CNA Classes & Programs in Thief River Falls, Minnesota

Get Information from CNA Programs in Thief River Falls and Nearby

Aspiring CNAs in Thief River Falls can choose from 3 approved CNA programs that prepare students for roles within Minnesota’s healthcare sector. The city offers diverse options, including one free CNA class and one online program, making it possible to access training that fits different schedules and financial situations while working toward state certification.

The available courses ensure that future CNAs gain both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience essential for employment after graduation. Facilities such as Oakland Park Nursing Home, Thief River Care Center, Sanford Behavioral Health Center, Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center, and Pennington & Red Lake County Public Health & Home Care serve as potential employers for certified nursing assistants.

Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 annually, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). While this salary figure is based on statewide data due to unavailable city-level statistics, it remains helpful when exploring career possibilities locally or throughout Minnesota.

Quick Facts About Thief River Falls

  • Population
    8,871
    Residents
  • CNA Programs
    3
    State-approved Programs
  • Median Income
    $65,086
    Median Annual Income
  • CNA Hourly Rate
    $20.17
    Median Hourly Rate
  • CNA Yearly Salary
    $41,940
    Median Annual Salary
  • Facilities
    5
    CMS Healthcare Facilities
    2 Nursing Homes β€’ 2 Hospitals β€’ 1 Home Health Agencies

Get Information from CNA Programs in Thief River Falls and Nearby

Schools in Thief River Falls 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 Thief River Falls

Thief River Falls offers 3 CNA programs that prepare participants for Minnesota state certification, including flexible options such as an online class and a free training opportunity. These programs help students acquire practical skills for the certification exam and support future careers in regional healthcare environments where CNAs are needed.

Types of Classes Available

Free programs: available in Thief River Falls through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in Thief River Falls but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Online programs: Some classes in Thief River Falls offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.

Thief River Care Center

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Nursing Facility πŸ™ Faith-Based Institution
πŸ“ Thief River Falls, 2001 Eastwood Drive, Minnesota 56701

Program Details

Thief River Care Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.

Oakland Park Communities

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Nursing Facility ✨ Free Program 🏒 Employer Sponsored
πŸ“ Thief River Falls, 123 Baken Street, Minnesota 56701

Program Details

Employer-sponsored CNA training is available for new hires, with the company providing or paying for the class to achieve certification within four months. Positions list CNA certification or ability to complete training as a condition of employment.
Total Cost: Free

Northland C&T College

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Community College πŸ’» Online Available πŸ’΅ Financial Aid Available
πŸ“ Thief River Falls, 1101 Hwy 1, East, Minnesota 56701

Program Details

Northland’s Nursing Assistant certificate combines lecture, lab, and supervised clinical experience and is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health. The hybrid course prepares students with core caregiving skills and infection control practices.
Total Cost: $780 Total Hours: 80

CNA Employment Opportunities in Thief River Falls

CNA Salary Information

  • Annual Salary
    $41,940
    Median Yearly Pay
  • Hourly Rate
    $20.17
    Median Per Hour
  • Available Jobs
    26,910
    CNA Positions
Data for the region: Minnesota State area

CNA jobs in Thief River Falls are accessible thanks to several area employers, including long-term care centers, hospitals specializing in behavioral health services, medical centers with critical access designations, and public health agencies delivering home care services throughout Pennington County and beyond.

City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference. Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 per yearβ€”about $20.17 hourlyβ€”according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This serves as a guideline when evaluating compensation expectations across different healthcare settings after certification.

Major employers include Oakland Park Nursing Home (35 beds), Thief River Care Center (70 beds), Sanford Behavioral Health Center (a specialized psychiatric facility), Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center (a voluntary non-profit critical access hospital with emergency services), and Pennington & Red Lake County Public Health & Home Care (a government-operated home health agency). These CMS-certified organizations represent key sources of employment for new CNAs entering the field locally.

Sources


Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Thief River Falls? 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 Thief River Falls? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Red Lake Falls, Greenbush, Karlstad, Stephen, and East Grand Forks, 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 Thief River Falls (2 facilities)

2 nursing homes in Thief River Falls providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data).

Facility Details

Beds: 35 CNA Hours: 2.7 per day

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Thief River Falls (2 facilities)

2 hospitals in Thief River Falls offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data).

Sanford Behavioral Health Center

Hospital
πŸ“ 120 Labree Avenue South

Facility Details

Type: Psychiatric Emergency: Not Available

Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 3001 Sanford Parkway

Facility Details

Type: Critical Access Hospitals Emergency: Available

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Thief River Falls (1 facilities)

1 home health agency in Thief River Falls providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

Pennington & Red Lake County Public Health & Home Care

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 101 Main Avenue North

Facility Details

Quality: 2.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Requirements to Work as a CNA in Thief River Falls, MN

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Thief River Falls, 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 Thief River Falls 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 Thief River Falls

How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Thief River Falls?

Most CNA programs in Thief River Falls 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 Thief River Falls?

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 Thief River Falls?

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 Thief River Falls?

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 Thief River Falls?

Yes, some schools in Thief River Falls 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 Thief River Falls there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Red Lake Falls, Greenbush, Karlstad, Stephen, and East Grand Forks. 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 Thief River Falls?

CNAs in Thief River Falls 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.