CNA Classes & Programs in Northfield, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Northfield and Nearby
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.
Quick Facts About Northfield
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Population20,518Residents
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CNA Programs4State-approved Programs
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Median Income$83,125Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$20.17Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$41,940Median Annual Salary
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Facilities2CMS Healthcare Facilities1 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital
Get Information from CNA Programs in Northfield and Nearby
Schools in Northfield 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 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.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Northfield, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Accelerated programs: available in Northfield and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Northfield offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Three Links Care Center
Program Details
Northfield Retirement Community Online
Program Details
NH+C EMS Station
Program Details
St Olaf Nursing Lab
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Northfield
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$41,940Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$20.17Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs26,910CNA Positions
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.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Northfield? 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 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Northfield (1 facilities)
1 nursing home in Northfield providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Three Links Care Center
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Northfield (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Northfield offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
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
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.
How much does CNA training cost in Northfield?
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 Northfield?
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?
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 Northfield?
Yes, some schools in Northfield 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 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. 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.