CNA Classes & Programs in Rochester, Minnesota
5 state-approved CNA programs in Rochester, 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 Rochester
- Programs
- 5
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $40,190
- $19.32 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,530
- in the Rochester region
- Healthcare facilities
- 15
- 7 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 5 home health agencies
- Population
- 120,848
- 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.
Aspiring CNAs in Rochester can choose from 5 approved programs designed to help launch their careers in this prominent southern Minnesota city known for its world-class healthcare institutions. Training options cater to both new entrants and those seeking flexible schedules or fast-track certification pathways.
CNA classes in Rochester include online offerings as well as accelerated program formats that allow students to complete their studies quickly—sometimes within just four weeks—depending on eligibility and availability. Each course is structured to build practical skills needed for success on state exams while preparing graduates for immediate job placement after completion.
In Rochester itself, CNAs earn around $40,190 annually based on recent metro area data—figures which reflect both strong local demand and established career pathways through major medical centers like Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester.
Get Info from CNA Schools in Rochester
Fill in the short form to get information from CNA schools that serve Rochester, 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 Rochester
Students in Rochester can choose from 5 CNA classes—including online courses and an accelerated option—that enable them to qualify for Minnesota certification and placement on the state registry. These CNA training programs focus on preparing participants for certification exams while supporting readiness for local jobs where CNAs play an essential role within Rochester’s leading healthcare sector.
Program Types in Rochester
| Type | In Rochester | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Rochester | See other Minnesota cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Samaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace Na Trg Prg ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Samaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace Na Trg Prg ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Rochester | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 5 CNA programs in Rochester
Lowest published cost first.
CTECH
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2130 College View Road East, Rochester, MN 55904
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 328-5780
CTECH’s Health Science pathway offers courses through Rochester Public Schools that prepare high school students to earn the Certified Nursing Assistant credential. Programming is delivered during the school day at CTECH in partnership with Rochester Community and Technical College.
Visit websiteHawthorne Educational Center, Rochester Public
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 700 Fourth Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 328-4440
Hawthorne Adult Education offers a Minnesota State Certified Nursing Assistant course with CPR as part of its Bridges to College & Careers pathway. The program includes preparation for the CNA exam and navigation into employment or college.
Visit websiteMadonna Towers of Rochester
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4001 19th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 512-3593
Madonna Towers of Rochester is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteRochester Community & Technical College
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 285-7557
RCTC’s Nursing Assistant (NA 1500) provides theory, lab, and clinical training that meets Minnesota requirements for long‑term care. A DHS background study is required; details are provided by the program prior to clinicals.
Visit websiteSamaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace Na Trg Prg
Cost–Hours75Weeks5
- Address
- 24 NW 8 St., Rochester, MN 55901
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (507) 289-4031
Samaritan Bethany offers a 5-week hybrid Nursing Assistant (NA/R) program in partnership with OnTrack, combining online modules with on-site skills labs and clinicals. The curriculum includes 45 hours of online education, 14 hours of skills lab, and 16 hours of clinicals.
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 5 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
- Bloomington4 programs
- Duluth7 programs
- Brooklyn Park8 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Rochester
| Median annual pay | $40,190 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $19.32 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,530 |
| Salary region | Rochester |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Rochester region, approximately 1,530 certified nursing assistants are employed according to recent regional workforce statistics. Local demand remains steady due to several large medical centers as well as skilled nursing facilities serving residents throughout southeastern Minnesota.
The CNA salary in Rochester reflects specific local conditions: In Rochester’s metro area, CNAs earn around $40,190 per year or about $19.32 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This median wage is slightly below Minnesota’s statewide median of $41,940 but remains in line with regional conditions and employer presence led by institutions like Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester.
CNA jobs in Rochester are available at CMS-certified facilities such as Charter House (a nonprofit with 32 beds), Samaritan Bethany Home On Eighth (128 beds), Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester—a highly regarded voluntary nonprofit hospital system—and Olmsted Medical Center, along with agencies like Aveanna Home Health serving clients across residential settings in the community.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Rochester (7 facilities)
7 nursing homes in Rochester providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Charter House Inc211 Northwest Second Street(507) 266-8572Map | 32 | 3.4 |
| Samaritan Bethany Home On Eighth24 8Th Street Northwest(507) 289-4031Map | 128 | 2.7 |
| Madonna Towers Of Rochester Inc4001 19Th Avenue Northwest(507) 512-3593Map | 62 | 2.5 |
| Edenbrook Rochester West2215 Highway 52 North(507) 288-1818Map | 48 | 2.3 |
| Rochester East Health Services501 Eighth Avenue Southeast(507) 288-6514Map | 111 | 2.2 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Rochester (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Rochester offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic Hospital RochesterAcute Care Hospitals · 1216 Second Street Southwest(507) 255-5123Map | 5/5 |
| Olmsted Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1650 Fourth Street Southeast(507) 529-6600Map | 4/5 |
| Community Behavioral Health Hospital RochesterPsychiatric · 251 Wood Lake Drive Southeast(507) 206-2561Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Rochester (5 facilities)
5 home health agencies in Rochester providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Aveanna Home Health3428 Lakeridge Pl Nw, Ste 115(952) 933-1362Map | 3.5/5 |
| Stanley Jones And Associates1800 High Pointe Lane Nw, Suite 250(218) 362-6937Map | 3.0/5 |
| Comfort Health2746 Superior Dr Nw Suite 200(651) 232-2800Map | 2.0/5 |
| Interim Healthcare Of Rochester2222 18Th Avenue Nw, Suite 210(651) 702-4663Map | 2.0/5 |
| International Quality Homecare3900 Fairway Place Nw(320) 231-9757Map | 1.5/5 |
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 Rochester? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Kasson, Owatonna, Austin, Winona, 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.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Rochester, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rochester, 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 Rochester 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 Rochester.
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 Rochester
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Rochester?
Most CNA programs in Rochester can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 5 weeks, at Samaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace Na Trg Prg.
How much does CNA training cost in Rochester?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Rochester 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 Rochester?
No program in Rochester 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 Rochester?
Yes. Samaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace Na Trg Prg offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Rochester?
Yes. Samaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace Na Trg Prg 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 Rochester there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Kasson, Owatonna, Austin, Winona 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 Rochester?
CNAs in Rochester are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 7 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 5 home health agencies in Rochester. 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.