CNA Classes & Programs in Buffalo, Minnesota
3 state-approved CNA programs in Buffalo, including free and online options. 4-week programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Buffalo
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $44,560
- $21.42 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 13,720
- in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 16,288
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Buffalo is home to 3 CNA programs that prepare individuals for entry into the healthcare field. With a growing population and a place within the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area, aspiring nursing assistants benefit from access to multiple training options designed to support their certification journey and career goals.
Local students can choose between traditional in-person CNA classes as well as online offerings, with 2 programs available in each format. For those seeking affordability, Buffalo also features free CNA classes to help reduce barriers to entry. Training is supported by a local network of healthcare employers, creating strong connections between education and job opportunities.
In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region, CNAs earn around $44,560 annually. Graduates of Buffalo’s CNA programs can pursue employment at area hospitals, nursing homes, or home health agencies after successful certification.
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Browse CNA Classes in Buffalo
Students in Buffalo can choose from 3 CNA programs, including online options and free training opportunities. Each CNA training program prepares candidates for Minnesota state certification by equipping them with practical skills and knowledge needed for success. Graduates are qualified for employment where CNAs are needed throughout Buffalo, supporting healthcare delivery and meeting regional demand for certified nursing assistants.
Program Types in Buffalo
| Type | In Buffalo | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Buffalo | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Buffalo | 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 Buffalo
Lowest published cost first.
Lake Ridge Care Ctr of Buffalo
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 310 Lake Boulevard South, Buffalo, MN 55313
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (763) 404-4600
Cassia offers a free CNA training program at Lake Ridge with online and in-person instruction; trainees receive a full scholarship and are scheduled for employment upon successful completion.
Visit websitePark View Care Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 200 Park Lane, Buffalo, MN 55313
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (763) 682-1131
Cassia offers free CNA training for Park View with online and in-person instruction and scheduled employment upon successful completion. The program provides a full scholarship for training and support into a CNA role at the community.
Visit websiteWright Technical Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1405 3rd Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (763) 682-4112
The Health Science program follows the Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Assistant curriculum and prepares students for the state nursing assistant test. The year-long course is approximately 250 to 320 hours depending on block.
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 Buffalo
| Median annual pay | $44,560 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $21.42 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 13,720 |
| Salary region | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region, approximately 13,720 CNAs are employed across various healthcare settings. The area offers a steady demand for trained nursing assistants as its population continues to grow and local facilities seek qualified staff to maintain high standards of patient care. CNA jobs in Buffalo are supported by this regional employment landscape.
The median CNA salary in Buffalo is not tracked at the city level; instead, regional data provides insight into earning potential. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area, CNAs earn around $44,560 per year (or $21.42 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure stands above the Minnesota statewide median of $41,940 annually, reflecting higher wages typical of urban regions with greater healthcare needs and competition for staff. CNA salary in Buffalo is best referenced by these regional figures.
Buffalo offers a range of CMS-certified healthcare facilities that provide employment opportunities for CNAs. Notable employers include Lake Ridge Care Center of Buffalo, a non-profit nursing home with 56 beds and over 50 residents on average; Park View Care Center, another significant non-profit facility with 92 beds; and Buffalo Hospital, an acute care hospital known for its high overall rating and birthing-friendly services. Home health positions may also be available through Adara Home Health Inc., a proprietary agency rated for quality services in the local community.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Buffalo (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Buffalo providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Ridge Care Center Of Buffalo, Inc.310 Lake Boulevard(763) 404-4600Map | 56 | 2.6 |
| Park View Care Center200 Park Lane(763) 682-1131Map | 92 | 2.6 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Buffalo (1 facility)
1 hospital in Buffalo offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Buffalo HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 303 Catlin Street(763) 682-1212Map | 5/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Buffalo (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Buffalo providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Adara Home Health Inc25 1St Avenue Ne Ste 100(218) 347-1800Map | 3.0/5 |
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 Buffalo? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Cokato, Howard Lake, Winsted, Monticello, and Rockford, 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 Buffalo, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Buffalo, 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Buffalo
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Buffalo?
Most CNA programs in Buffalo 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 Buffalo?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Buffalo directly for their current costs. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Buffalo?
Yes. 2 programs in Buffalo are free or employer-paid: Lake Ridge Care Ctr of Buffalo and Park View Care Center. 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 Buffalo?
Yes. 2 programs in Buffalo offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Buffalo?
No 4-week program is listed in Buffalo. 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 Buffalo there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Cokato, Howard Lake, Winsted, Monticello and Rockford. 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 Buffalo?
CNAs in Buffalo are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Buffalo. 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.