Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training

Non-Credit Career Pathway Course

Bismarck State College's Continuing Education and TrainND provides 76-hour non-credit CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) training for individuals seeking employment in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care facilities, acute care settings, or home health care. This program offers a strong foundation for those looking to begin a career in healthcare.

Students seeking college credit are welcome in our evening classes during the months of February, April, June, July, September, October, and November. Individuals looking to take the training for-credit are advised to contact our office at (701) 224-5600 for alternative enrollment requirements.

The program consists of 36 hours of classroom learning, 28 hours of supervised practical training, eight hours of clinical scenarios, and four hours for review and testing. Classes are held Monday through Friday evenings from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Throughout the course, students will develop essential skills in personal care, communication, infection control, and emergency response, while learning to support the physical and emotional needs of clients. Please note that the class schedule is subject to minor changes.

Upon successful completion of the CNA training program, students will be eligible to register for the North Dakota State Nursing Assistant Exam. Testing dates will be announced during classroom instruction, and in-person registration is required with payment due no later than two weeks prior to the exam date.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds during class, lab, and clinical practice.
• Ability to participate in lab-based and clinical training, which may include extended periods of standing and limited opportunities for rest.

If a student has a temporary or permanent condition that limits their ability to meet these physical requirements, they should contact the Program Manager prior to the start of class. Attendance is mandatory and essential to the educational process.

Important Registration Information:
Registration closes the Wednesday prior to the start of class. Early registration is encouraged due to limited space.

  Attendance Policy:

• Students must attend by the third day of class, or they will be withdrawn.
• No more than 8 hours of total absence is permitted throughout the course.

Veteran Priority of Service:
This program is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Labor. In accordance with 20 CFR 1010, veterans and eligible spouses will receive priority of service over non-covered individuals.