CNA Classes & Programs in Duluth, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Duluth and Nearby
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.
Quick Facts About Duluth
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Population86,772Residents
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CNA Programs7State-approved Programs
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Median Income$63,545Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$18.94Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$39,390Median Annual Salary
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Facilities16CMS Healthcare Facilities8 Nursing Homes • 3 Hospitals • 5 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Duluth and Nearby
Schools in Duluth 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 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.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Duluth through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Duluth and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Duluth offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
The North Shore Estates LLC
Program Details
The College of St Scholastica, School of Nursing
Program Details
Mount Royal Pines III
Program Details
Lake Superior College
Program Details
Ecumen Lakeshore
Program Details
District 709
Program Details
Benedictine Health Center
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Duluth
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$39,390Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$18.94Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs1,540CNA Positions
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.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Duluth? 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 Duluth? Explore CNA programs and jobs in St. Cloud, Brooklyn Center, Savage, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, 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 Duluth (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Duluth providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Ecumen Lakeshore
Facility Details
Bayshore Residence And Rehabilitation Center
Facility Details
Viewcrest Health Center
Facility Details
Aftenro Home
Facility Details
Benedictine Health Center
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Duluth (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Duluth offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
Essentia Health St Mary'S Medical Center
Facility Details
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Duluth (5 facilities)
5 home health agencies in Duluth providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Centerwell Home Health
Facility Details
Aveanna Home Health
Facility Details
Ecumen Home Care Lakeshore
Facility Details
Aspirus St. Luke'S At Home - Home Care - Duluth
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Benedictine Home Health Duluth
Facility Details
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
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.
How much does CNA training cost in Duluth?
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 Duluth?
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 Duluth?
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 Duluth?
Yes, some schools in Duluth 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 Duluth there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as St. Cloud, Brooklyn Center, Savage, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. 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. 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.