CNA Classes & Programs in Aurora, Minnesota
1 state-approved CNA program in Aurora, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Aurora
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,390
- $18.94 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,540
- in the Duluth region
- Healthcare facilities
- 2
- 1 nursing home and 1 hospital
- Population
- 1,775
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Aurora
| Type | In Aurora | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Essentia Health Northern Pines ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Aurora | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Aurora | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Aurora | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Aurora
Essentia Health Northern Pines
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 5211 Highway 110, Aurora, MN 55705
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 229-2211
Northern Pines Care Center offers a no‑cost CNA training program in partnership with Advanced Minnesota; trainees are paid during training and exam costs are covered.
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.
CNA Programs Near Aurora
Looking for more options near Aurora?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Minnesota cities
- Minneapolis12 programs
- St. Paul15 programs
- Rochester5 programs
- Bloomington4 programs
- Duluth7 programs
- Brooklyn Park8 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Aurora
| Median annual pay | $39,390 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.94 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,540 |
| Salary region | Duluth |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Aurora (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Aurora providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Essentia Health Northern Pines Medical Center5211 Highway 110(218) 229-3311Map | 33 | 2.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Aurora (1 facility)
1 hospital in Aurora offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Essentia Health Northern Pines Medical CenterCritical Access Hospitals · 5211 Highway 110(218) 229-2211Map | – |
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 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Aurora.
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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?
The CNA program in Aurora is free or employer-paid.
Are there free CNA classes in Aurora?
Yes. Essentia Health Northern Pines 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 Aurora?
No program in Aurora is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Minnesota cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Aurora?
No 4-week program is listed in Aurora. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Minnesota cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
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. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 hospital in Aurora. 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.