CNA Classes & Programs in Willmar, Minnesota
3 state-approved CNA programs in Willmar, including 4-week options. Free and online programs are offered in other Minnesota cities.
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CNA training in Willmar
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,940
- $20.17 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 26,910
- across Minnesota
- Healthcare facilities
- 6
- 2 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 21,006
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Willmar
| Type | In Willmar | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Willmar | See other Minnesota cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Ridgewater College - Willmar Campus ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Willmar | See other Minnesota cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Willmar | See other Minnesota cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Willmar
Lowest published cost first.
Ridgewater College - Willmar Campus
Cost–Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 2101 15th Avenue NW, Willmar, MN 56201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (320) 222-5200
MDH‑approved Nursing Assistant program with several five‑week options offered at the Willmar campus, featuring hands‑on labs and supervised clinical experiences.
Visit websiteSunrise Village
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1125 9th St SE, Willmar, MN 56201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (320) 235-1602
Sunrise Village is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteWillmar Senior High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2701 30th Street NE, Willmar, MN 56201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (320) 231-8300
Willmar Senior High has offered an on‑site CNA class in partnership with Ridgewater College, taught by a licensed nurse instructor so students can earn CNA while in high school. Ridgewater provides Nursing Assistant training on its Willmar campus supporting local high school partnerships.
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 3 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 Willmar
| 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 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Willmar (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Willmar 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bethesda901 Southeast Willmar Avenue(320) 235-9532Map | 248 | 3.6 |
| Cura Of Willmar1801 Willmar Avenue Southwest(320) 214-2700Map | 78 | 2.6 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Willmar (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Willmar offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Centracare- Rice Memorial HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 301 Becker Ave Sw(320) 235-4543Map | 2/5 |
| Child And Adolescent Behavioral Health HospitalPsychiatric · 2301 Transportation Drive Ne(320) 441-0120Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Willmar (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Willmar providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Divine Home Care Inc322 Southwest 2Nd Street(651) 488-4655Map | 3.0/5 |
| Bethesda Home Health901 Willmar Avenue Se, Suite 2(218) 733-3485Map | 1.5/5 |
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 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Willmar.
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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. The shortest published length here is 5 weeks, at Ridgewater College - Willmar Campus.
How much does CNA training cost in Willmar?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Willmar 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 Willmar?
No program in Willmar 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 Willmar?
No program in Willmar 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 Willmar?
Yes. Ridgewater College - Willmar Campus 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 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. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Willmar. 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.