CNA Classes & Programs in Mankato, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Mankato and Nearby
Mankato is home to 8 CNA programs, giving aspiring nursing assistants several options for beginning their healthcare careers. As a key city in southern Minnesota with a college-town atmosphere, Mankato offers resources that help students gain the training needed for CNA certification and prepare for employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and other local care settings.
Alongside standard CNA programs, Mankato offers free CNA classes to help reduce barriers for students pursuing certification. Local job opportunities are available at facilities such as Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato and several area nursing homes. In the Mankato-North Mankato region, CNAs earn around $38,580 annually, which is below the statewide median of approximately $41,940.
CNA classes in Mankato emphasize hands-on training to prepare graduates for patient care roles in skilled nursing facilities and home health settings. These programs support state certification and readiness for entry-level positions with local healthcare employers.
Quick Facts About Mankato
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Population44,444Residents
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CNA Programs8State-approved Programs
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Median Income$61,726Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$18.55Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$38,580Median Annual Salary
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Facilities6CMS Healthcare Facilities4 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital • 1 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Mankato and Nearby
Schools in Mankato 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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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Mankato
Students in Mankato can choose from 8 CNA programs, including free training options designed to prepare candidates for Minnesota state certification. Each CNA training program equips students with practical skills and knowledge essential for success on the certification exam and readiness for immediate employment where CNAs are needed in the local area.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Mankato through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in Mankato but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Online programs not available in Mankato but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Mankato West High School
Program Details
Mankato East High School
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Mankato Office
Program Details
Monarch Healthcare Management Na Training Program
Program Details
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Program Details
Mankato Area Public Schools
Program Details
Ecumen Pathstone Living/Crossi
Program Details
Bethany Lutheran College
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Mankato
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$38,580Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$18.55Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs820CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Mankato are supported by approximately 820 Certified Nursing Assistants employed across various healthcare settings in the Mankato-North Mankato area. This regional employment figure reflects the presence of multiple care facilities and sustained demand for qualified CNAs in both long-term care environments and clinical settings within the community.
The CNA salary in Mankato is guided by regional data: In the Mankato-North Mankato area, CNAs earn around $38,580 per year (median), or approximately $18.55 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is below the Minnesota statewide median of $41,940 annually. Wage levels may vary based on facility type, shift differentials, and experience.
Major local employers include Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato, an acute care hospital known for its nonprofit status and high CMS overall rating. Area nursing homes such as Pathstone Living (69 beds), Oaklawn Care & Rehabilitation Center (60 beds), Laurels Peak Care & Rehabilitation Center (60 beds), and Hillcrest Care & Rehabilitation Center (95 beds) also provide significant employment opportunities. Ecumen Home Care-Pathstone further broadens job possibilities in home health services within the city.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Mankato? 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 Mankato? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Rochester, Maple Grove, Eagan, Burnsville, and Eden Prairie, 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 Mankato (4 facilities)
4 nursing homes in Mankato providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Pathstone Living
Facility Details
Oaklawn Care & Rehabilitation Center
Facility Details
Laurels Peak Care & Rehabilitation Center
Facility Details
Hillcrest Care & Rehabilitation Center
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Mankato (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Mankato offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Mankato (1 facilities)
1 home health agency in Mankato providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Ecumen Home Care-Pathstone
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Mankato, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Mankato, 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 Mankato 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 Mankato
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Mankato?
Most CNA programs in Mankato 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 Mankato?
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 Mankato?
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 Mankato?
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 Mankato?
Yes, some schools in Mankato 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 Mankato there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Rochester, Maple Grove, Eagan, Burnsville, and Eden Prairie. 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 Mankato?
CNAs in Mankato 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.