Recent legislation has brought forth the Next Generation Nursing Assistance Program in Minnesota. This program allocates $3 million of tax-payer money to offer CNA training at no cost. The intention behind and intended results of the program are undoubtedly positive and beneficial for our healthcare system; however, there is a flaw that needs to be appropriately addressed. The funds for the no-cost CNA training are being provided to State technical colleges and only tech colleges. This leaves out many private businesses, including highly recognized organizations such as HeartCert.
Tim Smith, Founder of HeartCert, shares his thoughts on the issue at hand,
“This is a great idea but sorely misses the mark as it will create a larger problem by running multiple private companies out of business thus creating further difficulties and exacerbating the problem. Companies like HeartCert who train thousands of students to become a CNA’s will be forced to shut down which will make keeping up with the nursing shortage that much more challenging while also straining the state with higher unemployment. We applaud the ultimate goal but without collaboration within the private sector this does more harm than good.”
HeartCert, along with other private providers of healthcare trainings, have attempted to open communication to be included in the program for over a year. Unfortunately, it has fallen on deaf ears. We hope to raise awareness of this program’s adverse effects and a reconsideration of the current policy that only includes public organizations for funding under the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative.
Making a Difference, but Missing the Mark
We applaud the intent of this initiative and realize it was not meant to harm private businesses but rather to accelerate the training and licensure of CNA’s. However, under the current policy where state funds are issued to just one public entity that does not share or distribute them to other businesses, it will have impactful negative long-term consequences to many businesses such as ours.
At HeartCert, we hold hope for reconsideration of the current policy of only including public organizations for funding under the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative.
Certified Nursing Assistant Program with HeartCert
Our CNA program through HeartCert provides several advantages to trainings offered by public colleges.
Efficiency and Timeliness
HeartCert’s comprehensive program is designed for enrollees to be trained well and certified quickly. Unlike public institutions and technical colleges, where you may have to wait a semester, we offer a faster path to your CNA certification. Students can be licensed and employed in less than a month with HeartCert.
Flexible Scheduling
We know that everyone coming into our program has different schedules and standing commitments. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling options, including hybrid (online & in-person) courses and weekend options, making balancing your training with other responsibilities easier.
Personalized Attention
Our small class sizes ensure that students receive personalized attention from experienced instructors. You won’t get lost in the crowd as you might at larger institutions.
Read our blog and learn more: What Kind of Work Does a CNA Do?
For years we’ve proudly offered our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that offers an enriching learning atmosphere, combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience guided by licensed nurses who are experts in their field. Our CNA program is crafted to meet and exceed federal and state standards, ensuring students receive top-notch training that prepares them to excel in their role as a CNA.
Find Out More and Register for CNA Training
HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.
HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.
We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan
