CNA Classes & Programs in Minnesota
- CNA Programs in Minnesota: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Minnesota?
- Minnesota CNA Training & Certification
- What You Learn in Minnesota CNA Training
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Minnesota?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Minnesota?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Minnesota
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Minnesota
- Minnesota CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Minnesota
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Career Paths in Minnesota
- 2026 Updated List of Minnesota Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also known as nurse aides, are essential healthcare team members in Minnesota, providing vital support to patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings. From the Twin Cities to Duluth and rural communities, CNAs help enhance patient comfort, assist with daily living activities, and contribute to patient safety.
Minnesota’s CNA training path blends structured instruction with supervised clinical experience to prepare students for state certification and immediate entry into caregiving roles.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Minnesota’s CNA training and registry requirements
- State-specific classroom and clinical hour expectations
- What CNA courses cover and how clinical training works
- Typical class length, cost range, and scheduling
- Advice for selecting high-quality CNA programs in Minnesota
CNA Programs in Minnesota: At-a-Glance
| Category | Minnesota CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 75 hours minimum (classroom + clinical) |
| Clinical requirement | Supervised hands-on practical training required (at least 16 hours) |
| Certification exam | Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (written/oral + skills) |
| State registry | Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry (MDH) |
| Typical program length | ~2–8 weeks depending on schedule |
| Typical total cost | $700–$2,000+ depending on provider and format |
| Average CNA Salary in Minnesota | Mid-$40k (range varies by region and facility) |
Why Become a CNA in Minnesota?
Minnesota's healthcare system consistently needs well-trained CNAs to support its aging population and expanding care settings. Nursing homes, acute care hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies all depend on CNAs to deliver compassionate daily care while helping maintain high-quality outcomes.
Demand for nurse aides in Minnesota is supported by workforce statistics showing continued openings and steady hiring, particularly for roles involving long-term care and rehabilitation services. For students seeking a quick, inexpensive route into the health field, CNA training offers rapid entry into employment with options for flexible scheduling and career advancement.
Many Minnesota employers also offer tuition reimbursement, training support, or career laddering into licensed nursing pathways, making CNA work a practical first step for long-term healthcare careers.
Minnesota CNA Training & Certification
To become certified in Minnesota, you must:
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program of at least 75 hours, which combines classroom instruction with hands-on practical training.
- At least 16 of those hours must be supervised practical training with a live person in a lab or clinical setting.
- Pass the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which includes both:
- A knowledge test (written or oral)
- A skills demonstration test
- Be placed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health before working in most care settings.
Minnesota candidates may be allowed multiple attempts to pass the knowledge and skills exams within a 24-month period.
What You Learn in Minnesota CNA Training
Minnesota CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Foundations of Care | Patient safety, infection control, resident rights |
| Personal Care Skills | Assisting with bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility |
| Vital Signs & Health Monitoring | Taking and documenting temperature, pulse, blood pressure |
| Communication & Professionalism | Interacting with patients and care teams |
| Supervised Clinical Practice | Real-world care experience under supervision |
Clinical Training in Minnesota:
- Supervised clinical experience is required and integrated into the minimum 75-hour training program.
- Typical clinical placements occur in nursing homes, hospitals, or long-term care facilities, giving students hands-on practice with resident care.
- Practical training ensures candidates can safely perform key care tasks before taking the competency exam.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Minnesota?
Minnesota CNA programs can range from about 2 to 8 weeks in length.
- Accelerated formats or blended schedules may finish training in roughly a month.
- Part-time or extended schedules help accommodate work or family commitments and may lengthen the timeline.
Program pacing and clinical placement availability are common variables that influence overall duration.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Minnesota?
Minnesota allows hybrid training in which classroom theory may be completed online, but:
- All clinical hours and skills labs must be completed in person.
- The clinical requirement (including at least 16 supervised hours) and hands-on skill development are essential to meet Minnesota Department of Health standards.
Fully online CNA certification programs without required in-person clinical training do not qualify for registry placement.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Minnesota
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria Technical & Community College |
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| Century College |
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| Hennepin Technical College |
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2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Minnesota
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Century College |
|
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| Hennepin Technical College |
|
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| Lake Superior College |
|
|
Minnesota CNA Employment and Wages
CNAs in Minnesota often earn competitive wages compared with many neighboring states, particularly in high-cost metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities, where top earners can exceed $50,000 annually. Learn more about CNA salaries.
CNA Salary in Minnesota
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Minnesota | 26,970 | $45,580 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Minnesota
When comparing Minnesota CNA training, consider:
- Minnesota Department of Health approval — ensures eligibility to test and register
- Clinical placement support — programs that secure supervised training for you
- Clear cost breakdown — including tuition, testing fees, uniforms, and background checks
- Flexible schedules — day, evening, weekend, or hybrid theory options
- Career support — partnerships with local employers or job placement assistance
Asking about first-time pass rates on Minnesota's competency exam can help you assess program quality.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Career Paths in Minnesota
| Role | Typical Training Time | Primary Duties | Credential |
| CNA | ~2–8 weeks | Basic resident care, ADLs, vitals | State registry |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | ~9–12 months | Clinic procedures + admin | Certificate |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | ~12–18 months | Meds, nursing tasks | Licensed |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | ~2–4 years | Full nursing scope | Licensed |
CNA training is one of the most accessible, quickest, and cost-effective ways to enter hands-on healthcare while building foundational clinical skills and exploring further nursing education. For those who wish to eventually advance their careers, check out nursing schools in Minnesota and consider the convenient CNA to RN program pathway.
2026 Updated List of Minnesota Schools Offering CNA Classes
Alexandria, MN
Alexandria Technical & Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 84-hour state-approved course.
- 3 college credits earned.
- Meets Minnesota Department of Health standards.
- Includes supervised lab practice.
- Clinical experience in long-term care.
- Prerequisite for Practical Nursing program.
- 4-week course duration.
- 22 class hours per week.
Anoka, MN
Anoka Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program.
- Campus-based learning.
- Hands-on clinical training.
- Meets federal requirements.
- Minnesota Board of Nursing approved.
- Supervised laboratory setting.
- Long-term care clinicals.
- Teaches basic nursing skills.
Austin, MN
Riverland Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 4-credit healthcare certification
- State exam preparation
- Multiple campus locations
- Career advancement potential
- Nursing program prerequisite
Bemidji, MN
Northwest Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Three-credit course.
- Prepares for state certification.
- State-approved testing site.
- Required for nursing programs.
- Campus-based program.
- Eligible for CNA registry.
- Hands-on skills training.
- Employment in diverse settings.
Bloomington, MN
Normandale Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Approved by Minnesota Department of Health.
- Prepares for national competency test.
- Eligibility for Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.
- Campus-based program delivery.
- Focuses on personal care skills.
- Designed for long-term care roles.
- Includes clinical facility requirements.
- Background study clearance required.
Brooklyn Park, MN
Hennepin Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online and in-person format.
- Leads to CNA certification.
- Meets Minnesota 75-hour requirement.
- Prerequisite for Practical Nursing program.
- Offered at Brooklyn Park campus.
- Offered at Eden Prairie campus.
- Fall, Spring, Summer semesters.
- Day class schedule.
Cloquet, MN
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Short-term healthcare training
- 75-hour training program
- Minnesota MDH compliant
- 16 hours clinical training
- Nursing lab skills testing
Duluth, MN
Lake Superior College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) + NATO
Campus Based - Website
- Associate of Applied Science degree.
- Hybrid delivery method.
- 80 hours to complete.
- Cost: $1,650.
- Includes NATO exams.
- Approved by Minnesota Department of Health.
- Prepares for long-term care jobs.
- Online D2L and Zoom components.
Fergus Falls, MN
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 77-hour course length.
- Campus-based program delivery.
- Low tuition rates in Minnesota.
- Tuition-free options available.
- Workforce Development Scholarships offered.
- Business and industry sponsorships.
- Prepares for registry exam.
- Basic patient care skills taught.
Hibbing, MN
Minnesota North College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Home Health Aide Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- CNA – Home Health Aide Certificate.
- Campus-based program.
- No additional application requirements.
- Register via E-Services.
- Part of nursing programs.
- Includes clinical training.
- Entry-level healthcare preparation.
- Hands-on skill development.
Inver Grove Heights, MN
Inver Hills Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 5-credit certificate program.
- Includes 16 clinical hours.
- Prepares for state exam.
- On-campus delivery method.
- Covers basic nursing skills.
- Requires background clearance.
- Offered in multiple semesters.
- Malpractice insurance fee included.
North Mankato, MN
South Central College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Four-credit course.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for MN state exams.
- Background check required.
- Faribault and North Mankato campuses.
- Fall and spring start dates.
- Leads to MN registry listing.
- Stepping stone to nursing programs.
Saint Cloud, MN
St Cloud Technical and Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 80-hour total program length.
- Campus-based training format.
- HLTH 1402 course offered.
- 16-hour theory classroom portion.
- 40-hour lab clinical practice.
- 16-hour supervised practical training.
- Meets Minnesota state requirements.
- Prerequisite for Practical Nursing.
Thief River Falls, MN
Northland Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program.
- 3 credits required.
- Campus locations available.
- East Grand Forks campus.
- Thief River Falls campus.
- Laptop optional.
- Foundational knowledge provided.
- Lectures and lab demonstrations.
White Bear Lake, MN
Century College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program available.
- Daytime or evening classes.
- Fall, spring, summer start dates.
- Full- or part-time options.
- Campus-based program delivery.
- Credit and non-credit options.
- Prepares for Minnesota registry exam.
- Includes home health aide curriculum.
Willmar, MN
Ridgewater College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant Program
Campus Based - Website
- Five-week program length.
- Hutchinson and Willmar campuses.
- Multiple start dates yearly.
- State-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Small class sizes.
- Experienced instructors.
- Minnesota Department of Health approved.
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