North Dakota is sparsely populated, but due to its high level of natural resources and key part in the oil exploration of the US, there are many widely spread small rural communities in need of healthcare providers. One important role is Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) becoming one in the state of North Dakota can lead to a very rewarding career. Before CNAs can be employed in North Dakota state-licensed facilities, they need to obtain certification. Luckily, this is a relatively quick process, and you can be ready to work quickly.
North Dakota CNA Certification Requirements
There is no minimum education requirement for CNAs in North Dakota, but a high school diploma or a GED is recommended. Trainees with specific criminal convictions (listed here) will not be allowed to practice as a CNA. Other state requirements include:
- Being 18 years of age or older
- Being able to communicate, write, and read in English
- Having a clean criminal background – no arrest, assault, etc.
- Passing a physical exam indicating good health
- A negative TB test or chest x-ray
- A record of immunization (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Meningitis)
North Dakota CNA Classes & Testing Costs
Federal regulations and the Department of Health require CNAs to complete 75 hours of state-approved classes which should include both theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. Once the program’s course is complete graduates may sit the state certification exam to be included in the state’s registry. Each program’s duration is dependent on the curriculum of each program provider but in general, most courses average a duration of three weeks.
Programs in North Dakota are more affordable than many other states. The cost depends on where you choose to train but fortunately, several employer sponsored options exist at many of the approved facilities. If you need financial aid you should check these options first, however, if you would rather avoid the waiting lists you can seek classes in a college or a private institution. The cost is on average $650 plus the fees for certification, equipment, and textbooks.
Licensed nursing homes have to reimburse your classes and certification costs if you receive an offer for employment or are employed within a year (12 months) of certification.
CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in North Dakota
If becoming a CNA in North Dakota is starting to sound like a good opportunity, we encourage you to check out the following program centers to see if they’re a good fit for your current situation and schedule. You can find additional program centers and class locations across North Dakota with this website. Some of these locations may offer employer sponsored CNA classes, while others may be tuition-based. Please contact them directly if you have questions on their curriculum or costs.
| Training Program | City | Zip Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | 58506 | 800-445-5073 |
| Missouri Slope | Bismarck, ND | 58501 | 701-223-9407 |
| Rolette Community Care Center | Bottineau, ND | 58318 | 701-228-3796 |
| Good Samaritan Society - Bottineau | Bottineau, ND | 58318 | 701-228-3796 |
| Golden Acres Manor | Carrington, ND | 58421 | 701-652-3117 |
| Lake Region State College | Devils Lake, ND | 58301 | 701-662-1600 |
| Dickinson Adult Learning Center | Dickinson, ND | 58601 | 701-456-0008 |
| University of North Dakota: School of Medicine and Health Sciences | Dickinson, ND | 58601 | 701-456-7242 |
| St Luke's Home | Dickinson, ND | 58601 | 701-483-5000 |
| NDSCS-Fargo | Fargo, ND | 58102 | 701-231-6900 |
| Bethany Retirement Living | Fargo, ND | 58103 | 701-239-3000 |
| Bethany Retirement Living | Fargo, ND | 58104 | 701-478-8900 |
| Ethos Home Care | Fargo, ND | 58104 | 701-356-3803 |
| Grand Forks Public Schools | Grand Forks, ND | 58201 | 701-746-2200 |
| Center For Rural Health | Grand Forks, ND | 58202 | 701-777-3848 |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | 58202 | 701-777-3000 |
| North Dakota Veterans Home | Lisbon, ND | 58054 | 701-683-6500 |
| Dakota Travel Nurse | Mandan, ND | 58554 | 701-667-2884 |
| Minot State University | Minot, ND | 58707 | 800-777-0750 |
| Northland Pace Senior Care Services | Minot, ND | 58703 | 701-857-8045 |
| Trinity Health Human Resources | Minot, ND | 58701 | 701-857-5191 |
| Trinity Homes | Minot, ND | 58703 | 701-857-5800 |
| Lutheran Home-Good Shepherd | New Rockford, ND | 58356 | 701-947-2944 |
| North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton, ND | 58076 | 800-342-4325 |
| TrainND Northwest | Williston, ND | 58801 | 701-572-2835 |
| Williston State College | Williston, ND | 58801 | 701-774-4200 |
CNA Programs in Bismarck, ND
Bismarck State College. This course has a duration of 80 hours of classroom and hands-on learning under supervision, preparing the students for the state exam in order to obtain their certificate. Lab demonstrations under supervision are 19 hours and clinical practice is 16 hours to help strengthen the theoretical knowledge.
The program is available in evenings only from January to November and classes meet daily during weekdays. The cost starts from $595 including textbooks. Applicants must be able to remain standing for 8 hours (clinical demonstrations) with minimal rest and to lift 50 pounds.
Dakota Travel Nurse. This is a 72-hour course that meets daily on weekdays for two weeks for classroom hours and then for two days of clinical classes. The students must possess approved scrubs for hands-on learning. If accepted, students need to pay the $750 tuition in full one week before the beginning of the classes. Additional fees might apply if textbooks are not turned in before the state exam. Enrollment to sit the exam happens a week after the completion of the program.
Sanford Health. This state-approved program consists of theoretical instruction in classrooms, supervised hands-on learning, as well as simulated practical classes in a lab. Students are qualified to sit the certification exam upon completion of the course.
CNA Programs in Grand Forks, ND
Grand Forks Area Career and Technology Center. The GFACTE Nurse Aide program comprises of theory lectures and hands-on demonstrations. Upon completion, students can sit the certification competency exam by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Clinical learning is done in the school’s lab as well as a licensed facility under the supervision of licensed nurses.
Valley Eldercare Center. Valley Memorial Homes offers a paid CNA program that includes classroom and clinical learning. Classes run daily during weekdays for a month. Full attendance of both classroom and clinical demonstrations is required in order to complete the program. During the class, each student will earn $7.25 per hour and upon completion of the class, this will rise to an hourly salary of $12.10. Once the certification is obtained the hourly salary is modified to $16.00.
Additional North Dakota CNA Resources
The above information can likely get you started on your path to becoming a CNA in the state of North Dakota, however, the links below may also be helpful in your educational path or in the future after you’ve gained your CNA certification in North Dakota.
North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry
To contact the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry, use the information below:
600 E. Blvd., Ave., Dept 301
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200
Phone: (701) 328-2353
Fax: (701) 328-1890
Website
Out-of-State CNAs
The process for out-of-state CNAs is easy compared to other states. Their license can be transferred to North Dakota through endorsement.
You can download the endorsement application here. Out-of-state CNAs must have good and active standing in their home state registry and supply proof of employment, certification, and completed courses. The application should be submitted to the registry (by fax, e-mail, or post) including copies of their relevant documents to hasten the procedure. Applications will be declined if charges of abuse or neglect are found on the applicant’s record.
CNA Renewal in North Dakota
Once you pass the competency exam your license is valid for 24 months from the date of your exam.
To renew your license, you will need to submit proof of employment within the state within the 24-month period. If at least 8 hours of paid work have not been performed within the two years a new evaluation program must be completed. There is no fee for renewal.
How much does a CNA make in North Dakota?
Like in any job, your salary will vary depending on where you work as well as the institution or organization that will employ you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average the hourly mean wage in North Dakota is $18.37 or a yearly salary of $38,200. CNAs on the higher end of the pay scale in North Dakota can earn up to $46,050 per year.