CNA Classes & Programs in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Get Information from CNA Programs in Minneapolis and Nearby

Minneapolis is home to 12 CNA programs designed for those pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in one of Minnesota's largest metropolitan areas. The city’s extensive healthcare network supports diverse opportunities for aspiring CNAs, providing a range of training options to meet different learning needs and schedules.

Local CNA classes in Minneapolis include options for online learning, accelerated courses, and even free CNA classes for eligible students. These programs are structured to equip participants with the clinical and practical skills required for state certification and job readiness. Graduates can find employment across Minneapolis's many hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies, reflecting the city's strong demand for qualified nursing assistants.

In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area, CNAs earn around $44,560 annually. This regional figure is based on recent data and may be higher than other parts of Minnesota, offering competitive earning potential in the local healthcare sector.

Quick Facts About Minneapolis

  • Population
    426,877
    Residents
  • CNA Programs
    12
    State-approved Programs
  • Median Income
    $76,332
    Median Annual Income
  • CNA Hourly Rate
    $21.42
    Median Hourly Rate
  • CNA Yearly Salary
    $44,560
    Median Annual Salary
  • Facilities
    31
    CMS Healthcare Facilities
    19 Nursing Homes β€’ 5 Hospitals β€’ 7 Home Health Agencies

Get Information from CNA Programs in Minneapolis and Nearby

Schools in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis

Minneapolis provides 12 CNA training programs that prepare students for Minnesota CNA certification and entry into the healthcare workforce. Training options include online classes, accelerated programs, and free CNA training opportunities. Each CNA program equips participants with essential clinical skills while supporting certification exam success, enabling graduates to pursue careers where CNAs are needed throughout Minneapolis’s active medical community.

Types of Classes Available

Free programs: available in Minneapolis through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Minneapolis and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Minneapolis offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.

The Villas at Brookview

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Nursing Facility ✨ Free Program 🏒 Employer Sponsored 🀝 Job Placement Help
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 7505 Country Club Drive, Minnesota 55427

Program Details

Monarch’s paid Nursing Assistant in Training program pays for CNA tuition and testing, provides wages while you train, and includes facility-specific skills competencies. Participants enroll in a Minnesota-approved 75-hour NATCEP.
Total Cost: Free Total Hours: 75

Redeemer Residence Inc

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Nursing Facility ✨ Free Program 🏒 Employer Sponsored πŸ™ Faith-Based Institution 🀝 Job Placement Help
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 625 West 31st Street, Minnesota 55408

Program Details

Free Nursing Assistant education and certification offered through Cassia at the facility. Cassia healthcare centers train, certify, and hire candidates who meet caregiver criteria.
Total Cost: Free

Queen Health Consultants LLC

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Career School πŸ’» Online Available
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 2021 E Hennepin Ave, Suite 100-11, Minnesota 55413

Program Details

Blended CNA training taught by credentialed nurses with multilingual, culturally responsive instruction and online plus in‑person components. Typical timeline is 6 to 10 weeks including exam preparation.
Duration: 6 weeks

North American Medical Academy

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Career School ⚑ Accelerated Program πŸŒ™ Evening Classes Available
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 5201 Bryant Avenue North Suite 108, Minnesota 55430

Program Details

NAMA offers an intensive CNA course with AM and PM options that prepares students through written and hands-on training for the Minnesota CNA exam. Program options run 4 or 8 weeks and total 125 hours.
Total Hours: 125 Duration: 4 weeks

Minneapolis American Red Cross

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Private
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 1201 West River Parkway, Minnesota 55454

Program Details

The American Red Cross Twin Cities location hosts Nurse Assistant Training that includes classroom, skills lab, and supervised clinical instruction to prepare students for entry-level patient care roles.

Minneapolis Community & Tech. College

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Community College πŸ’» Online Available 🀝 Job Placement Help πŸ“… Weekend Classes Available
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 1501 Hennepin Ave, Minnesota 55403

Program Details

Minneapolis College offers a Minnesota Department of Health–approved Nursing Assistant program preparing students for care in long-term, acute, and home settings; the Continuing Education cohort is hybrid with weekend classes and on-campus labs.

Minneapolis VA Medical Center

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Hospital
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 1 Veterans Drive, Minnesota 55417

Program Details

Minneapolis VA Medical Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.

Lincoln International High School

βœ… State Approved 🏫 High School
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 2520 Minnehaha Ave, Minnesota 55404

Program Details

Lincoln International High School is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.

Healthy Helpful Insight Healthcare Institute

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Career School ⚑ Accelerated Program 🀝 Job Placement Help
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 705 42 Avenue North Suite 010, Minnesota 55412

Program Details

Healthy Helpful Insight Healthcare Institute offers a five‑week, in‑person CNA course taught by a master’s‑prepared RN with classroom, lab, and clinical training. The package includes textbook, uniform, lab supplies, and student insurance, plus job placement support.
Total Cost: $2,150 Duration: 5 weeks

Fridley High School

βœ… State Approved 🏫 High School
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 6000 W Moore Lake Dr NE, Minnesota 55432

Program Details

Fridley High School has offered a CNA course enabling students to earn certification through a pilot program. Contact the school for current availability and details.

Benedictine

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Nursing Facility πŸ™ Faith-Based Institution
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 6499 University Avenue NE Suite 300, Minnesota 55432

Program Details

Benedictine is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.

Benedictine Health Ctr of Mpls

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Nursing Facility πŸ™ Faith-Based Institution
πŸ“ Minneapolis, 618 East 17th Street, Minnesota 55404

Program Details

Benedictine Health Ctr of Mpls is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Minneapolis

CNA Salary Information

  • Annual Salary
    $44,560
    Median Yearly Pay
  • Hourly Rate
    $21.42
    Median Per Hour
  • Available Jobs
    13,720
    CNA Positions
Data for the region: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area

In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region, approximately 13,720 CNAs are employed according to recent labor market data. The steady presence of major hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies in the metro area continues to create job opportunities for certified nursing assistants across various care settings.

The CNA salary in Minneapolis reflects regional trends: In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area, CNAs earn around $44,560 annually or about $21.42 per hour, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This median wage is above the statewide Minnesota median of $41,940, indicating that local earning potential may be somewhat higher than in other regions of the state.

CNA jobs in Minneapolis are available at a range of CMS-certified facilities. Notable employers include Mn Veterans Home Minneapolisβ€”a government-owned facility with 341 bedsβ€”and Mount Olivet Careview Home with 155 beds. Hospital positions are available at respected institutions like Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Hennepin County Medical Center. Home health agencies such as Allina Health Home Health also offer employment paths for CNAs seeking work outside traditional facility settings.

Sources


Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis? Explore CNA programs and jobs in St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, and Lakeville, 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 Minneapolis (19 facilities)

19 nursing homes in Minneapolis providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data).

Facility Details

Beds: 341 CNA Hours: 4.0 per day

Facility Details

Beds: 155 CNA Hours: 3.4 per day

Facility Details

Beds: 119 CNA Hours: 2.8 per day

Facility Details

Beds: 174 CNA Hours: 2.8 per day

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Minneapolis (5 facilities)

5 hospitals in Minneapolis offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data).

Minneapolis Va Medical Center

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ One Veterans Drive

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care - Veterans Administration Rating: 5/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 800 East 28Th Street

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 4/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Hennepin County Medical Center

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 701 Park Avenue

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 3/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

M Health Fairview University Of Mn

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 2450 Riverside Avenue

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 3/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Children'S Hospitals & Clinics Of Mn

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 2525 Chicago Avenue South

Facility Details

Type: Childrens Emergency: Available

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Minneapolis (7 facilities)

7 home health agencies in Minneapolis providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data).

Allina Health Home Health

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 2925 Chicago Avenue

Facility Details

Quality: 3.5/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital Care Svcs

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 4916 Excelsior Blvd

Facility Details

Quality: 3.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Best Care Home Health Inc

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 3008 University Ave Southeast

Facility Details

Quality: 2.5/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Facility Details

Quality: 2.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Caremark Home Health Care Llc

Home Health Agency
πŸ“ 720 East Lake Street #100

Facility Details

CNA Services: Not Available Nursing: Not Available

Requirements to Work as a CNA in Minneapolis, MN

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis

How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Minneapolis?

Most CNA programs in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis?

Yes, some schools in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, and Lakeville. 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 Minneapolis?

CNAs in Minneapolis 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.