1000+ New CNAs: State Launches New Pipeline Initiative to Help Alleviate Workforce Concerns

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman

This week, Gov. Tim Walz announced a new initiative to recruit, train, and deploy at least 1,000 new certified nursing assistants for Minnesota long-term care facilities experiencing staffing shortages by the end of January. LeadingAge Minnesota and our Long-Term Care Imperative played a critical role in advocating for this initiative.

LeadingAge Minnesota staff participate in a workgroup led by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, including state agencies, higher education institutions, and long-term care providers, to implement the recruiting and training program. It will recruit qualified Minnesotans and enroll them in nursing assistant training programs across the state.

Once trained, the CNAs will be eligible for employment at Minnesota long-term care facilities facing severe staffing shortages. Sixteen colleges within the Minnesota State system are currently preparing approximately 400 members of the National Guard for deployment as emergency temporary nursing assistants in those facilities, a model this initiative will replicate.

The state will use federal American Rescue Plan funding to pay for qualifying expenses associated with CNA courses (i.e., tuition, fees, books, technology needs, test fees) to ensure these courses are available at no cost to students.

“Our long-term care facilities are relying on a new generation of certified nursing assistants to provide quality care to their patients. By working with communities, colleges, and care providers around Minnesota, we will recruit and train these new CNAs and ensure we have the staff we need in long-term care,” said Governor Walz. “Our goal is to train 1,000 CNAs in two months to bolster staffing and provide necessary care to Minnesota patients during our COVID-19 response. But not only that: through this training program we can help maintain a stable long-term care workforce for years to come.”

“Every member of our care team plays an essential role, but by far our deepest staff shortages are for the certified nursing assistants who serve on the front line of services and support,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO of LeadingAge Minnesota. “This welcome initiative will help remove barriers to training for all those who are attracted to this special career that lies at the heart of long-term care services and support. We are grateful for the ongoing, collaborative work with state agency partners to address the extraordinary workforce challenges in our sector.”

The initiative will offer resources and support to those pursuing a CNA credential from the first day of class to the first day on the job. This includes covering costs for tuition, fees, and materials. Additional investments will support transportation and technology needs for students. The program will also provide up to 10 high schools with the necessary lab equipment to offer nursing assistant training classes onsite.

According to data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, nursing assistants are the sixth-highest in-demand job in the state. The pandemic has only exacerbated this need, and the current pipeline of students pursuing a CNA credential is not poised to meet the demand.

Statewide enrollment data shows that of the over 11,500 students enrolled in CNA programs between 2017 and 2020, only 5,100 of them completed a CNA credential. Of the remaining students, only 1,500 were still enrolled in a CNA program in fall 2020. Helping these students complete their program, and increasing the number of students pursuing a CNA credential, is critical for the state.