How to Become a Caregiver in Minnesota: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand what the job is

Caregiving is physical, emotional, and largely unsupervised. You will be in someone's home, often alone with them, following a written plan. Depending on the role, the work ranges from housekeeping and meal preparation to hands-on assistance with mobility and personal care.

The people who last in this work tend to be the ones who are comfortable with routine, steady under stress, and genuinely willing to let a client do things slowly rather than doing it for them.

Step 2: Check the baseline requirements

In general you need to be at least 18, legally authorized to work in the United States, able to pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study, and able to get reliably to client homes. Reading and following a written care plan in English is also necessary.

You do not need a degree. Many roles do not require any certification to start.

Step 3: Complete the background study

Minnesota requires a background study through DHS before you provide direct support services. Your employer initiates it. You will provide identifying information, and the process runs through the state's NETStudy 2.0 system.

If you are worried something might come up, tell the agency early. A record does not automatically disqualify you, and cases are judged on their merits under DHS rules. Waiting and hoping is worse than asking.

Step 4: Complete required training

Training requirements depend on the service type. Minnesota's 245D standards require orientation before working with clients and annual training after that. If you will work in PCA or CFSS services, the state maintains its own training and certification process through the DHS training site.

Good agencies also orient you to each specific client before your first solo shift, since the written plan matters more than any general training.

Step 5: Get matched with a client

This is the step that determines whether you stay. Ask about geography, because driving across a county between two short visits is how people burn out. Ask whether you will keep the same clients. Ask what happens when something goes wrong on a shift and who answers the phone.

Language match matters too. If you speak a second language, say so, because it often increases both the hours available to you and the quality of the work.

Step 6: Build from there

Most caregiving positions start part-time. Many agencies, including ours, let you add clients over time to build toward full-time hours. Some staff move into training or lead roles.

If you want to talk about starting in Hennepin County, call (612) 345-4490 or see our open positions.