FAQs

OnTrack is a Minnesota-approved training platform offering hybrid Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Trained Medication Aide (TMA) programs. Learners complete online coursework at their own pace and participate in hands-on skills practice and clinical experiences with an RN Trainer.

There are two methods in which Learners enroll in OnTrack.
1. Most common, Learners are enrolled in OnTrack through their host organization.  They have access to the online registration system to handle enrollment.  Once enrolled, the student receives an email confirmation from OnTrack with log-in information, and a Learning Journal (textbook) shipped to the Learner’s identified shipping address.
2. Less common, Learner’s may contact OnTrack directly for individual enrollment into the program for the online portion only.  Once enrolled, the Learner receives an email confirmation from OnTrack with log-in information, and a Learning Journal (textbook) shipped to the Learner’s identified shipping address. Please note: At this time, international students cannot enroll themselves.
If you’re a  Learner or student looking for a program, use our interactive map or contact us for assistance or you may email [email protected] to be matched with an organization that is hiring and willing to sponsor your learning experience.

Yes! OnTrack can be taught in many settings. While program operations may vary and some components may require partnerships or approvals, a wide range of organizations can facilitate OnTrack.
This includes Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes), Assisted Living, Memory Care, Home and Community-Based Services providers, hospitals, private training programs, community-based organizations, high schools, colleges, and other workforce development partners.
Contact us to learn if OnTrack is a good fit for your organization and to discuss next steps.

OnTrack uses a hybrid training model. Classroom coursework is delivered on demand through online courses, while the Skills Lab and Clinical Experiences take place in person. There are a variety of ways in which the in-person component can be executed.

Skills Lab and Clinical Experiences are typically provided onsite by your organization through a certified RN Trainer. This allows organizations to integrate hands-on training into their own setting. Clinical experiences can be in a simulated lab setting or with residents in your setting.

Use the interactive map on our Learners page to explore sites across Minnesota, or contact our team for help connecting with a program, or you may email [email protected] to be matched with an organization that is hiring and willing to sponsor your learning experience. 

OnTrack Nursing Assistant provides translated Learning Journals in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. In accordance with Minnesota Department of Health requirements, live classes and core instruction, must be delivered in English.
To further support multilingual learners who request the translated Learning Journal, they will also have access to additional learning resources available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong including:
– A brief online, Introductory course
– A online Test Preparation course
– Practice exams
These resources are designed to support understanding and confidence while learners complete required instruction in English.

Yes. To be eligible to become a TMA, learners must have completed a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)-approved Nursing Assistant training program and be active on the Minnesota Nurse Aide registry. Organizations and training program sites are responsible for confirming eligibility.

Yes. International learners may complete all online coursework for CNA while abroad. Hands-on skills and testing must be completed after arrival in Minnesota.

International learners receive a Learning Journal electronically. At this time, OnTrack does not ship printed Learning Journals internationally. However, we can ship printed copies to the sponsoring organization, which may then distribute them to learners abroad.
For bulk orders or special shipping requests, please reach out—we’re happy to consider unique situations when possible.

No. International learners must be sponsored and enrolled by a Minnesota organization with an active, approved OnTrack program. Learners abroad are never charged directly.

The TMA pathway is designed for individuals who want to work as Trained Medication Aides (TMAs) in Minnesota. It is most often used by registered Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who are looking to expand their role and responsibilities working in a nursing home.
 
Assisted living, home care, adult day, and group home providers may also choose to utilize the TMA pathway as a training and professional development option for unlicensed staff who assist with or pass medications, as part of enhanced medication administration training. Competency verification and scope of practice requirements must still be met and remain the responsibility of the employer, in accordance with applicable licensure regulations.

Learners must have completed a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)–approved Nursing Assistant training program and be active on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry before enrolling in OnTrack’s TMA program. Employers and training program sites are responsible for verifying learner eligibility. For use of the TMA curriculum in assisted living or other settings to enhance medication competency, there are no learner prerequisites.

For organizations/employers: For participating nursing facilities, the cost of the course and required materials may be covered through the Department of Human Services (DHS) Nursing Facility Scholarship Program. Participating facilities can claim allowable costs and receive reimbursement. Certified nursing facilities with questions about what is and isn’t reimbursable should contact DHS directly.
 
Other grants and workforce programs—such as the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship Program—may also be available for assisted living providers and other eligible provider types. In addition, nonprofit organizations and private training providers may be eligible to apply for Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) or other workforce funding programs to help support training costs.
 
For learners: If you are enrolling as an employee or prospective employee, we encourage you to ask your employer whether they offer education assistance, sponsorship, or other workforce development programs that may help cover training costs. Availability of reimbursement or sponsorship varies by employer and program.

Yes. Even if you completed similar training in another state, Minnesota requires completion of an approved TMA training program to work in a Minnesota nursing home.

Completion of TMA training results in a certificate of completion, not a formal certification. There is no renewal requirement. Competency verification and scope of practice requirements must still be met and remain the responsibility of the employer, in accordance with applicable regulations.