CNA Classes & Programs in Austin, Minnesota
1 state-approved CNA program in Austin, including 4-week options. Free and online programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Austin
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,940
- $20.17 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 26,910
- across Minnesota
- Healthcare facilities
- 3
- 3 nursing homes
- Population
- 26,156
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Aspiring CNAs in Austin can choose from 1 CNA program, which includes an accelerated track for those seeking quicker entry into healthcare careers. Austin’s position in southern Minnesota supports access to foundational training aligned with state requirements.
The CNA program here prepares students through practical coursework intended to meet Minnesota certification standards while equipping graduates with patient-focused skills needed by local long-term care providers. The accelerated option allows motivated individuals to complete their education more quickly than traditional schedules typically allow.
Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 annually—a useful reference point since detailed city wage data is not currently available for Austin specifically.
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Browse CNA Classes in Austin
Students in Austin can choose from 1 CNA program that prepares participants for Minnesota certification through focused instruction and skill-building experiences. The availability of an accelerated option allows students to complete training more quickly while still meeting all requirements needed for registry placement—supporting job readiness where CNAs are needed throughout Austin’s healthcare sector.
Program Types in Austin
| Type | In Austin | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Austin | See other Minnesota cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Riverland Community College-Austin ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Austin | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Austin | 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 Austin
Riverland Community College-Austin
Cost–Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 1900 8th Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 433-0600
Riverland’s 4-credit Nursing Assistant course delivers classroom and hands-on training for entry-level caregiving in long-term care. Offered at Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, the program is designed to be completed in 4 weeks.
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 Austin
Looking for more options near Austin?
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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 Austin
| 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 Austin are consistently available as local long-term care facilities require qualified staff trained through both standard and accelerated educational pathways offered by its single CNA program.
CNA salary in Austin cannot be determined precisely due to lack of city-level wage statistics; instead, prospective candidates can look to statewide benchmarks provided by BLS OEWS (May 2023). In Minnesota overall, CNAs earn around $41,940 per year—or about $20.17 hourly—reflecting median compensation levels across various regions of the state rather than specifically within Austin itself. City-specific salary data is not available; thus statewide figures serve as the most reliable indicator at this time.
Austin offers three CMS-certified nursing homes: Sacred Heart Care Center (non-profit corporation with 59 beds), St Marks Living (non-profit corporation operating a facility with 57 beds), and Good Samaritan Society - Comforcare (a non-profit provider with capacity for up to 45 residents). These organizations represent significant employment sources locally as well as valuable training sites for newly certified CNAs entering patient-focused roles within long-term care settings.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Austin (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Austin 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sacred Heart Care Center1200 12Th Street Southwest(507) 433-1808Map | 59 | 4.1 |
| St Marks Living400 15Th Avenue Southwest(507) 437-4594Map | 57 | 3.5 |
| Good Samaritan Society - Comforcare1201 17Th Street Ne(507) 437-4526Map | 45 | 2.7 |
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 Austin? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Spring Valley, Blooming Prairie, Hayfield, New Richland, and Adams, 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 Austin, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Austin, 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 Austin 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 Austin.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Austin
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Austin?
Most CNA programs in Austin 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 Community College-Austin.
How much does CNA training cost in Austin?
Contact the program in Austin directly for its current cost. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Austin?
No program in Austin is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Minnesota cities. 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 Austin?
No program in Austin 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 Austin?
Yes. Riverland Community College-Austin 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 Austin there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Spring Valley, Blooming Prairie, Hayfield, New Richland and Adams. 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 Austin?
CNAs in Austin are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes in Austin. 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.