CNA Classes & Programs in Howard Lake, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Howard Lake and Nearby
Howard Lake offers 1 CNA program dedicated to preparing future nursing assistants for careers across Minnesota’s healthcare sector. Located west of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area, this small town provides focused classroom instruction that meets state-approved standards and supports newcomers entering direct patient care roles.
The Howard Lake CNA training program emphasizes practical skill development aligned with Minnesota certification requirements—helping participants qualify efficiently and confidently for registry placement upon completion of coursework and examinations. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region, CNAs earn around $44,560 annually according to recent wage reports; this figure stands above the statewide median.
The Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake serves as a key local facility where newly certified CNAs can seek employment following successful completion of their studies and credentialing process.
Quick Facts About Howard Lake
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Population1,852Residents
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CNA Programs1State-approved Programs
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Median Income$85,677Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$21.42Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$44,560Median Annual Salary
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Facilities1CMS Nursing Home
Get Information from CNA Programs in Howard Lake and Nearby
Schools in Howard Lake and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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Browse CNA Classes in Howard Lake
Howard Lake offers 1 CNA class that trains participants toward placement on the Minnesota state registry while building strong patient-care abilities through hands-on learning experiences where possible. This CNA training program prepares graduates thoroughly, and steady demand throughout Howard Lake enables successful pursuit of opportunities requiring official state certification upon completion.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Howard Lake, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Accelerated programs: not available in Howard Lake but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Online programs not available in Howard Lake but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Howard Lake Waverly Winsted Hs
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Howard Lake
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$44,560Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$21.42Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs13,720CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Howard Lake remain steady within the town and its surrounding areas due to ongoing needs in long-term care settings and similar environments serving aging populations near the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area.
In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region, CNAs earn a median annual wage of approximately $44,560, equating to about $21.42 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This regional figure surpasses the statewide median of $41,940 observed across Minnesota overall, offering prospective workers insight into competitive earning potential relative to broader benchmarks.
A major employer locally is Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake, a non profit - corporation facility operating with 32 beds and serving nearly 30 residents daily according to CMS records from July 2025. This facility provides trusted opportunities for newly credentialed CNAs entering the workforce after completing approved training programs here or elsewhere nearby.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Howard Lake? 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 Howard Lake? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Buffalo, Winsted, Apple Valley, Edina, and Shakopee, 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 Howard Lake (1 facilities)
1 nursing home in Howard Lake providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Howard Lake, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Howard 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 Howard 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
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Howard Lake
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Howard Lake?
Most CNA programs in Howard 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 Howard Lake?
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 Howard Lake?
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 Howard Lake?
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 Howard Lake?
Yes, some schools in Howard Lake 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 Howard Lake there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Buffalo, Winsted, Apple Valley, Edina, and Shakopee. 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 Howard Lake?
CNAs in Howard Lake 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.