Long-Term Care CNA Training Program

This program was specially designed to meet the needs of Karen and Karenni-speaking immigrants and other New Americans.

The Long-Term Care CNA Training Program is a short-term program that prepares you for entry into the profession and earn Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Trained Medication Aide (TMA) credentials. The program is free to people who qualify and helps meet the growing demand for CNAs at unionized long-term care facilities in the Twin Cities area. Successful applicants will be confident in their abilities to learn and take exams in English, but may benefit from extra support. 

You will receive training at Saint Paul College and learn the skills employers need now. Minnesota Training Partnership will also provide helpful support, career coaching, and help connect you directly to union employers who are hiring. This program is designed to help you start a stable, family-sustaining career with opportunities for advancement in healthcare.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Trained Medication Aides (TMAs) play important roles in caring for older adults and people who need assistance with daily activities. CNAs provide hands-on care, helping individuals with bathing, dressing, eating, moving safely, and other daily needs. They also monitor patients’ well-being and work alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals. 

TMAs build on these skills by receiving additional training to safely administer certain medications under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.

CNA and TMA credentials can open doors to rewarding careers in long-term care and other healthcare settings. They can also serve as stepping stones to advanced opportunities, including Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and other healthcare careers.

Staff at Minnesota Training Partnership lead this dynamic program. Additional  program partners include:

• SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa, and UFCW Local 1189
• The Urban Village
• Saint Paul College
• Hubbs Center/Saint Paul Public Schools Adult Basic Education (ABE)
• Employers from across the Twin Cities

These partners are eager to share their expertise, and are dedicated to your success, now and in the future.

After completing the training portion of the program, you will be qualified to apply for jobs with long-term care facilities and other healthcare facilities. Staff at Minnesota Training Partnership will assist you to identify open jobs, and help you learn the skills you need to apply and interview.

These careers, particularly when you're represented by a union, offer strong starting wages, good benefits, and safe workplaces. With additional training, you can advance to higher-level roles with increased responsibility, pay, and long-term career stability in the healthcare field.

Designed for Karen and Karenni immigrants and other New Americans, this program will prepare you with the foundational skills needed to earn CNA and TMA certifications. 

Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and supervised training, participants will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide safe, compassionate care in long-term care and other healthcare settings. Training covers essential topics such as personal care, infection prevention, workplace safety, communication, patient rights, and assisting individuals with everyday activities. Participants will also learn how to recognize and report changes in a person's health and work effectively as part of a healthcare team.

Participants pursuing the Trained Medication Aide (TMA) credential will receive additional instruction in medication administration, safety procedures, documentation, and working under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. The program prepares participants to pursue industry-recognized credentials and take the next step toward a rewarding healthcare career.

You will also learn what employers expect on the job, including teamwork, communication, reliability, and professional behavior. In addition, Minnesota Training Partnership will help you prepare for a CNA and/or TMA job by providing career coaching, resume assistance, and direct connections to union healthcare employers who are hiring.

This program is free to eligible participants. While you will need to be able to complete learning activities and exams with confidence  in English, we will provide you the extra help and guidance you may need as an English Language Learner.

You will also receive personalized career coaching, resume assistance, and interview preparation from experienced staff. Minnesota Training Partnership will connect you with employers and support your job search after the program ends. Our staff are committed to helping you overcome barriers and succeed in your career. We continue to provide support even after you are hired and start your new job.

Contact us today to learn about the program schedule for our next training cohort.

The Long-Term Care CNA Training Program serves Minnesota residents who are adults at least 18 years old, and not enrolled in any K-12 school, and who may face barriers to employment, and who need enhanced educational and supportive services to be successful in earning workplace certifications and securing employment.

Participants enrolling in this program must demonstrate readiness for

success in completing post-secondary level training in English and their fitness for regular strenuous physical labor on the job.

In addition, all participants must be authorized to work in the United States and meet any financial eligibility guidelines.

Interested individuals must first complete and return  the following online inquiry form, available HERE

After we receive this form, we will contact you to discuss your interest, validate your eligibility, and conduct assessments to ensure this program is a good fit for you at this time. Then, we will discuss the enrollment process and schedule you for the orientation session.

Minnesota Training Partnership has a strong track record of helping people enter union healthcare careers through  customized training opportunities, individualized coaching, and direct connections to employers. Our Long-Term Care CNA Training Program is delivered in partnership with SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa and UFCW 1189, helping people enter good union jobs. We focus on preparing people for stable, family-sustaining union careers with clear pathways for advancement. Our staff provide personalized guidance, connections to employers ready to hire, and ongoing encouragement to help each participant succeed. When you train with Minnesota Training Partnership, you are joining a community committed to helping you build a future with dignity, opportunity, and union support.

Individuals interested in applying for the Union Millwright Training Program should follow the directions in the above section titled "How to Apply."

Union, employer, and other community partners are invited to contact us here: INTEREST FORM