CNA Classes & Programs in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota
1 state-approved CNA program in Sauk Rapids, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Sauk Rapids
- Programs
- 1
- 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 home health agency
- Population
- 13,830
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Sauk Rapids offers 1 CNA program dedicated to preparing future nursing assistants with foundational caregiving skills required by employers throughout central Minnesota. Residents can access this state-approved option close to home without needing to travel far outside the city boundaries—a convenient choice for those launching new healthcare careers locally.
This single program features free CNA classes, making it accessible regardless of financial background while emphasizing skill-building aligned with certification standards set by the State of Minnesota. The curriculum aims to ensure graduates are ready not only for testing but also real-world responsibilities found within area long-term care settings or home health agencies serving Sauk Rapids residents.
In the St. Cloud region, CNAs earn around $36,680 annually according to regional data sources.
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Browse CNA Classes in Sauk Rapids
Sauk Rapids offers 1 free CNA program that prepares students for state registry placement through accessible coursework focused on practical caregiving abilities required by Minnesota certification standards. Graduates gain critical job readiness skills valued across Sauk Rapids healthcare providers, where consistent demand exists for qualified CNAs supporting patient-centered services every day.
Program Types in Sauk Rapids
| Type | In Sauk Rapids | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Good Shepherd Assisted Living ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Sauk Rapids | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Sauk Rapids | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Sauk Rapids | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Sauk Rapids
Good Shepherd Assisted Living
CostFreeHours80Weeks–
- Address
- 1115 4th Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (320) 252-6525
Good Shepherd Community offers a free 80-hour CNA training with partner Scrubs Academy; classroom time is paid and the state exam is covered. Graduates begin working at the campus upon certification.
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.
CNA Programs Near Sauk Rapids
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Minnesota cities
- Minneapolis12 programs
- St. Paul15 programs
- Rochester5 programs
- Bloomington4 programs
- Duluth7 programs
- Brooklyn Park8 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Sauk Rapids
| 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 Sauk Rapids remain steady due to its integration into central Minnesota’s broader medical network centered near St. Cloud. While precise employment figures specific to Sauk Rapids alone are unavailable, regional workforce trends reflect ongoing demand among both long-term care facilities and home health agencies employing newly certified assistants locally and in nearby communities.
CNA salary in Sauk Rapids reflects regional conditions. In the St. Cloud region, the median CNA salary is approximately $36,680 per year or $17.63 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data; this is somewhat lower than the statewide median of $41,940 annually reported across all of Minnesota.
Sauk Rapids features key CMS-certified employers including Good Shepherd Lutheran Home—a nonprofit church-related skilled nursing facility with 146 beds—and Good Shepherd Home Health Care, serving patients needing assistance at home. These organizations provide vital workplace opportunities where new CNAs contribute directly toward improving quality-of-life outcomes among residents served throughout Benton County and beyond.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Sauk Rapids (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Sauk Rapids providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Good Shepherd Lutheran Home1115 4Th Avenue North(320) 252-6525Map | 146 | 3.5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Sauk Rapids (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Sauk Rapids providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Good Shepherd Home Health Care1115 Fourth Avenue North(507) 872-5313Map | 3.0/5 |
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 Sauk Rapids? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Sartell, St. Cloud, Little Falls, Cold Spring, and Mora, 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 Sauk Rapids, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Sauk Rapids, 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 Sauk Rapids 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 Sauk Rapids.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Sauk Rapids
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Sauk Rapids?
Most CNA programs in Sauk Rapids 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 Sauk Rapids?
The CNA program in Sauk Rapids is free or employer-paid.
Are there free CNA classes in Sauk Rapids?
Yes. Good Shepherd Assisted Living 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 Sauk Rapids?
No program in Sauk Rapids 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 Sauk Rapids?
No 4-week program is listed in Sauk Rapids. 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 Sauk Rapids there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Sartell, St. Cloud, Little Falls, Cold Spring and Mora. 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 Sauk Rapids?
CNAs in Sauk Rapids are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 home health agency in Sauk Rapids. 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.