CNA Classes & Programs in Merrill, Wisconsin
2 state-approved CNA programs in Merrill. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Wisconsin cities.
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CNA training in Merrill
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $40,010
- $19.24 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 25,950
- across Wisconsin
- Healthcare facilities
- 2
- 1 nursing home and 1 hospital
- Population
- 9,266
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Merrill offers 2 CNA programs, giving individuals pathways to begin a career in healthcare. This northern Wisconsin community provides aspiring CNAs with access to education that meets state requirements, preparing students for certification and employment. The presence of both a hospital and a nursing home in Merrill supports those seeking quality CNA training programs close to home.
Students enrolled in CNA classes here benefit from proximity to local healthcare facilities such as Pine Crest Nursing Home and Aspirus Merrill Hospital. These institutions serve as potential employers after graduation and may also offer valuable opportunities for clinical experience during training. While there are no online or accelerated programs currently available in Merrill, the existing options support those pursuing CNA careers in the region.
Statewide in Wisconsin, CNAs earn around $40,010 annually, though city-specific salary data for Merrill is not available. Graduates can expect steady demand for their skills, with local employers seeking trained and certified nursing assistants to join their teams.
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Browse CNA Classes in Merrill
Merrill provides 2 CNA training programs designed to prepare students for Wisconsin state certification and successful entry into the healthcare field. Each program emphasizes practical skills and job readiness, ensuring graduates are equipped for certification exams and employment. With local demand for CNAs, these programs offer a solid foundation for those seeking patient care careers in the Merrill area.
Program Types in Merrill
| Type | In Merrill | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Merrill | See other Wisconsin cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Merrill | See other Wisconsin cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Merrill | See other Wisconsin cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Merrill | See other Wisconsin cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Merrill
Lowest published cost first.
Bell Tower Residence
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1500 O'Day St, Merrill, WI 54452
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (715) 841-9895
Bell Tower Residence is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websitePine Crest Nursing Home
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2100 East 6th Street, Merrill, WI 54452
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (715) 803-1338
Pine Crest Nursing Home is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
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 Wisconsin cities
- Milwaukee28 programs
- Madison14 programs
- Green Bay8 programs
- Kenosha4 programs
- Racine1 program
- Appleton3 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Merrill
| Median annual pay | $40,010 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $19.24 |
| CNA jobs across Wisconsin | 25,950 |
| Salary region | Wisconsin (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Merrill reflect steady local demand, supported by both the hospital and nursing home located within the city. Employers value candidates who have completed state-approved CNA programs and earned certification, creating ongoing openings for newly trained assistants.
City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference. According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs in Wisconsin earn around $40,010 per year, or approximately $19.24 per hour. This median salary reflects trends across the state rather than Merrill alone, so actual wages may vary based on employer type and experience level.
Merrill features two CMS-certified healthcare facilities that often hire CNAs: Pine Crest Nursing Home—a county-owned facility with 120 beds—and Aspirus Merrill Hospital, a voluntary non-profit hospital serving the region. These institutions represent primary employment options for certified nursing assistants within Merrill's city limits.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Merrill (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Merrill providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Pine Crest Nursing Home2100 E Sixth St(715) 536-0355Map | 120 | 2.8 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Merrill (1 facility)
1 hospital in Merrill offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Aspirus Merrill HospitalCritical Access Hospitals · 601 S Center Ave(715) 536-5511Map | – |
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 Merrill? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Rhinelander, Tomahawk, Wausau, Antigo, and Phillips, or browse the Wisconsin 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 Merrill, WI
To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Merrill, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Wisconsin. These include completing a Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)–approved Nurse Aide Training Program, passing the state competency examination administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and being listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Completion of the first 16 hours of classroom instruction before any direct client contact
- Passing both the knowledge test (75 questions, 60 minutes, 71% to pass) and the skills evaluation (randomly selected skills scored by a state-approved examiner)
- Passing both components within one year of completing training, with unlimited retakes during that period before a new training program is required
- Placement on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, administered through Headmaster's TestMaster Universe (TMU)
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Merrill and across Wisconsin. To maintain federal work eligibility, CNAs must perform at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services every 24 months; those who do not must retake and pass both exam components, though Wisconsin does not require full retraining.
Already certified in another state? Wisconsin offers registry-based reciprocity for out-of-state nurse aides who are active and in good standing. Applicants must document completion of a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours or qualifying employment (at least 2,088 hours in the two preceding years), submitted through Wisconsin's Headmaster system. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Wisconsin guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Wisconsin 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 Merrill.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Merrill
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Merrill?
Most CNA programs in Merrill 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 Merrill?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Merrill 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 Merrill?
No program in Merrill is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Wisconsin 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 Merrill?
No program in Merrill is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Wisconsin cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Merrill?
No 4-week program is listed in Merrill. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Wisconsin cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Merrill there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Rhinelander, Tomahawk, Wausau, Antigo and Phillips. You can also look at the Wisconsin state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Wisconsin CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Wisconsin, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Wisconsin CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Merrill?
CNAs in Merrill are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 hospital in Merrill. 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.