CNA Classes & Programs in Waconia, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Waconia and Nearby
In Waconia, 2 state-approved CNA classes are available to those pursuing careers as certified nursing assistants. These programs cover essential skills needed to succeed in healthcare settings and guide students through the requirements for state certification. The city offers an accessible path into this vital profession through its local training options.
CNA training programs in Waconia prepare students for work in diverse healthcare environments. Local facilities include two CMS-certified nursing homes—Auburn Home In Waconia and Good Samaritan Society - Waconia and Westview Acre—along with Ridgeview Medical Center hospital and Ridgeview Home Care Services agency. This variety provides new CNAs opportunities to gain valuable experience after completing their coursework.
In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region, which includes Waconia, CNAs earn around $44,560 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), which is above the statewide figure of around $41,940.
Quick Facts About Waconia
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Population12,993Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$101,619Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$21.42Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$44,560Median Annual Salary
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Facilities4CMS Healthcare Facilities2 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital • 1 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Waconia and Nearby
Schools in Waconia 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 Waconia
Waconia provides 2 CNA training programs that prepare students for Minnesota CNA certification while building essential patient care skills. These CNA classes enable graduates to qualify for placement on the state registry and pursue roles across local healthcare settings. With career opportunities available in Waconia where certified nursing assistants are valued, these CNA training programs offer an important step toward entering the field.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Waconia, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Accelerated programs: not available in Waconia but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Online programs not available in Waconia but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Waconia High School
Program Details
Good Sam Waconia & Westview Acre
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Waconia
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$44,560Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$21.42Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs13,720CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Waconia are supported by the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region, where approximately 13,720 CNAs are employed according to recent data. This metro area includes numerous hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies that recruit trained certified nursing assistants each year.
The CNA salary in Waconia is based on regional data: In the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area, CNAs earn around $44,560 annually (or about $21.42 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is notably higher than the Minnesota statewide median of $41,940 per year. Actual pay can vary depending on experience level and work setting within Waconia or surrounding communities.
CNA job seekers will find varied employment options at local providers such as Auburn Home In Waconia—a non-profit nursing facility with 37 beds—and Good Samaritan Society - Waconia and Westview Acre with its 75-bed capacity. Ridgeview Medical Center serves as a major regional hospital offering acute care services with a strong overall rating from CMS data (July 2025). For those interested in community-based roles or visiting patients at home, Ridgeview Home Care Services offers additional opportunities within its non-profit structure.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Waconia? 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 Waconia? Explore CNA programs and jobs in St. Peter, Le Sueur, Gaylord, New Prague, and Belle Plaine, 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 Waconia (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Waconia providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Auburn Home In Waconia
Facility Details
Good Samaritan Society - Waconia And Westview Acre
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Waconia (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Waconia offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Waconia (1 facilities)
1 home health agency in Waconia providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Ridgeview Home Care Services
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Waconia, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Waconia, 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 Waconia 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 Waconia
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Waconia?
Most CNA programs in Waconia 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 Waconia?
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 Waconia?
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 Waconia?
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 Waconia?
Yes, some schools in Waconia 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 Waconia there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as St. Peter, Le Sueur, Gaylord, New Prague, and Belle Plaine. 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 Waconia?
CNAs in Waconia 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.