CNA Classes & Programs in Albert Lea, Minnesota
3 state-approved CNA programs in Albert Lea, including free, online and 4-week options.
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CNA training in Albert Lea
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,940
- $20.17 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 26,910
- across Minnesota
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 3 nursing homes and 1 hospital
- Population
- 18,434
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Albert Lea
| Type | In Albert Lea | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Good Sam Albert Lea ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Riverland College-Albert Lea ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Good Sam Albert Lea ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Albert Lea | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Albert Lea
Lowest published cost first.
Good Sam Albert Lea
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 75507 240th Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 373-0683
Employer-paid CNA training is available through Sanford Health/Good Samaritan Society with hybrid online coursework and in-person skills at the Albert Lea site. Training, testing, and state registration are paid for hired trainees.
Visit websiteKnutson Place Apartments
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 801 Luther Place, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 373-8226
Knutson Place Apartments is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteRiverland College-Albert Lea
Cost–Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 2200 Riverland Drive, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 433-0600
Riverland’s Nursing Assistant course is a 4‑credit, short-term program offered in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna that combines classroom and lab learning. Quick Facts indicate a 4‑week format.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 3 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Minnesota cities
- Minneapolis12 programs
- St. Paul15 programs
- Rochester5 programs
- Bloomington4 programs
- Duluth7 programs
- Brooklyn Park8 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Albert Lea
| Median annual pay | $41,940 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $20.17 |
| CNA jobs across Minnesota | 26,910 |
| Salary region | Minnesota (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Albert Lea (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Albert Lea providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| St Johns On Fountain Lake1771 Eagle View Circle(507) 373-2040Map | 84 | 2.9 |
| Good Samaritan Society - Albert Lea75507 240Th Street(507) 373-0683Map | 80 | 2.7 |
| Thorne Crest Retirement Center1201 Garfield Avenue(507) 373-2311Map | 52 | 2.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Albert Lea (1 facility)
1 hospital in Albert Lea offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic Health System - Albert Lea And AustinAcute Care Hospitals · 404 West Fountain Street(507) 373-2384Map | 5/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Albert Lea.
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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. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Riverland College-Albert Lea.
How much does CNA training cost in Albert Lea?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Albert Lea directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Albert Lea?
Yes. Good Sam Albert Lea offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Albert Lea?
Yes. Good Sam Albert Lea offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Albert Lea?
Yes. Riverland College-Albert Lea is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 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. CMS lists 3 nursing homes and 1 hospital in Albert Lea. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.