CNA Classes & Programs in Forest Lake, Minnesota
1 state-approved CNA program in Forest Lake. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Forest Lake
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $44,560
- $21.42 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 13,720
- in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region
- Healthcare facilities
- 1
- 1 nursing home
- Population
- 20,553
- 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.
Aspiring CNAs in Forest Lake can choose from 1 state-approved CNA class designed to prepare them for entry-level roles in healthcare. Located within the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington metro area, Forest Lake offers access to quality training close to home for those beginning their journey as certified nursing assistants.
This single CNA program focuses on providing essential skills needed for Minnesota CNA certification. Students benefit from hands-on learning that meets state standards and supports readiness for employment after graduation. The region's demand for trained CNAs creates steady job opportunities across long-term care settings nearby.
In the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington metro area, which includes Forest Lake, CNAs earn around $44,560 annually based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data—higher than the statewide figure of $41,940 per year.
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Browse CNA Classes in Forest Lake
Available in Forest Lake is 1 CNA class that enables students to qualify for Minnesota certification and start their careers as nursing assistants. This CNA training program delivers foundational instruction aligned with state requirements and prepares graduates for roles where CNAs are needed throughout the local area with growing healthcare demands.
Program Types in Forest Lake
| Type | In Forest Lake | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Forest Lake | See other Minnesota cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Forest Lake | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Forest Lake | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Forest Lake | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Forest Lake
Forest Lake High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 6101 Scandia Trail N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (651) 982-8400
Forest Lake Area High School offers Certified Nursing Assistant certification preparation through its Career Launch program; a student fee applies. The school is not a testing site and students arrange testing separately.
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.
CNA Programs Near Forest Lake
Looking for more options near Forest Lake?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Minnesota cities
- Minneapolis12 programs
- St. Paul15 programs
- Rochester5 programs
- Bloomington4 programs
- Duluth7 programs
- Brooklyn Park8 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Forest Lake
| 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.
CNA jobs in Forest Lake are available in the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington region, where approximately 13,720 Certified Nursing Assistants are employed across hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies serving this part of Minnesota.
The median CNA salary in Forest Lake reflects regional compensation trends: In the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington metro area, CNAs earn around $44,560 per year (about $21.42 hourly), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This amount is above Minnesota’s statewide median salary of $41,940 annually, offering notable pay prospects within this metropolitan region.
CNA job seekers may find positions at Birchwood Health Care Center—a non-profit corporation operating a CMS-certified nursing facility with 100 beds—in Forest Lake itself. While hospital or home health options are not listed locally, proximity to other metropolitan healthcare providers expands employment possibilities within commuting distance of Forest Lake.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Forest Lake (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Forest Lake providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Birchwood Health Care Center604 1St Street Ne(651) 464-5600Map | 100 | 1.9 |
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 Forest Lake? Explore CNA programs and jobs in North Branch, Cambridge, Chisago City, Lindstrom, and Princeton, 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 Forest Lake, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Forest Lake, 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Forest Lake
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Forest Lake?
Most CNA programs in Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake?
Contact the program in Forest Lake directly for its current cost. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Forest Lake?
No program in Forest Lake is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Minnesota cities. 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 Forest Lake?
No program in Forest Lake is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Minnesota cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Forest Lake?
No 4-week program is listed in Forest Lake. 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 Forest Lake there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as North Branch, Cambridge, Chisago City, Lindstrom and Princeton. 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 Forest Lake?
CNAs in Forest Lake are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home in Forest Lake. 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.