CNA Classes in Minnesota

Minnesota is a state undergoing transformation every day, from what was once an agricultural haven to a tech and business paradise, hosting several Fortune 500 company headquarters within its boundaries. This makes it an attractive state to build your career, and this means a rising requirement for effective healthcare. An essential part of this is Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and starting here can be the beginning of a spectacular career in medicine. CNAs in Minnesota make some of the highest wages in the U.S, with CNAs making over $49,000 per year. 

The state of Minnesota requires CNAs to complete a four-month program and examination period and obtain their names on the state Nurse Aide Registry before they may begin their employment. The role is especially hands-on in Minnesota, with many CNAs serving as nutrition helpers, monitoring vital signs, and even seeing to the emotional and social needs of their patients. If this essential job sounds like something that interests you, the following information may help.

Online CNA Classes in Minnesota

For those who value learning that’s easy to access and fits their busy lives, there’s something new to discover: online Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes in Minnesota. In today’s fast-moving world, where time and commitments can make things complicated, online CNA programs are here to help. These virtual classes are flexible and cover everything you need to know, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to work in healthcare. In this introduction, you’ll find out why online CNA classes are a smart idea. They let you get an important certification without making your current responsibilities harder to handle.

1. Loving Lotus CNA Training Academy

Loving Lotus CNA Training Academy offers a Hybrid Online Self-Paced CNA Training program at a cost of $1,400. The program consists of a minimum of 75 hours, with an online portion of 42-44 hours and in-person/practical training of 35 hours. The training prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare and serves as a prerequisite for MN State Nursing and Physician Assistant programs. The program features a self-paced online course with real-life scenarios and practice test questions, followed by in-person skills training. Instructors bring over 20+ years of combined nursing and field experience. Upon successful completion, students receive a CNA certificate and are eligible to take the state exam.

Cost: $1,400 (excluding state exam fee)
Duration: Minimum of 75 hours Online Portion: 42-44 hours In-Person/Practical Training: 35 hours Certification: CNA certificate upon passing Minnesota state exam
Prerequisites: None specified
Class Format: Hybrid – Online learning with real-life scenarios and practice test questions, followed by in-person skills training in lab or nursing home facility
Career Opportunities: Entry-level positions in healthcare, prerequisite for MN State Nursing and Physician Assistant programs
Instructors: Over 20+ years of combined nursing and field experience

Contact Information:

• Address: 2419 Margaret Street North, North Saint Paul, Minnesota 55109, United States
• Phone: 651-321-7500
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://lovinglotuscna.com/

Minnesota CNA Certification Requirements

There are no formal restrictions in terms of education over who may apply for nurse aide classes and undertake the state examination. However, many testing sites and programs set up their own requirements, often requiring a GED or other proof of formal education. Some other prerequisites include:

• Reaching 18 years of age
• Passing a background check and fingerprinting test
• Passing a physical examination to check for contagion
• Negative drug test
• Negative TB test
• Current immunization records

Minnesota CNA Classes & Testing Costs

To gain a CNA certification in the state of Minnesota you must pass a state-approved course. It is a minimum of 75 hours (usually longer) and must have 59 hours of classroom and 16 hours of clinical learning. There are two options for classes; the CNA program developed by the Minnesota State Colleges or the CNA classes offered by the American Red Cross. In both cases, the actual programs last between three and ten weeks, depending on when and how often classes take place.

Examination costs vary depending on your location and program. Typically, CNA classes in Minnesota will cost around $700 for tuition. Many courses offer flexible payment plans and there is limited state funding available for those on a low income. More than half of approved CNA certification programs in the state are associated with nursing homes and sometimes may sponsor classes in exchange for employment afterward. The total cost of the written, skills, and oral test is $124.

To look into low-cost class access, please follow this link.

CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Certification Courses in Minnesota

If becoming a CNA in Minnesota is starting to sound like a good opportunity, we encourage you to check out the following centers to see if they’re a good fit for your current situation and schedule. Some of these locations may offer CNA classes at no cost, while others may be tuition-based. Please contact them directly if you have questions on their curriculum or costs.

Training Program	City	Zip Code	Phone
Bridges Care Community	Ada, MN	56510	218-784-5500
Adams Health Care center	Adams, MN	55909	507-582-3263
Aicota Health Care Center	Aitkin, MN	56431	218-927-2164
Riverland Community College	Albert Lea, MN	56007	507-379-3300
Good Samaritan Society - Albert Lea	Albert Lea, MN	56007	507-373-0683
Alexandria Technical & Community College	Alexandria, MN	56308	320-762-0221
Anoka Technical College	Anoka, MN	55303	763-576-4700
Apple Valley Medical Center	Apple Valley, MN	55124	952-432-6161
Riverland Community College	Austin, MN	55912	507-433-0600
Comfort Keepers In Home Care	Baxter, MN	56425	218-822-3200
Northwest Technical College	Bemidji, MN	56601	218-333-6600
Normandale Community College	Bloomington, MN	55431	952-358-8200
ZANDU HEALTH INITIATIVE	Bloomington, MN	55420	952-479-0172
Central Lakes College	Brainerd, MN	56401	218-855-8000
Hennepin Technical College	Brooklyn Park, MN	55445	952-995-1300
North Hennepin Community College	Brooklyn Park, MN	55445	763-488-0391
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus	Cambridge, MN	55008	763-433-1100
Parmly on the Lake	Chisago City, MN	55013	651-257-0575
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College	Cloquet, MN	55720	218-879-0800
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College	Cloquet, MN	55720	218-879-0800
Kathryn's Nursing Assistant Training	Cokato, MN	55321	320-286-5304
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities	Columbia Heights, MN	55421	763-291-5125
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center - Crosby	Crosby, MN	56441	218-546-7000
The College of St. Scholastica Science Center	Duluth, MN	55811	800-447-5444
St Ann's Residence	Duluth, MN	55805	218-727-8831
University of Minnesota Duluth	Duluth, MN	55812	218-726-8000
Lake Superior College	Duluth, MN	55811	218-733-7600
Franciscan Health Center	Duluth, MN	55802	218-727-8933
Northland Community & Technical College	East Grand Forks, MN	56721	218-793-2800
Hennepin Technical College	Eden Prairie, MN	55347	952-995-1300
Guardian Angels Care Center	Elk River, MN	55330	763-441-1213
South Central College: Faribault Campus	Faribault, MN	55021	507-332-5800
Minnesota State Community and Technical College	Fergus Falls, MN	56537	877-450-3322
Birchwood Arbors	Forest Lake, MN	55025	651-464-5600
Glenwood Retirement Village	Glenwood, MN	56334	320-634-5131
Essentia Health-Grace Home	Graceville, MN	56240	320-748-8222
Grand Village	Grand Rapids, MN	55744	218-326-0543
St. Croix Hospice	Grand Rapids, MN	55744	855-278-2764
St. Croix Hospice	Grand Rapids, MN	55744	855-278-2764
Itasca Community College	Grand Rapids, MN	55744	218-322-2300
Kittson Memorial Healthcare Center	Hallock, MN	56728	218-843-3612
Augustana Care Hastings Health and Rehabilitation	Hastings, MN	55033	651-437-6176
Hibbing Community College	Hibbing, MN	55746	218-262-7200
Hibbing Community College	Hibbing, MN	55746	218-262-7200
Ridgewater College	Hutchinson, MN	55350	320-234-8500
Rainy River Community College	International Falls, MN	56649	218-285-7722
Inver Hills Community College	Inver Grove Heights, MN	55076	651-450-3000
Ecumen - Sunnyside Care Center, Lake Park Nursing Home	Lake Park, MN	56554	218-238-5944
MSL Training Center	McIntosh, MN	56556	218-563-2715
Greenwood Connections	Menahga, MN	56464	218-564-4101
Accredited School of Nursing Assistant	Minneapolis, MN	55428	763-746-0412
College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota	Minneapolis, MN	55455	612-625-2020
Minnesota Veterans Home	Minneapolis, MN	55417	612-548-5700
North American Medical Academy	Minneapolis, MN	55430	612-521-0602
University of Minnesota	Minneapolis, MN	55455	612-625-5000
Minneapolis College	Minneapolis, MN	55403	612-659-6000
Summit Academy OIC	Minneapolis, MN	55405	612-377-0150
Walden University	Minneapolis, MN	55401	866-492-5336
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) Moorhead	Moorhead, MN	56560	877-450-3322
Mercy Hospital	Moose Lake, MN	55767	218-485-4481
Oak Hills Living Center	New Ulm, MN	56073	507-233-0800
South Central College-North Mankato Campus	North Mankato, MN	56003	507-389-7200
Three Links Care Center	Northfield, MN	55057	507-664-8800
Mille Lacs Health System	Onamia, MN	56359	320-532-3154
Riverland Community College	Owatonna, MN	55060	507-433-0600
St William's Living Center	Parkers Prairie, MN	56361	218-338-4671
Perham Living	Perham, MN	56573	218-347-1800
Pine Technical & Community College	Pine City, MN	55063	320-629-5100
Pine Technical & Community College	Pine City, MN	55063	320-629-5100
Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing Campus	Red Wing, MN	55066	651-385-6300
Hawthorne Education Center	Rochester, MN	55904	507-328-4440
Rochester Community and Technical College	Rochester, MN	55904	507-285-7210
Dakota County Technical College	Rosemount, MN	55068	651-423-8300
Country Manor Campus	Sartell, MN	56377	320-253-1920
Country Manor Campus	Sartell, MN	56377	320-253-1920
Prime Time Medical Training, LLC	Spring Lake Park, MN	55432	888-585-0725
Prime Time Medical Training, LLC	Spring Lake Park, MN	55432	888-585-0725
St. Cloud Technical & Community College	St Cloud, MN	56303	800-222-1009
The Gardens at Episcopal Homes	St Paul, MN	55104	651-632-8800
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities	St Paul, MN	55101	800-456-8519
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities	St Paul, MN	55101	800-456-8519
Saint Paul College	St Paul, MN	55102	651-846-1600
St. Catherine University	St Paul, MN	55105	651-690-6000
St. Kates	St Paul, MN	55105	651-690-6000
St. Catherine University	St Paul, MN	55108	651-647-0191
Century College	St Paul, MN	55107	651-291-4600
Regions Hospital	St Paul, MN	55101	651-254-3456
Shaller Family Sholom East Campus	St Paul, MN	55102	651-328-2000
Guadalupe Alternative Programs	St Paul, MN	55107	651-222-0757
Central Lakes College	Staples, MN	56479	218-894-5100
Lakewood Health System	Staples, MN	56479	218-894-1515
Northland Community & Tech Clg	Thief River Falls, MN	56701	218-683-8800
Twin Valley Assisted Living	Twin Valley, MN	56584	218-584-5181
Mesabi Range College	Virginia, MN	55792	800-657-3860
Fair Oaks Lodge	Wadena, MN	56482	218-631-1391
Scrubs Academy	Waite Park, MN	56387	320-281-2980
Southview Acres Health Care Center	West St Paul, MN	55118	651-554-9500

CNA Programs in Minneapolis, MN 

Augustana Care This is a certification program where classes are offered in exchange for employment after its completion. It is specifically aimed at adults who are looking for a career change who specifically want to work with the elderly.

Accredited School of Nursing Assistant This is a fast-tracked, three-week course, aimed at fitting around the student’s life and helping them prepare as quickly as possible to work as a CNA. The $1000 total price tag may seem steep, but also includes registration and background check fees, and help is offered for those on a low-income for other incremental costs. As well, they offer a two-part payment plan and a discounted price under certain circumstances.

International Institute of Minnesota This is another employer-sponsored program, aimed specifically at new Americans hoping to kickstart their medical careers. This includes naturalized citizens, refugees, permanent residents, or those with a work visa. Course materials are also provided by the institute, and 98% of graduates end up employed.

See more on our CNA classes in Minneapolis page.

CNA Programs in St. Paul, MN.

Guadalupe Alternative Programs (GAP School) Specifically aimed at young adults, this program offers no-cost tuition and the opportunity to also train for your high school diploma or GED while preparing for your healthcare career. The website offers a directory where the CNA instructor can be contacted directly, and you can also call the school at 651.222.0757 for more information.

Inver Hills Community College As well as preparing you for the CNA exam, this seven-week college course counts as five credits towards an overall college degree. It can be used as a foundation for the college’s wider nursing program. Tuition and course fees come to around $1000.

Learn more about CNA classes in St. Paul.

CNA Programs in Rochester, MN

Winona State College Southeast This is an 80-hour college course (60 classroom, 20 clinical) that awards three college credits as well as preparing you for the CNA examination. Tuition is $578.29 including all books and other incremental fees.

Samaritan Bethany, Inc. The best thing about this course is that it minimizes class sizes in order to provide the best tuition possible. There are never more than ten people to a class, and it is taught by a registered nurse. They offer full and part-time evening classes. Tuition is $575, including textbooks.

Additional Minnesota CNA resources

The above information can likely get you started on your path to becoming a CNA in the state of Minnesota, however, the links below may also be helpful in your educational path or in the future after you’ve gained your CNA certification.

Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry

To contact the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry use the information below:

Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry
Minnesota Department of Health
85 East 7th Place Suite 300
St. Paul, MN 55164-0501
Phone: (651) 215-8705 | (800) 397-6124 (in state only)
Fax: (651) 215-8709

Out of State CNAs

Qualified, active CNAs from other states can transfer their registration to Minnesota by following a simple process. If they are inactive in their home state, it is possible to take the examination for certification in Minnesota without having to do classes first. The process for transferring the license is as follows:

• Complete section A-1 on the Interstate Endorsement Form and send this to your home state’s nurse registry.
• Complete section B-1 and send it to your current employer for proof of employment.
• Submit the whole application, at no cost, to the Minnesota Nurse Registry.

CNA Renewal

After two years, as long as you have worked at least eight hours in that period, the Department of Health will mail out a renewal application 45 days before your license expires, which can be completed and sent back for renewal. If you have not worked in the two-year period, your name is ineligible for the registry.

How much does a CNA make in Minnesota?

Like any job, CNA salary varies depending on where in the state you work, in which institution, and in which industry. CNAs working in scientific research will likely earn significantly more than those working in private companies and homes, for example. Those in urban areas are likely to earn more than rural areas, but of course, the cost of living will be higher as a result. On average, the hourly pay for a CNA in Minnesota is $20.42, or a yearly salary of $42,480. 

U.S. government rendition; copyright is owned by the artist (not necessarily the states), which in this case is the federal government. / Public domain