Minnesota plans to use $3.5 million in federal funding in a new tuition reimbursement program to train and deploy 1,000 nursing assistants into long-term care facilities by Jan. 31, the Hastings Star Gazette reported Dec. 6.
Led by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, the program will replicate the model used by 16 colleges around the state training National Guard members to be emergency temporary nursing assistants.
The Legislative COVID-19 Response Commission will review Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's request to use federal funding for the program. This includes covering costs for tuition, fees, and other materials, with more investments supporting transportation and technology needs.
Once trained, the CNAs will be eligible for employment at long-term care facilities around the state facing staffing shortages.
The program will also give up to 10 high schools lab equipment to offer on-site nursing assistant training.