CNA Classes & Programs in Rochester, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Rochester and Nearby
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.
Quick Facts About Rochester
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Population120,848Residents
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CNA Programs5State-approved Programs
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Median Income$83,973Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$19.32Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$40,190Median Annual Salary
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Facilities15CMS Healthcare Facilities7 Nursing Homes • 3 Hospitals • 5 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Rochester and Nearby
Schools in Rochester 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
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- Program details & requirements
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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.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Rochester, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Accelerated programs: available in Rochester and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Rochester offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Samaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace Na Trg Prg
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Rochester Community & Technical College
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Madonna Towers of Rochester
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Hawthorne Educational Center, Rochester Public
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CTECH
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Rochester
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$40,190Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$19.32Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs1,530CNA Positions
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.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Rochester? 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 Rochester? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Eden Prairie, Apple Valley, Coon Rapids, Minnetonka, and Edina, 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 Rochester (7 facilities)
7 nursing homes in Rochester providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Charter House Inc
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Samaritan Bethany Home On Eighth
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Madonna Towers Of Rochester Inc
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Edenbrook Rochester West
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Rochester East Health Services
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Rochester (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Rochester offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester
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Olmsted Medical Center
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Community Behavioral Health Hospital Rochester
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Rochester (5 facilities)
5 home health agencies in Rochester providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Aveanna Home Health
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Stanley Jones And Associates
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Comfort Health
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Interim Healthcare Of Rochester
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International Quality Homecare
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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
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.
How much does CNA training cost in Rochester?
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 Rochester?
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?
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 Rochester?
Yes, some schools in Rochester 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 Rochester there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Eden Prairie, Apple Valley, Coon Rapids, Minnetonka, and Edina. 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. 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.