[ST. PAUL, MN] – With long-term care facilities and veterans homes facing staffing shortages throughout the state, Governor Walz set a goal to recruit and train 1,000 new certified nursing assistants (CNAs) through the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative. Today, Governor Walz joined CNAs and other health care professionals at St. Paul College to announce that the initiative has surpassed his goal.

“Reaching our goal required an incredible partnership between the State, Minnesota State, high schools, and private training providers. These groups worked tirelessly to scale up training throughout the state, and I applaud their efforts,” said Governor Walz. “I also want to thank every Minnesotan who took advantage of this initiative. Thank you for taking a stand to support the health of your community.”

“This initiative is one that benefits everyone in our state in the short- and long-term, and I am so grateful for the vision and work of Commissioner Dennis Olson to bring it to fruition,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “It supports our health care industry, providing necessary staff for high-need careers. It benefits anyone who needs care, whether in a hospital or a long-term care facility. And it supports Minnesotans who want to join the health care workforce, but are facing financial barriers. By continuing this program, we are making an investment in the next generation of health care workers.”

The Walz-Flanagan Budget to Move Minnesota Forward includes $6.7 million to continue the state’s successful program to train eligible students to become CNAs. An additional $13.3 million proposed for fiscal year 2024-2025.

Starting in January 2022, the state rolled out the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative, made possible with a $3.4 million investment from federal American Rescue Plan funds. That investment allowed the State to cover the cost of tuition, books, uniform, and certification exam fee for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a nursing assistant.

As of March, a total of 1,278 Minnesotans have participated in this initiative. This includes:

• 940 Minnesotans enrolled in free training courses offered by Minnesota State or a private training provider;

• 338 high school students who accessed training through their school district, with the state paying for their certification exam

“Training over a thousand Minnesotans in three months is no small feat,” said Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner Dennis Olson. “I commend the staff and instructors of Minnesota State and private training providers for their selflessness in scaling up operations and outreach. It was truly awe-inspiring to watch this public-private partnership problem solve in real-time, moving mountains to ensure this program was a success. I truly believe this could be a model for scaling up training in other high-need career areas.”

“Our very rapid response to this critical need demonstrates the vital role that Minnesota State colleges play in meeting our state’s workforce needs as well as their ability to rapidly and nimbly adjust to new or unforeseen demands,” said Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra. “I am very grateful for the hard work and commitment shown by the faculty and staff at our colleges under the leadership of the Minnesota State Healthforce Center of Excellence and the systemwide Custom Training Network that made this tremendous accomplishment possible. “

Currently, students who have completed their training are in the process of taking their certification exam. Once certified, CNAs will be eligible for employment at any hospital, long-term care facility, and veterans home.

In addition, by reaching this goal, the state is able to continue relieving the 400 members of the National Guard who were deployed as emergency temporary nursing assistants in long-term care facilities and veterans home throughout Minnesota.

For those who are interested, free courses are still available. Find more information about the courses online.