CNA Classes & Programs in St. Cloud, Minnesota

4 state-approved CNA programs in St. Cloud, including free, online and evening options. 4-week programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.

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CNA training in St. Cloud

Programs
4
state-approved
Median CNA pay
$36,680
$17.63 an hour
CNA jobs
1,400
in the St. Cloud region
Healthcare facilities
5
2 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 1 home health agency
Population
68,910
residents

Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).

On this page
  1. Get info from schools
  2. CNA classes in St. Cloud
  3. Jobs and pay
  4. Working nearby
  5. Requirements
  6. Career growth
  7. FAQ

What brings you here?

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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.

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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.

Program Types in St. Cloud

TypeIn St. CloudWhere to look
Free or employer-paid1 programSt Cloud VA Health Care System ↓
4-week (accelerated)Not in St. CloudSee other Minnesota cities →
Online or hybrid1 programScrubs Academy, LLC ↓
Evening or weekend1 programScrubs Academy, LLC ↓

A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.

All 4 CNA programs in St. Cloud

Lowest published cost first.

St Cloud VA Health Care System

Acute Facility · St. Cloud, MN 56303FreeEmployer-sponsoredCostFreeHours–Weeks–
Address
4801 Veteran's Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303
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The Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) program hires and trains entry-level staff as nursing assistants using a Minnesota state–approved curriculum with classroom and clinical training at the St. Cloud VA. Cohorts run regularly with graduates moving into NA roles within the VA.

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Scrubs Academy, LLC

Career School · St. Cloud, MN 56301Online/hybridEveningCost$1,250Hours80Weeks–
Address
3735 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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Schedule
Evening classes

Hybrid CNA training offered in St. Cloud, Buffalo, and Nisswa with 80 total hours combining online theory and in-person classroom/clinical instruction. Day and evening cohorts available.

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St Cloud Technical & Community College

Community College · St. Cloud, MN 56303Cost–Hours80Weeks–
Address
1540 Northway Dr, St. Cloud, MN 56303
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HLTH 1402 Nursing Assistant is an 80-hour course with classroom theory, lab and supervised practical training to prepare for the MN registry exam. A 16-hour HLTH 1490 refresher is also offered.

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St. Benedict's Care Center

Nursing Facility · St. Cloud, MN 56304Cost–Hours–Weeks–
Address
1810 Minnesota Boulevard SE, St. Cloud, MN 56304
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St. Benedict's Care Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.

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Cost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.

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CNA Employment Opportunities in St. Cloud

CNA pay and jobs in St. Cloud
Median annual pay$36,680
Median hourly pay$17.63
CNA jobs in the region1,400
Salary regionSt. Cloud

Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.

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.

Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in St. Cloud (2 facilities)

2 nursing homes in St. Cloud providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

Nursing homeBedsCNA hrs/day
St Benedicts Care Center1810 Minnesota Boulevard Southeast(320) 252-0010Map973.0
Edenbrook Of St Cloud1717 University Drive Southeast(320) 251-9120Map772.4

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in St. Cloud (2 facilities)

2 hospitals in St. Cloud offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

HospitalRating
St Cloud HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1406 6Th Ave North(320) 251-2700Map4/5
St Cloud Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 4801 Veterans Drive(320) 252-1670Map–

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in St. Cloud (1 facility)

1 home health agency in St. Cloud providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

AgencyQuality
Spot Rehabilitation Inc2835 West Saint Germain St, Suite 300(866) 931-0949Map3.5/5

Sources

Working in Nearby Cities and Other States

Working in Nearby Cities

Looking beyond St. Cloud? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Buffalo, Monticello, and Hutchinson, 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 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.

See how to become a CNA in Minnesota

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 St. Cloud.

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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?

Scrubs Academy, LLC lists a price of $1,250. Ask the other programs in St. Cloud for theirs. 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 St. Cloud?

Yes. St Cloud VA Health Care System 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 St. Cloud?

Yes. Scrubs Academy, LLC offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.

Are there any 4-week CNA classes in St. Cloud?

No 4-week program is listed in St. Cloud. 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 St. Cloud there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Buffalo, Monticello and Hutchinson. 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. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 1 home health agency in St. Cloud. 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.