CNA Classes & Programs in Northfield, Minnesota
4 state-approved CNA programs in Northfield, including online and 4-week options. Free programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
CNA training in Northfield
- Programs
- 4
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,940
- $20.17 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 26,910
- across Minnesota
- Healthcare facilities
- 2
- 1 nursing home and 1 hospital
- Population
- 20,518
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
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.
Northfield is home to 4 CNA programs tailored for individuals seeking a pathway into healthcare careers within this college-town setting along southern Minnesota’s Cannon River. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to change fields, Northfield’s approved programs provide accessible options close to home—including one online offering and one accelerated track designed for quick entry into the workforce.
CNA classes here focus on equipping students with practical experience alongside classroom instruction required for Minnesota certification and registry placement. The presence of both acute hospital care at Northfield Hospital and skilled nursing at Three Links Care Center means graduates can pursue diverse opportunities within their own community after completing their training.
Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available; thus statewide figures serve as a reference point when considering potential earnings after program completion.
Get Info from CNA Schools in Northfield
Fill in the short form to get information from CNA schools that serve Northfield, such as cost, schedules and start dates.
CNA program search
✓ Free Service✓ No Obligations✓ Compare Multiple Programs
We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Browse CNA Classes in Northfield
Northfield’s 4 CNA programs prepare future nursing assistants through options such as online classes and an accelerated course designed for rapid entry into healthcare roles. Each CNA training program supports eligibility for Minnesota certification and registry placement while meeting regional healthcare demand where new CNAs are valued team members after graduation.
Program Types in Northfield
| Type | In Northfield | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Northfield | See other Minnesota cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | St Olaf Nursing Lab ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | St Olaf Nursing Lab ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Northfield | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 4 CNA programs in Northfield
Lowest published cost first.
NH+C EMS Station
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1600 Riverview Lane, Northfield, MN 55057
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 646-1444
NH+C EMS Station is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteNorthfield Retirement Community Online
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 900 Cannon Valley Drive, Northfield, MN 55057
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 645-9511
Northfield Retirement Community Online is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteSt Olaf Nursing Lab
Cost–Hours75Weeks4
- Address
- 1520 St Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 786-2222
St. Olaf’s CNA certificate is a 75-hour blended program with online coursework and on-campus labs and clinical training led by nurse instructors. Most students finish in about 4 weeks.
Visit websiteThree Links Care Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 815 Forest Ave, Northfield, MN 55057
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 664-8800
Three Links partners with local colleges to conduct onsite Certified Nursing Assistant classes that provide hands-on training with residents. Employees may receive scholarships and full reimbursement for CNA tuition and books.
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.
Not sure which of the 4 programs fits you?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Minnesota cities
- Minneapolis12 programs
- St. Paul15 programs
- Rochester5 programs
- Bloomington4 programs
- Duluth7 programs
- Brooklyn Park8 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Northfield
| Median annual pay | $41,940 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $20.17 |
| CNA jobs across Minnesota | 26,910 |
| Salary region | Minnesota (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Northfield remain steady as the community relies on trained staff in local hospitals and long-term care centers. With both an acute care hospital and a significant skilled nursing facility present within city limits, demand remains consistent year-round across varying shifts and specialties.
No city-specific wage statistics are available; therefore, statewide benchmarks apply: CNAs in Minnesota earn around $41,940 per year (or roughly $20.17 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure provides insight into typical compensation expectations but may not account fully for possible local differences found in Northfield-based roles or specific employers’ pay scales.
CNA job opportunities are most commonly found at facilities such as Three Links Care Center—a CMS-certified non-profit corporation offering 92 beds—and Northfield Hospital (a government-operated acute care hospital providing emergency services). These institutions serve as key employers supporting patient needs while providing stable career pathways for certified nurse aides residing in Northfield or nearby communities.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Northfield (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Northfield providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Three Links Care Center815 Forest Avenue(507) 664-8800Map | 92 | 2.7 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Northfield (1 facility)
1 hospital in Northfield offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Northfield HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 2000 North Avenue(507) 646-1000Map | – |
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 Northfield? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Dodge Center, Owatonna, Faribault, Farmington, and Hastings, 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 Northfield, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Northfield, 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 Northfield 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 Northfield.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Northfield
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Northfield?
Most CNA programs in Northfield can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at St Olaf Nursing Lab.
How much does CNA training cost in Northfield?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Northfield directly for their current costs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Northfield?
No program in Northfield 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 Northfield?
Yes. St Olaf Nursing Lab offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Northfield?
Yes. St Olaf Nursing Lab is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Northfield there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Dodge Center, Owatonna, Faribault, Farmington and Hastings. 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 Northfield?
CNAs in Northfield are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 hospital in Northfield. 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.