January is Health Care Month in Minnesota! Health care is the largest industry in our area. Here’s a glance at a few stats looking at 2019 data:
In Minnesota:
+ 32,683 jobs in health care and social assistance
+ $51,272 average annual wage (that’s $3,400 higher than average across all industries)
In Wisconsin:
+ 8,672 jobs in healthcare and social assistance
+ $41,518 average annual wage (that’s $3,000 higher than average across all industries)
Earning around $68,000 a year on average, registered nursing is the number one occupation in demand for this area, followed closely by personal care aides, nursing assistants, and home health aides. Jobs are also available across specialties ranging from HR professionals to IT specialists, culinary artists, and more.
Learn more about Northland careers in health care: explore now
Free training to become a CNA
As part of Health Care Month in Minnesota, the state is offering free CNA training to become a certified nursing assistant. A wide variety of courses are available through MNSCU and you have the option to train in Duluth with a portion of coursework completed online:
- Training is free for anyone age 16+. Background checks are not required for training but will be required upon employment.
- Training is a mix of online and lab-based content. Clinicals are waived for this effort.
- There is an incentive upon training completion plus another incentive upon employment with a participating longterm care facility.
Learn more and register at HeartCertCPR.com/Nursing-CNA
“The critically important role of health care workers has never been more apparent than now as we enter a second winter with COVID-19,” the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development stated in a Jan. 3 press release. “Minnesota’s nursing assistants, RNs, respiratory therapists and many others have saved thousands of lives during the pandemic. They need more Minnesotans to join them in this noble and lifesaving work.”
“There are tens of thousands of open health care positions throughout Minnesota — at every level, in every setting and every part of the state,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “Caring people are needed now more than ever to make a difference in the lives of others — and get started on a fulfilling, in-demand career path.”
From HeartCertCPR.com: “The American Red Cross CNA Nurse Assistant Training Program offers students a chance to learn in a hands-on environment under the eyes of experienced licensed nurses, bolstered by a curriculum that meets or exceeds federal and state standards.”
