CNA Classes & Programs in Sandstone, Minnesota
2 state-approved CNA programs in Sandstone, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Sandstone
- Programs
- 2
- 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
- 2,566
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
What brings you here?
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In Sandstone, 2 state-approved CNA classes are available for those aiming to start a healthcare career as certified nursing assistants. The programs serve new entrants interested in patient care roles across Pine County and beyond. With options that include free CNA classes locally, Sandstone offers accessible pathways toward certification and employment readiness.
CNA training programs here equip students with practical skills tailored to meet Minnesota’s certification requirements. Graduates gain essential preparation for the state exam while developing core competencies valued by employers such as Sandstone Health Care Center and Essentia Health Sandstone hospital—both CMS-certified facilities within the city limits.
Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 per year according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available; statewide figures should be used as an approximate guide when evaluating potential earnings as a CNA in Sandstone.
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Browse CNA Classes in Sandstone
Sandstone offers 2 CNA training programs that prepare participants for Minnesota CNA certification through classroom learning and hands-on experience. Free CNA training is available locally, enabling students to qualify without financial barriers while gaining practical skills needed by employers. These classes support job readiness and help graduates pursue positions where CNAs are needed across the region’s healthcare settings.
Program Types in Sandstone
| Type | In Sandstone | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Sandstone Health Care Center ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Sandstone | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Sandstone | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Sandstone | 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 Sandstone
Lowest published cost first.
Sandstone Health Care Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 109 Court Avenue South, Sandstone, MN 55072
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (320) 245-3150
Employer-provided CNA class with paid training and no-cost tuition, preparing you to work as a nursing assistant at the facility. Hiring into a trainee role with a pathway to employment is advertised.
Visit websiteEssentia Hospital Sandstone
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 705 Lundorff Dr, Sandstone, MN 55072
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (320) 245-5600
Essentia Hospital Sandstone is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
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 2 programs fits you?
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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 Sandstone
| 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 Sandstone provide vital support within both long-term care facilities and hospital environments. While precise employment numbers specific to Sandstone are not reported, demand exists throughout local healthcare providers seeking trained nursing assistants able to deliver quality patient care across multiple settings.
City-specific salary data is not published; therefore, statewide figures from Minnesota serve as the main reference point for compensation expectations. According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs in Minnesota earn around $41,940 annually (approximately $20.17 per hour). This median wage reflects overall trends but may differ depending on location or employer within the state.
Major employers of CNAs in Sandstone include Sandstone Health Care Center—a CMS-certified nursing facility with 50 beds—and Essentia Health Sandstone hospital, which operates as a critical access hospital under voluntary non-profit ownership. These organizations represent primary sources of employment and practical experience for newly certified nurse aides entering the workforce locally.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Sandstone (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Sandstone providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Sandstone Health Care Center109 Court Avenue South(320) 245-3150Map | 50 | 3.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Sandstone (1 facility)
1 hospital in Sandstone offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Essentia Health SandstoneCritical Access Hospitals · 705 Lundorff Drive South(320) 245-5600Map | – |
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 Sandstone? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Moose Lake, Finlayson, Mora, Pine City, and Crosby, 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 Sandstone, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Sandstone, 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 Sandstone 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 Sandstone.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Sandstone
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Sandstone?
Most CNA programs in Sandstone 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 Sandstone?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Sandstone directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Sandstone?
Yes. Sandstone Health Care Center offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Sandstone?
No program in Sandstone 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 Sandstone?
No 4-week program is listed in Sandstone. 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 Sandstone there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Moose Lake, Finlayson, Mora, Pine City and Crosby. 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 Sandstone?
CNAs in Sandstone are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 hospital in Sandstone. 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.