CNA Classes & Programs in Waconia, Minnesota
2 state-approved CNA programs in Waconia. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Waconia
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $44,560
- $21.42 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 13,720
- in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 12,993
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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.
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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.
Program Types in Waconia
| Type | In Waconia | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Waconia | See other Minnesota cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Waconia | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Waconia | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Waconia | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Waconia
Lowest published cost first.
Good Sam Waconia & Westview Acre
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 333 5th Street West, Waconia, MN 55387
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (952) 442-5459
Good Sam Waconia & Westview Acre is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteWaconia High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1400 Community Dr, Waconia, MN 55387
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (952) 442-0670
The MDH‑approved Nursing Assistant course is offered through Southwest Metro and includes Medical Terminology and clinical experience at partner sites. The handbook lists Nursing Assistant/Medical Terminology among available options for grades 11–12.
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.
Not sure which of the 2 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Minnesota cities
- Minneapolis12 programs
- St. Paul15 programs
- Rochester5 programs
- Bloomington4 programs
- Duluth7 programs
- Brooklyn Park8 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Waconia
| Median annual pay | $44,560 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $21.42 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 13,720 |
| Salary region | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Waconia (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Waconia 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 home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn Home In Waconia594 Cherry Drive(952) 442-6600Map | 37 | 2.6 |
| Good Samaritan Society - Waconia And Westview Acre333 Fifth Street West(952) 442-5459Map | 75 | 2.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Waconia (1 facility)
1 hospital in Waconia offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ridgeview Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 500 South Maple Street(952) 442-2191Map | 5/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Waconia (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Waconia providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Ridgeview Home Care Services501 South Maple Street Ste 1(218) 546-2311Map | 3.5/5 |
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 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Waconia.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Waconia directly for their current costs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Waconia?
No program in Waconia is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Minnesota cities. 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?
No program in Waconia 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 Waconia?
No 4-week program is listed in Waconia. 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 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. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Waconia. 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.