CNA Classes & Programs in Winona, Minnesota
Get Information from CNA Programs in Winona and Nearby
In Winona, 4 CNA programs—including free options and online classes—are available to help prospective Certified Nursing Assistants begin their careers in healthcare support roles. Located along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, Winona’s programs reflect strong ties between educational institutions and local medical facilities dedicated to quality patient care.
CNA courses here offer diverse pathways: from standard classroom instruction and online learning formats to free CNA classes that lower barriers to entry for aspiring professionals seeking certification success. These options aim to equip graduates with skills required by regional employers such as Lake Winona Manor or Winona Health Services—each serving critical roles within long-term and acute care landscapes locally.
Statewide in Minnesota, CNAs earn around $41,940 annually; this figure serves as a benchmark since detailed city-level wage data is unavailable at present time.
Quick Facts About Winona
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Population26,083Residents
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CNA Programs4State-approved Programs
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Median Income$52,500Median 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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Facilities4CMS Healthcare Facilities3 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital
Get Information from CNA Programs in Winona and Nearby
Schools in Winona and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
You'll receive information about:
- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Winona
Students in Winona can choose from 4 CNA programs, including free training options and online classes, that prepare them thoroughly for state registry placement and success on certification exams. These varied CNA classes foster job readiness while supporting career opportunities across Winona’s healthcare sector where demand continues for skilled certified assistants.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Winona through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Winona and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Winona offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Winona State University
Program Details
Minnesota State College Southeast - Winona Campus
Program Details
Cotter High School
Program Details
Benedictine Saint Anne Training Center
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Winona
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 Winona remain in steady demand thanks to a mix of long-term care providers and hospital-based employers serving both urban residents and those from neighboring communities along southeastern Minnesota’s river corridor.
CNA salary in Winona cannot be determined precisely due to lack of city-level wage statistics. Instead, statewide information provides guidance: according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs in Minnesota earn around $41,940 annually or approximately $20.17 per hour (median). City-specific salary data is not available; thus these statewide benchmarks give prospective employees a realistic expectation when considering compensation trends locally versus across broader regions of the state.
The city features several notable CMS-certified employers including Lake Winona Manor (a non-profit facility offering up to 80 beds), Sauer Health Care (61-bed non-profit corporation), Saint Anne Extended Healthcare (103-bed non-profit corporation), as well as Winona Health Services—an acute care hospital recognized both regionally and locally for delivering voluntary non-profit services alongside emergency capabilities rated by CMS (July 2025).
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Winona? 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 Winona? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Lake City, Chatfield, Wabasha, Eyota, and Rushford, 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 Winona (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Winona providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Lake Winona Manor
Facility Details
Sauer Health Care
Facility Details
Saint Anne Extended Healthcare
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Winona (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Winona offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Winona, MN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Winona, 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 Winona 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 Winona
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Winona?
Most CNA programs in Winona 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 Winona?
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 Winona?
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 Winona?
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 Winona?
Yes, some schools in Winona 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 Winona there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Lake City, Chatfield, Wabasha, Eyota, and Rushford. 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 Winona?
CNAs in Winona 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.