CNA Classes & Programs in Wadena, Minnesota
1 state-approved CNA program in Wadena, including online, 4-week, evening and weekend options. Free programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Wadena
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,940
- $20.17 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 26,910
- across Minnesota
- Healthcare facilities
- 2
- 1 nursing home and 1 hospital
- Population
- 4,328
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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In Wadena, 1 state-approved CNA class is available to help residents launch careers in healthcare support roles. This northern Minnesota city offers practical training that prepares future nursing assistants for success on the job and with certification requirements. With flexible options like online study and accelerated learning available locally, Wadena provides a convenient starting point for aspiring CNAs.
CNA programs in Wadena focus on Minnesota state certification and hands-on skill development needed for direct patient care. Students can benefit from an online course format as well as accelerated program options designed to help them enter the workforce quickly. Upon completion of their training, graduates are prepared to pursue positions at local healthcare facilities or throughout the state where certified nursing assistants are hired.
Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 annually according to current data; city-specific salary figures are not available for Wadena.
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Browse CNA Classes in Wadena
Students in Wadena can choose from 1 CNA class that prepares participants for Minnesota CNA certification through flexible options such as online instruction and accelerated programs. The curriculum is designed to build job-ready skills and prepare students for placement on the state registry with career opportunities where CNAs are needed locally and across Minnesota’s healthcare sector.
Program Types in Wadena
| Type | In Wadena | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Wadena | See other Minnesota cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | MN State Wadena ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | MN State Wadena ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | MN State Wadena ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Wadena
MN State Wadena
Cost–Hours75Weeks–
- Address
- 405 Colfax Ave, Wadena, MN 56482
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (218) 299-6903
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
M State’s Workforce Development Solutions offers a Minnesota-approved 75-hour Nursing Assistant course available in person or hybrid. Schedules vary by campus and may run days, evenings or weekends.
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.
CNA Programs Near Wadena
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Minnesota cities
- Minneapolis12 programs
- St. Paul15 programs
- Rochester5 programs
- Bloomington4 programs
- Duluth7 programs
- Brooklyn Park8 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Wadena
| Median annual pay | $41,940 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $20.17 |
| CNA jobs across Minnesota | 26,910 |
| Salary region | Minnesota (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Wadena are supported by local healthcare facilities serving both city residents and those from surrounding areas. Demand remains steady as providers continue recruiting certified nursing assistants who have completed approved training programs and achieved state registry status.
City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference for prospective CNAs considering work in Wadena. According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs in Minnesota earn a median of $41,940 annually (about $20.17 per hour). These numbers reflect typical earnings but may vary depending on workplace setting or experience level.
Wadena features two CMS-certified facilities: Fair Oaks Nursing & Rehab—a 75-bed nursing facility—and Astera Health hospital, a critical access provider. Both play important roles as major employers of CNAs locally by offering services ranging from skilled nursing care to hospital-based support roles within their organizations.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Wadena (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Wadena providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Oaks Nursing & Rehab Llc201 Shady Lane Drive(218) 631-1391Map | 75 | 2.4 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Wadena (1 facility)
1 hospital in Wadena offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Astera HealthCritical Access Hospitals · 421 11Th Street Nw(218) 631-3510Map | – |
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 Wadena? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids, Perham, and Staples, 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 Wadena, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Wadena, 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 Wadena 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 Wadena.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Wadena
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Wadena?
Most CNA programs in Wadena can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. Accelerated programs, such as MN State Wadena, usually take 3 to 5 weeks.
How much does CNA training cost in Wadena?
Contact the program in Wadena directly for its current cost. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Wadena?
No program in Wadena 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 Wadena?
Yes. MN State Wadena offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Wadena?
Yes. MN State Wadena is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Wadena there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids, Perham and Staples. 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 Wadena?
CNAs in Wadena are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 hospital in Wadena. 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.