CNA Classes & Programs in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
5 state-approved CNA programs in Detroit Lakes, including free and online options. 4-week programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Detroit Lakes
- Programs
- 5
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,940
- $20.17 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 26,910
- across Minnesota
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 9,966
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Detroit Lakes
| Type | In Detroit Lakes | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Detroit Lakes | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | MN State Detroit Lakes ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Detroit Lakes | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 5 CNA programs in Detroit Lakes
Lowest published cost first.
Ecumen Corporate Na Training Program
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1414 Madison Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 847-4486
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.
Visit websiteEmmanuel Detroit Lakes
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1415 Madison Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 847-4486
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.”
Visit websiteEssentia Health Detroit Lakes
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1040 Lincoln Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 847-5611
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.
Visit websiteMN State Detroit Lakes
Cost–Hours75Weeks–
- Address
- 900 Hwy 34 E, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 299-6903
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.
Visit websitePelican Landing
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1325 Pelican Lane, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 847-7777
Pelican Landing is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
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 5 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 Detroit Lakes
| 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 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Detroit Lakes (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Detroit Lakes 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Essentia Health Oak Crossing1040 Lincoln Avenue(218) 847-5611Map | 94 | 3.4 |
| Emmanuel Nursing Home1415 Madison Avenue(218) 844-7179Map | 62 | 2.3 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Detroit Lakes (1 facility)
1 hospital in Detroit Lakes offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Essentia Health St Marys - Detroit LakesAcute Care Hospitals · 1027 Washington Ave(218) 847-5611Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Detroit Lakes (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Detroit Lakes providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Essentia Health Home Care West114 Frazee Street East(651) 665-9795Map | 4.0/5 |
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 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Detroit Lakes.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Detroit Lakes directly for their current costs. 3 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 Detroit Lakes?
Yes. 3 programs in Detroit Lakes are free or employer-paid: Ecumen Corporate Na Training Program, Emmanuel Detroit Lakes and Essentia Health Detroit Lakes. 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 Detroit Lakes?
Yes. MN State Detroit Lakes offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Detroit Lakes?
No 4-week program is listed in Detroit Lakes. 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 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. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Detroit Lakes. 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.