CNA Classes & Programs in Duluth, Minnesota
7 state-approved CNA programs in Duluth, including free, online and 4-week options.
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CNA training in Duluth
- Programs
- 7
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,390
- $18.94 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,540
- in the Duluth region
- Healthcare facilities
- 16
- 8 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 5 home health agencies
- Population
- 86,772
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Duluth is home to 7 CNA programs designed to help aspiring nursing assistants prepare for Minnesota certification. This lakeside city offers a variety of training options, including classroom-based learning and the flexibility of online classes. For those seeking low-cost entry into healthcare, free CNA classes are also available within the city, making it easier for residents to begin their journey toward a rewarding healthcare career.
Local CNA training programs in Duluth provide essential skills and knowledge needed to work in long-term care, hospitals, and home health settings. The presence of CMS-certified facilities such as Ecumen Lakeshore and Viewcrest Health Center highlights the local demand for certified nursing assistants. With the option to enroll in an accelerated program, students can complete their training more quickly and transition into the workforce with confidence.
In Duluth, CNAs earn around $39,390 annually according to recent data. Graduates benefit from the variety of local employment opportunities across nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies once they complete their CNA courses.
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Browse CNA Classes in Duluth
Students in Duluth can choose from 7 CNA programs, including both online classes and an accelerated option. These CNA training programs prepare individuals for Minnesota state certification while building practical skills needed for success as a nursing assistant. Graduates are equipped for certification exams and ready to meet local healthcare demand throughout Duluth, where CNAs play vital roles in patient care settings.
Program Types in Duluth
| Type | In Duluth | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | The College of St Scholastica, School of Nursing ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Duluth | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 7 CNA programs in Duluth
Lowest published cost first.
Ecumen Lakeshore
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4002 London Road, Duluth, MN 55804
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 625-7100
Ecumen Lakeshore provides paid on‑the‑job CNA training and Nursing Assistant certification classes for team members. New hires can earn certification on the job with training delivered at the community.
Visit websiteThe North Shore Estates LLC
CostFreeHours75Weeks–
- Address
- 7700 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 628-2341
Monarch offers a paid Nursing Assistant in Training program that covers the Minnesota 75-hour NATCEP with paid time to work while you train. Training and state testing costs are covered.
Visit websiteThe College of St Scholastica, School of Nursing
Cost$1,225Hours78Weeks–
- Address
- 1200 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (800) 447-5444
St. Scholastica’s Nursing Assistant Training uses the LeadingAge OnTrack curriculum in a hybrid format with 44 hours online and 34 hours in person at the Duluth campus. The flexible, accelerated course prepares students for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry test.
Visit websiteLake Superior College
Cost$1,650Hours80Weeks–
- Address
- 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55811
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 733-7600
LSC’s MDH-approved CNA + NATO course totals 80 hours and is delivered in a hybrid format with online D2L coursework and on-campus labs; the class fee includes one knowledge and one skills exam.
Visit websiteBenedictine Health Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 935 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 514-7069
Benedictine Health Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteDistrict 709
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 709 Portia Johnson Drive, Duluth, MN 55811
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 336-8700
Duluth Adult Education lists CNA Certified Nursing Assistant among its Career Paths and works with partners to help learners build skills and connect to training. Free online and in-person classes are noted on the program page.
Visit websiteMount Royal Pines III
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 50 E Saint Marie St Duluth, Duluth, MN 55802
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 724-5500
Mount Royal Pines III 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 7 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
- Brooklyn Park8 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Duluth
| 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.
In the Duluth region, approximately 1,540 CNAs are employed across various healthcare settings. This employment figure reflects opportunities not only within city limits but also throughout the surrounding area, where certified nursing assistants support patient care in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies.
The CNA salary in Duluth is around $39,390 per year or $18.94 per hour, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This median wage is slightly below the Minnesota median of $41,940 annually and reflects local economic conditions and facility needs.
Duluth’s healthcare sector includes employers such as Ecumen Lakeshore and Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation Center, as well as hospitals like Essentia Health St Mary’s Medical Center and St Lukes Hospital. Home health agencies such as Centerwell Home Health and Aveanna Home Health further expand career possibilities for certified nursing assistants in the city.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Duluth (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Duluth providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ecumen Lakeshore4002 London Road(218) 625-7100Map | 60 | 2.9 |
| Bayshore Residence And Rehabilitation Center1601 St Louis Avenue(218) 727-8651Map | 140 | 2.6 |
| Viewcrest Health Center3111 Church Street(218) 727-8801Map | 88 | 2.4 |
| Aftenro Home510 West College Street(218) 728-6600Map | 54 | 2.4 |
| Benedictine Health Center935 Kenwood Avenue(218) 514-7069Map | 96 | 2.3 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Duluth (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Duluth offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Essentia Health DuluthAcute Care Hospitals · 502 East Second Street(218) 786-8364Map | 4/5 |
| Essentia Health St Mary'S Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 402 East Second Street(218) 786-4000Map | 4/5 |
| St Lukes HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 915 East 1St Street(218) 249-5555Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Duluth (5 facilities)
5 home health agencies in Duluth providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Centerwell Home Health11 East Superior Street Suite 508(612) 249-7900Map | 4.5/5 |
| Aveanna Home Health4602 Grand Avenue, Suite 800(218) 625-8280Map | 3.5/5 |
| Ecumen Home Care Lakeshore4000 London Road(218) 547-1340Map | 3.5/5 |
| Aspirus St. Luke'S At Home - Home Care - Duluth1011 East 1St Street(218) 843-3612Map | 3.0/5 |
| Benedictine Home Health Duluth935 Kenwood Avenue(320) 348-1867Map | 2.5/5 |
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 Duluth? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Cloquet, Two Harbors, Carlton, Hibbing, and Eveleth, 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 Duluth, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Duluth, 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 Duluth 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 Duluth.
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 Duluth
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Duluth?
Most CNA programs in Duluth can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. Accelerated programs, such as The College of St Scholastica, School of Nursing, usually take 3 to 5 weeks.
How much does CNA training cost in Duluth?
CNA programs in Duluth cost between $1,225 and $1,650, depending on the school. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. The lowest-priced paid option is The College of St Scholastica, School of Nursing at $1,225. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Duluth?
Yes. 2 programs in Duluth are free or employer-paid: Ecumen Lakeshore and The North Shore Estates LLC. 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 Duluth?
Yes. 2 programs in Duluth offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Duluth?
Yes. The College of St Scholastica, School of Nursing 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 Duluth there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Cloquet, Two Harbors, Carlton, Hibbing and Eveleth. 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 Duluth?
CNAs in Duluth are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 8 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 5 home health agencies in Duluth. 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.