CNA Classes & Programs in Willmar, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Willmar and Nearby
Willmar is home to 3 CNA programs for those interested in starting a healthcare career in west-central Minnesota. With a community of just over 21,000 residents, aspiring nursing assistants can access state-approved training that prepares them for certification and local job opportunities. For those seeking a faster path, one accelerated CNA program is available to help students enter the workforce more quickly.
The city supports a range of CNA training programs designed to equip students with both classroom knowledge and practical skills. Graduates often find employment in Willmar's healthcare sector, which includes two nursing homes, two hospitals, and two home health agencies. These facilities consistently seek certified nursing assistants to help deliver quality care across various settings.
Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference for prospective students planning their careers in Willmar.
Quick Facts About Willmar
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Population21,006Residents
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CNA Programs3State-approved Programs
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Median Income$59,132Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$20.17Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$41,940Median Annual Salary
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Facilities6CMS Healthcare Facilities2 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 2 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Willmar and Nearby
Schools in Willmar 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 Willmar
Willmar provides 3 CNA training programs that prepare students for Minnesota state certification and entry into the local healthcare field. Options include an accelerated CNA program for those eager to begin working sooner. Each CNA training program qualifies graduates for state registry placement and supports local demand for CNAs in various care environments.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Willmar, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Accelerated programs: available in Willmar and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Willmar but are offered in other cities throughout Minnesota.
Willmar Senior High School
Program Details
Sunrise Village
Program Details
Ridgewater College - Willmar Campus
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Willmar
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$41,940Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$20.17Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs26,910CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Willmar are consistently available, reflecting ongoing demand in both long-term care and acute care environments. The city's healthcare sector employs a diverse range of nursing staff who support residents across different facility types.
City-specific salary data is not available; therefore, statewide figures provide the best reference: CNAs in Minnesota earn around $41,940 annually (or approximately $20.17 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure serves as a guide for individuals considering CNA careers in Willmar but may not reflect localized wage variations within the city itself.
Major employers of CNAs in Willmar include Bethesda, a non-profit church-related nursing home with 248 beds; Cura of Willmar, a non-profit corporation with 78 beds; Centracare- Rice Memorial Hospital (an acute care hospital operated by local government); Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospital; Divine Home Care Inc; and Bethesda Home Health. These CMS-certified facilities represent some of the primary workplaces for new CNAs entering the field locally.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Willmar? 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 Willmar? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Litchfield, Alexandria, Montevideo, Melrose, and Benson, 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 Willmar (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Willmar providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Bethesda
Facility Details
Cura Of Willmar
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Willmar (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Willmar offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Centracare- Rice Memorial Hospital
Facility Details
Child And Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospital
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Willmar (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Willmar providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Divine Home Care Inc
Facility Details
Bethesda Home Health
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Willmar, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Willmar, 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 Willmar 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 Willmar
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Willmar?
Most CNA programs in Willmar 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 Willmar?
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 Willmar?
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 Willmar?
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 Willmar?
Yes, some schools in Willmar 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 Willmar there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Litchfield, Alexandria, Montevideo, Melrose, and Benson. 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 Willmar?
CNAs in Willmar 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.