CNA Classes & Programs in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Get Information from CNA Programs in Detroit Lakes and Nearby

Detroit Lakes is home to 5 CNA programs designed for individuals interested in starting a healthcare career. With options that include free CNA classes and at least one online program, students can find flexible training paths tailored to different needs. The city’s programs help prepare candidates for the Minnesota CNA exam and the skills required for entry-level nursing assistant roles.

Local healthcare employers in Detroit Lakes include two CMS-certified nursing homes, a hospital, and a home health agency. These facilities provide job opportunities for newly certified CNAs and practical experience for students in training. Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023); city-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference.

Graduates of CNA programs in Detroit Lakes can pursue employment at facilities like Essentia Health Oak Crossing or Emmanuel Nursing Home, as well as Essentia Health St Marys - Detroit Lakes and Essentia Health Home Care West. These options offer diverse settings for those entering the field.

Quick Facts About Detroit Lakes

  • Population
    9,966
    Residents
  • CNA Programs
    5
    State-approved Programs
  • Median Income
    $60,317
    Median Annual Income
  • CNA Hourly Rate
    $20.17
    Median Hourly Rate
  • CNA Yearly Salary
    $41,940
    Median Annual Salary
  • Facilities
    4
    CMS Healthcare Facilities
    2 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital • 1 Home Health Agencies

Get Information from CNA Programs in Detroit Lakes and Nearby

Schools in Detroit Lakes and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.

You'll receive information about:

  • Upcoming start dates & schedules
  • Tuition costs & financial aid options
  • Class locations & formats
  • Program details & requirements

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Browse CNA Classes in Detroit Lakes

Students in Detroit Lakes can choose from 5 CNA classes, including free training and online CNA classes that prepare them for Minnesota state certification. These CNA training programs enable participants to qualify for the state registry while building essential patient care skills. Graduates are prepared to meet regional healthcare demand with career opportunities as certified nursing assistants throughout Detroit Lakes.

Types of Classes Available

Free programs: available in Detroit Lakes through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in Detroit Lakes but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Online programs: Some classes in Detroit Lakes offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.

Pelican Landing

✅ State Approved 🏫 Nursing Facility
📍 Detroit Lakes, 1325 Pelican Lane, Minnesota 56501

Program Details

Pelican Landing is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.

MN State Detroit Lakes

✅ State Approved 🏫 Community College 💻 Online Available
📍 Detroit Lakes, 900 Hwy 34 E, Minnesota 56501

Program Details

M State Workforce Development Solutions offers a Minnesota Department of Health–approved Nursing Assistant course. Delivery is in person or hybrid with 75 total hours; nurse aide testing is offered at the Detroit Lakes campus.
Total Hours: 75

Essentia Health Detroit Lakes

✅ State Approved 🏫 Nursing Home ✨ Free Program 🏢 Employer Sponsored 🤝 Job Placement Help
📍 Detroit Lakes, 1040 Lincoln Ave, Minnesota 56501

Program Details

Oak Crossing offers paid CNA training that covers the cost of education; trainees are promoted to CNA roles with a raise and scheduled shifts after passing the exam. Training occurs at Oak Crossing, Essentia’s long‑term care facility in Detroit Lakes.
Total Cost: Free

Emmanuel Detroit Lakes

✅ State Approved 🏫 Nursing Home ✨ Free Program 🏢 Employer Sponsored 🤝 Job Placement Help
📍 Detroit Lakes, 1415 Madison Avenue, Minnesota 56501

Program Details

Ecumen Detroit Lakes provides on‑the‑job training and Nursing Assistant certification classes so employees can earn pay while preparing for the CNA test. Ecumen notes it “grows our own CNAs.”
Total Cost: Free

Ecumen Corporate Na Training Program

✅ State Approved 🏫 Nursing Home ✨ Free Program 🏢 Employer Sponsored
📍 Detroit Lakes, 1414 Madison Ave, Minnesota 56501

Program Details

Ecumen Detroit Lakes offers paid on‑the‑job CNA training with Nursing Assistant certification classes for employees. Trainees earn while they learn under experienced staff on campus.
Total Cost: Free

CNA Employment Opportunities in Detroit Lakes

CNA Salary Information

  • Annual Salary
    $41,940
    Median Yearly Pay
  • Hourly Rate
    $20.17
    Median Per Hour
  • Available Jobs
    26,910
    CNA Positions
Data for the region: Minnesota State area

CNA employment opportunities in Detroit Lakes are supported by several local healthcare providers, including both nursing homes and a hospital. While specific city-level employment counts are not available, CNAs remain in steady demand as part of the essential workforce supporting patient care needs throughout the region.

Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 per year (approximately $20.17 per hour), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference when considering compensation expectations for new or experienced CNAs seeking roles in Detroit Lakes.

The city features four CMS-certified healthcare facilities, offering varied work environments for certified nursing assistants. Notable employers include Essentia Health Oak Crossing, a non-profit nursing facility with 94 beds; Emmanuel Nursing Home, another non-profit provider; Essentia Health St Marys - Detroit Lakes, an acute care hospital; and Essentia Health Home Care West, which offers both home health aide and nursing care services. This range of facilities gives CNAs diverse settings to begin or continue their careers locally.

Sources


Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Detroit Lakes? 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 Detroit Lakes? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Lake Park, Frazee, Menahga, Moorhead, and Fergus Falls, 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 Detroit Lakes (2 facilities)

2 nursing homes in Detroit Lakes providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

📊 Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data).

Emmanuel Nursing Home

Nursing Home
📍 1415 Madison Avenue

Facility Details

Beds: 62 CNA Hours: 2.3 per day

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Detroit Lakes (1 facilities)

1 hospital in Detroit Lakes offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

Essentia Health St Marys - Detroit Lakes

Hospital
📍 1027 Washington Ave

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 4/5 ⭐ Emergency: Not Available

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Detroit Lakes (1 facilities)

1 home health agency in Detroit Lakes providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

Facility Details

Quality: 4.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Requirements to Work as a CNA in Detroit Lakes, MN

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Detroit Lakes, 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 Detroit Lakes 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 Detroit Lakes

How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Detroit Lakes?

Most CNA programs in Detroit Lakes 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 Detroit Lakes?

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 Detroit Lakes?

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 Detroit Lakes?

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 Detroit Lakes?

Yes, some schools in Detroit Lakes 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 Detroit Lakes there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Lake Park, Frazee, Menahga, Moorhead, and Fergus Falls. 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 Detroit Lakes?

CNAs in Detroit Lakes 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.