CNA Classes & Programs in Albert Lea, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Albert Lea and Nearby
In Albert Lea, 3 state-approved CNA classes are available to those interested in pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant. Situated in southern Minnesota, Albert Lea's programs offer pathways tailored for skill development and certification readiness without needing to travel far from home.
CNA training programs here include options such as free CNA classes and online courses—features that enhance accessibility and flexibility for diverse learners. Students benefit from a curriculum designed to equip them with foundational caregiving skills while preparing them thoroughly for Minnesota’s certification exam process. Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 annually; city-specific salary data is not available at this time.
Graduates of CNA programs in Albert Lea can explore employment at local nursing homes or hospital settings within the community after successfully completing their studies and obtaining certification.
Quick Facts About Albert Lea
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Population18,434Residents
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CNA Programs3State-approved Programs
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Median Income$56,347Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$20.17Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$41,940Median Annual Salary
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Facilities4CMS Healthcare Facilities3 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital
Get Information from CNA Programs in Albert Lea and Nearby
Schools in Albert Lea and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Albert Lea
Albert Lea offers 3 CNA training programs, including flexible options such as online courses, accelerated programs, and free training opportunities. Each program prepares students for Minnesota state certification and registry placement, helping them develop practical skills for immediate employment in healthcare settings throughout the Albert Lea area.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Albert Lea through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Albert Lea and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Albert Lea offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Riverland College-Albert Lea
Program Details
Knutson Place Apartments
Program Details
Good Sam Albert Lea
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Albert Lea
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$41,940Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$20.17Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs26,910CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Albert Lea remain steady as local healthcare providers consistently seek qualified staff to meet resident care needs across multiple facility types. Employment numbers specific to Albert Lea are not provided; however, regional demand supports ongoing hiring efforts within this part of Minnesota.
No city-level or metro-specific wage information is available; therefore, statewide salary figures serve as a benchmark reference point. According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs in Minnesota earn around $41,940 annually or $20.17 per hour on a median basis. City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference when considering earning potential after certification.
The community features several CMS-certified employers including St Johns on Fountain Lake—a non-profit church-related facility with 84 beds—as well as Good Samaritan Society - Albert Lea (80 beds) and Thorne Crest Retirement Center (52 beds). Acute care positions may also be available at Mayo Clinic Health System - Albert Lea And Austin hospital, a voluntary non-profit institution recognized locally for its high quality standards and comprehensive services.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Albert Lea? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
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Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Albert Lea? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Blue Earth, Wells, Austin, Blooming Prairie, and Lake Crystal, or browse the Minnesota CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Albert Lea (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Albert Lea providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
St Johns On Fountain Lake
Facility Details
Good Samaritan Society - Albert Lea
Facility Details
Thorne Crest Retirement Center
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Albert Lea (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Albert Lea offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Mayo Clinic Health System - Albert Lea And Austin
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Albert Lea, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Albert Lea, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Minnesota. These include completing a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Examination administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and being listed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised practical training with a live person in a lab or clinical setting
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both the knowledge test (70 questions, 74% to pass) and the skills evaluation (three or four randomly assigned skills, 30 minutes)
- Up to four attempts on the knowledge test and three attempts on the skills test, with both passed within a 24-month testing cycle before retraining is required
- Placement on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry maintained by MDH
Once listed on the registry, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Albert Lea and across Minnesota. To maintain active registry status, nursing assistants must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing assistant work every 24 months.
Already certified in another state? Minnesota offers interstate endorsement for out-of-state nurse aides who are active and in good standing on another state's registry. To qualify without retesting, applicants must have completed at least 8 hours of paid nursing assistant work in that state during the preceding 24 months. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Minnesota guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Minnesota guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Albert Lea
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Albert Lea?
Most CNA programs in Albert Lea can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Albert Lea?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Albert Lea?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Albert Lea?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Albert Lea?
Yes, some schools in Albert Lea or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Albert Lea there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Blue Earth, Wells, Austin, Blooming Prairie, and Lake Crystal. You can also look at the Minnesota state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Minnesota CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Minnesota, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Minnesota CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Albert Lea?
CNAs in Albert Lea are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.