CNA Classes & Programs in Aurora, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Aurora and Nearby
Aspiring CNAs in Aurora can access 1 free CNA program designed to launch their careers within northeastern Minnesota's Duluth region. The availability of tuition-free education helps make entry into this important healthcare field more accessible while ensuring that participants receive essential hands-on instruction needed for certification success.
The city features two major CMS-certified facilities: Essentia Health Northern Pines Medical Center—which houses both hospital services and a nonprofit nursing home—and provides potential job opportunities after graduation from local training programs. In Duluth, CNAs earn around $39,390 annually based on recent wage data; this figure falls below statewide averages but reflects regional conditions accurately.
Aurora’s single free class supports community members aiming to become certified nursing assistants prepared for immediate employment across long-term care or acute hospital settings found nearby.
Quick Facts About Aurora
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Population1,775Residents
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CNA Programs1State-approved Programs
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Median Income$39,500Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$18.94Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$39,390Median Annual Salary
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Facilities2CMS Healthcare Facilities1 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital
Get Information from CNA Programs in Aurora and Nearby
Schools in Aurora 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 Aurora
Aurora offers 1 free CNA program that prepares students for Minnesota state registry placement through focused instruction tailored toward Duluth-region requirements. This option enables participants to access quality education without tuition costs while gaining skills valued by local employers, where career opportunities exist within both hospital environments and long-term care facilities throughout Aurora’s community setting.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Aurora through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in Aurora but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Online programs not available in Aurora but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Essentia Health Northern Pines
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Aurora
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$39,390Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$18.94Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs1,540CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Aurora are part of the broader Duluth-region healthcare workforce, where approximately 1,540 certified nursing assistants are employed across various health service providers according to regional data sources. Demand persists due to staffing needs at hospitals as well as skilled nursing homes found throughout northeastern Minnesota communities like Aurora.
CNA salary in Aurora reflects Duluth-region trends: In Duluth, CNAs earn around $39,390 per year (about $18.94 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is lower than Minnesota's statewide median salary but accurately represents typical earnings within this part of the state based on current data benchmarks provided by official sources.
Aurora's leading CMS-certified facilities include Essentia Health Northern Pines Medical Center—a voluntary non-profit critical access hospital—and its associated nonprofit nursing home division offering 33 beds with an average census over thirty residents daily. These institutions serve as key employers locally and provide career pathways following completion of Aurora’s free CNA training option.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Aurora? 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 Aurora? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Ely, Eveleth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, and Cook, 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 Aurora (1 facilities)
1 nursing home in Aurora providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Essentia Health Northern Pines Medical Center
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Aurora (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Aurora offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Essentia Health Northern Pines Medical Center
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Aurora, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Aurora, 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 Aurora 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 Aurora
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Aurora?
Most CNA programs in Aurora 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 Aurora?
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 Aurora?
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 Aurora?
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 Aurora?
Yes, some schools in Aurora 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 Aurora there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Ely, Eveleth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, and Cook. 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 Aurora?
CNAs in Aurora 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.