CNA Classes & Programs in St. Cloud, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in St. Cloud and Nearby
Aspiring CNAs in St. Cloud can choose from 4 state-approved programs designed to help launch their careers in healthcare. Located along the Mississippi River and known as a regional hub in central Minnesota, St. Cloud offers accessible paths toward certification through multiple local providers serving diverse student needs.
CNA classes here include both traditional and online options as well as free CNA classes—giving prospective students flexible ways to meet Minnesota's certification requirements while balancing other commitments. In St. Cloud itself, CNAs earn around $36,680 annually; this figure reflects current regional wage levels according to recent data sources and allows candidates insight into local earning potential when planning their education journey.
The presence of several reputable training programs makes St. Cloud an appealing location for those seeking thorough preparation through accredited CNA courses before entering this rewarding field.
Quick Facts About St. Cloud
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Population68,910Residents
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CNA Programs4State-approved Programs
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Median Income$58,910Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$17.63Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$36,680Median Annual Salary
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Facilities5CMS Healthcare Facilities2 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 1 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in St. Cloud and Nearby
Schools in St. Cloud 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
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in St. Cloud
Available in St. Cloud are 4 CNA classes—including both online options and free programs—that enable students to pursue Minnesota certification and registry placement efficiently. These varied CNA training programs equip participants with vital patient care skills while meeting regional healthcare demand, where certified nursing assistants continue to play an important role locally.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in St. Cloud through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in St. Cloud but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Online programs: Some classes in St. Cloud offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
St. Benedict's Care Center
Program Details
St Cloud Technical & Community College
Program Details
St Cloud VA Health Care System
Program Details
Scrubs Academy, LLC
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in St. Cloud
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$36,680Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$17.63Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs1,400CNA Positions
In St. Cloud, a central city known as a medical hub, approximately 1,400 certified nursing assistants are employed according to recent data specific to this region. CNA jobs in St. Cloud are supported by steady demand as local hospitals and long-term care centers continue serving a diverse population across central Minnesota communities.
The CNA salary in St. Cloud stands at around $36,680 per year (about $17.63 per hour), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data specific to this city’s labor market. While this figure is below Minnesota's statewide median salary of $41,940 annually, it reflects regional wage conditions for entry-level healthcare roles locally.
CNA employment opportunities exist at several CMS-certified facilities, including St Benedicts Care Center—a nonprofit corporation with 97 beds—and Edenbrook Of St Cloud—a corporate-owned facility with 77 beds. Major employers also include St Cloud Hospital (voluntary nonprofit acute care), St Cloud VA Medical Center (Veterans Health Administration), and Spot Rehabilitation Inc., a non-profit home health agency, providing additional avenues for trained professionals seeking work within St. Cloud’s healthcare sector.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in St. Cloud? 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 St. Cloud? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Blaine, Coon Rapids, Inver Grove Heights, Burnsville, 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in St. Cloud (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in St. Cloud providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
St Benedicts Care Center
Facility Details
Edenbrook Of St Cloud
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in St. Cloud (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in St. Cloud offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in St. Cloud (1 facilities)
1 home health agency in St. Cloud providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Spot Rehabilitation Inc
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in St. Cloud, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in St. Cloud, 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 St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in St. Cloud?
Most CNA programs in St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud?
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 St. Cloud?
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 St. Cloud?
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 St. Cloud?
Yes, some schools in St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Blaine, Coon Rapids, Inver Grove Heights, Burnsville, 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 St. Cloud?
CNAs in St. Cloud 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.