your eligibility or the eligibility of your employees, please read the Minnesota State Statute requirements.

Can the Medication Aide test be challenged (like the Nursing Assistant Registry test)?

No, this is not like the nursing assistant registry test. The state statute requires that a person takes (and passes) the training that meets the state statute’s requirements. A challenge test is not an option.

Is there a test-out option for this course?   

No, there is not a test-out option in Minnesota, even if you have completed a similar training in another state or country. Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home. If you question your eligibility or the eligibility of your employees, please read the Minnesota State Statute requirements.

Is there a recertification for this course?

Taking and passing this course does not result in a certification, therefore there is no recertification. Upon successful completion, students earn a certificate of completion, which is different than a certification. Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home. If you question your eligibility or the eligibility of your employees, please read the Minnesota State Statute requirements.

How long is the course good for? Will I need to be recertified?

There is no expiration date on the certificate of completion. Once a person has taken the class, they don’t need to retake the class – unless, of course, they lose their certificate of completion which may be needed for work purposes.

The skilled nursing facility that employs the medication aide is responsible for documenting the completion of an approved nursing assistant training program and completion of the medication aide training. Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home. If you question your eligibility or the eligibility of your employees, please read the Minnesota State Statute requirements.

Is the cost of the course reimbursable?

The cost of the course may be reimbursable.

DHS Nursing Facility Scholarship program

For participating nursing facilities, the cost of the course and books may be covered by the DHS Nursing Facility Scholarship program. Participating nursing facilities can claim the allowable costs and receive reimbursement. Certified nursing facilities that have questions about what is and isn’t reimbursable under this scholarship program should contact Munna Yasiri. Please check with your employer's HR department before enrolling in a course if you are seeking reimbursement for the training.

Dislocated worker or WIOA funds

The cost of the course may also be covered by dislocated worker or WIOA funds. Please contact your dislocated worker or WIOA career navigator to learn more.

Employer Reimbursement

Some employers may cover the cost for their employee’s training. Please contact the campus of your choice to learn more about third party payment options.

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BLS Courses

Meet the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines
Teach critical skills and knowledge needed to respond to and manage an emergency situation
Available with or without a First Aid component

Delivery Options

Hybrid (online and in-person)
This blended CPR training from the American Heart Association (AHA) has an online self-paced study portion, instructor led skills practice, and in-person skills test. You must complete the skills practice and skills test within 60 days of taking the online course.
Classroom (in-class)
These CPR courses are instructor led, with hands-on training.

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BLS For Health Care Providers: CPR/AED (Classroom or Hybrid)

This course is offered as a 5-hour classroom or hybrid (online and in-person) course. It is designed for those currently working in the health care field. You will learn valuable skills; such as, responding to life threatening emergencies; adult, child, and infant rescue techniques; chest compressions and ventilations; and using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). This course is designed for students in DCTC’s Allied Heath programs and current health care professionals.

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Limited Scope X-Ray or Bone Densitometry Certification

The Limited Scope X-Ray or Bone Densitometry operator program provides students with the information and strategies necessary to successfully complete their Limited Scope X-Ray or Bone Densitometry Operator Certification examination. Students must be 18 years of age or older to register.

This six week, 120 hour course is designed to:

Prepare students for the ARRT Limited Scope Examination for X Ray Operators
Give students an overview of limited radiology technology
Provide students with the necessary information to understand the following: the physics of x-ray production, the design and proper use of x-ray equipment, the principles of radiation safety with protection for both the operator and patient, and the importance of good safe work habits
Acquaint the students with anatomy and positioning of the common radiographic projections performed by limited scope x-ray operators

Successful completion will prepare students to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) exam. The examinations offered by ARRT are the gold standard proficiency assessments currently available to professionals in medical imaging, interventional procedures and radiation therapy. Minnesota law requires individuals to pass the core components of this exam before they can become certified and take x-rays. Please note that registering for and completing the ARRT Limited Exam is an independent process from this course and the college. If you are not from MN, please check with your State office that regulates LMXO’s, review your rules and regulations and complete your State’s application.

Work Environment

To be successful as a Limited Scope X-Ray or Bone Densitometry operator, an individual must enjoy working with people in a medical setting such as doctor’s offices, small clinics, chiropractic or pediatric offices. The majority of people who take limited x-rays are medical assistants (CMA), medical lab technicians (MLT) or others that work in a clinic or doctor’s office and are now asked to take x-rays.

About the Instructor:

Gene Frank, eugene@genefrank.org

Gene Frank has been a Radiologic Technologist for 40 years. He retired as Director of the Radiography Program and Associate Professor in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, MN. He also served as Program Director for the Radiography Program at Riverland Community College, Austin, MN. Teaching radiography and writing radiography textbooks has been the major focus of his career. He is the lead author of the Textbook and Workbook used in the course, Radiography Essentials for Limited Practice, now in its 7^th edition. After retiring early from Mayo, he developed the limited scope curriculum and examination for the state of Minnesota. He began teaching limited scope x-ray courses at MN colleges, online, and as a home-study course for medical facilities. He has taught 944 students in limited-scope x-ray courses since 2008.

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Phlebotomy

The Phlebotomy Technician program prepares students to collect blood specimens from patients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. Students will be provided with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in outpatient or inpatient health care facilities.

This 40-hour classroom program consists of:

Medical terminology
Anatomy and physiology (as applicable to phlebotomy)
Safety procedures
Customer service skills
Overview of laboratory processing
Blood collection procedures

This program provides 100-hours of clinical experience at local health care industry partners:

After successful completion of both portions of the program, the student will be eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Phlebotomy certification exam.

Work Environment

To be successful as a phlebotomist, an individual must enjoy working with people, be attentive to detail, and have excellent manual dexterity. Needles and blood will be a regular component of the position’s responsibilities. Phlebotomists typically work in hospitals, commercial laboratories, physician’s offices, blood banks, pharmaceutical firms, home health agencies, research institutions and public health clinics.

Admissions Requirements or Prerequisites

Must have a High School Diploma or GED
Criminal background check
Must provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination for the following:
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Tubercle Bacillus (TB)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
- Seasonal flu shot
Must complete Accuplacer test for Reading with a score of 233 or higher before being allowed to register for this class. See the following link for more information on the Accuplacer test: https://www.dctc.edu/support-services/accuplacer/

Potential Job Titles

Phlebotomist
Lab Care Technician
Plasma Center Technician

Instructors

Kathy Miller | kathleen.miller@dctc.edu

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THE BENEFITS OF
HEALTHCARE COURSES and CNA TESTING

Featured Offerings:

Program Leads

View Courses & Register Now

Custom Corporate Solutions

Healthcare Programs

Pharmacy Technician

⇨ Contact Us if Interested in Future Course Offerings

Nursing Assistant Course

Prerequisites

Financial Assistance:

Nursing Assistant Exams

Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry Requirements

Minnesota State Medication Aide

What is Minnesota State Medication Aide Training?

What Pre-Requisites are there for students?

Financial Assistance:

FAQs about Medication Aide Training

DHS Nursing Facility Scholarship program

Dislocated worker or WIOA funds

Employer Reimbursement

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BLS Courses

Delivery Options

BLS For Health Care Providers: CPR/AED (Classroom or Hybrid)

Limited Scope X-Ray or Bone Densitometry Certification

Work Environment

About the Instructor:

Phlebotomy

This 40-hour classroom program consists of:

This program provides 100-hours of clinical experience at local health care industry partners:

Work Environment

Admissions Requirements or Prerequisites

Potential Job Titles

Instructors

Find out more about our courses and offerings

THE BENEFITS OF HEALTHCARE COURSES and CNA TESTING

Featured Offerings:

Program Leads

View Courses & Register Now

Custom Corporate Solutions

Healthcare Programs

Prerequisites

Financial Assistance:

Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry Requirements

What is Minnesota State Medication Aide Training?

What Pre-Requisites are there for students?

Financial Assistance:

FAQs about Medication Aide Training

DHS Nursing Facility Scholarship program

Dislocated worker or WIOA funds

Employer Reimbursement

Delivery Options

BLS For Health Care Providers: CPR/AED (Classroom or Hybrid)

Work Environment

About the Instructor:

This 40-hour classroom program consists of:

This program provides 100-hours of clinical experience at local health care industry partners:

Work Environment

Admissions Requirements or Prerequisites

Potential Job Titles

Instructors

Find out more about our courses and offerings

THE BENEFITS OF
HEALTHCARE COURSES and CNA TESTING