Riverland Community College

Nursing Assistants are foundational in providing person-centered, care to patients, residents and clients in various healthcare facilities. Many people begin their nursing careers as Nursing Assistants and then go on to earn further nursing credentials. Others choose to remain in this rewarding career. At Riverland Community College, the Nursing Assistant course teaches you how to safely assist clients with basic physical and emotional needs and prepares you for the MN Nursing Assistant Competency Exam.

Upon successful completion of the Nursing Assistant course, you will be able to take the State of MN Competency Exam. In order to be listed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry, you will need to pass the Minnesota State Registry Test. Once on the registry, you will qualify to work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and other medical services facilities. The course also serves as a stepping stone to further education in nursing and satisfies requirements necessary for Riverland Nursing program application.

HCNA1100 Nursing Assistant

Riverland Community College is an approved Nursing Assistant training program through the Minnesota Department of Health.  This 3 credit course provides students with the theory, laboratory and clinical experience to meet state and federal criteria for employment as a nursing assistant in a nursing home or other long term care facility.  Completion of this course enables the student to take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.  After successfully completing the competency evaluation, the student will be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.       (3Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab, 0 other)

HCNA1200 Nursing Assistant Home Health Aide (PSEO ONLY)

Riverland Community College is an approved Nursing Assistant training program through the Minnesota Department of Health.  This 4 credit course provides students with the theory and laboratory experience to meet state and federal criteria for employment as a nursing assistant in various healthcare settings.  Completion of this course enables the student to take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.  After successfully completing the competency evaluation, the student will be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. This course emphasizes the role of the nursing assistant and home health aide as a valuable member of any health care team.  This course introduces concepts of basic human needs, acquaints students with the philosophy of home health and teaches basic nursing skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the laboratory setting.  This course focuses on personal care, nutrition/feeding, elimination, clean and safe environment, communication, vital signs, body mechanics, death and dying, and principles related to various healthcare settings including acute care, long term care or home health care. This course meets application requirements for the Riverland Community College nursing program.   (4 cr – 2 lect, 2 lab,)

Accessibility Services

Riverland Community College is committed to assuring that all educational activities are free from discrimination and harassment based on disability status. Students requesting accommodations for a documented disability are required to work directly with staff in Accessibility Services (AS) to establish eligibility and learn about related processes before accommodations will be identified.  

Students enrolled are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services prior to the first week of class, but especially when enrolled in short and/or condensed courses to ensure accommodations are in place. It is recommended that students learn what types of Documentation are needed for accommodations and have the appropriate forms ready for review before classes start. Reasonable accommodations are not retroactive in nature, so plan ahead to be successful. 

Accessibility Services staff can be reached by e-mail at accessibility@riverland.edu, or by calling 507-379-3328 or 507-433-0801

Last Updated: September 19, 2023