CNA Classes & Programs in Paynesville, Minnesota
2 state-approved CNA programs in Paynesville. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Paynesville
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,680
- $17.63 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,400
- in the St. Cloud region
- Healthcare facilities
- 2
- 1 nursing home and 1 hospital
- Population
- 2,432
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Paynesville offers 2 CNA programs for those interested in starting a career as a nursing assistant. This small Minnesota city provides training options designed to help students build the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for success on the state certification exam. Whether entering healthcare for the first time or seeking career advancement, aspiring CNAs can find relevant training opportunities close to home.
Students in Paynesville benefit from access to both a local hospital and a nursing home, which play important roles in supporting healthcare needs throughout the community. These facilities often provide valuable job opportunities for new graduates of CNA classes, allowing them to quickly transition from classroom learning to real-world patient care roles in familiar surroundings.
In the St. Cloud region, CNAs earn around $36,680 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Local graduates may find employment within Paynesville's healthcare facilities or explore options throughout the broader St. Cloud area.
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Browse CNA Classes in Paynesville
Paynesville offers 2 CNA training programs that prepare students for Minnesota state certification and immediate entry into the workforce. These programs are structured to develop essential caregiving skills and enable participants to qualify for placement on the state registry. Graduates can expect job readiness that aligns with regional healthcare demand, as certified nursing assistants are needed in various settings throughout Paynesville.
Program Types in Paynesville
| Type | In Paynesville | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Paynesville | See other Minnesota cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Paynesville | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Paynesville | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Paynesville | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Paynesville
Lowest published cost first.
Cura Hybrid Nursing Assistant Training Program
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 311 Washburne Ave, Paynesville, MN 56362
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (320) 399-4267
Cura Hybrid Nursing Assistant Training Program is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websitePaynesville High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 795 Old Highway 23, Paynesville, MN 56362
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (320) 243-3761
Paynesville High School offers a Certified Nursing Assistant course in partnership with St. Cloud Technical & Community College, held as a zero-hour class three mornings per week. Students register through SCTCC.
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.
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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 Paynesville
| Median annual pay | $36,680 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.63 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,400 |
| Salary region | St. Cloud |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Paynesville are supported by the broader St. Cloud region, where approximately 1,400 certified nursing assistants are employed according to available data. This indicates steady employment opportunities for CNAs not only within Paynesville but also in surrounding communities that rely on skilled healthcare workers in both residential and clinical environments.
The CNA salary in Paynesville is best reflected by regional figures, as city-specific salary data is not available. In the St. Cloud region, CNAs earn around $36,680 per year (or approximately $17.63 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is somewhat below the Minnesota statewide median of $41,940 annually, highlighting potential differences between metro and state benchmarks.
Local job prospects are supported by CMS-certified facilities such as Paynesville Health Care Center—a 51-bed, for-profit nursing facility—and Centracare Health Paynesville Hospital, which operates as a critical access hospital with private nonprofit ownership. These institutions represent key employers in the area and offer a range of patient care settings where newly certified CNAs may begin their careers.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Paynesville (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Paynesville providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Paynesville Health Care Center200 First Street West(320) 399-4267Map | 51 | 3.3 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Paynesville (1 facility)
1 hospital in Paynesville offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Centracare Health Paynesville HospitalCritical Access Hospitals · 200 1St Street West(320) 243-3767Map | – |
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 Paynesville? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Melrose, New London, Willmar, Sartell, and Litchfield, 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 Paynesville, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Paynesville, 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 Paynesville 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 Paynesville.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Paynesville
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Paynesville?
Most CNA programs in Paynesville 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 Paynesville?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Paynesville 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 Paynesville?
No program in Paynesville 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 Paynesville?
No program in Paynesville is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Minnesota cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Paynesville?
No 4-week program is listed in Paynesville. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Minnesota cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Paynesville there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Melrose, New London, Willmar, Sartell and Litchfield. 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 Paynesville?
CNAs in Paynesville are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 hospital in Paynesville. 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.