CNA Classes in Minnesota | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Minnesota Department of Health

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Minnesota

The North Star State | Start Your Healthcare Career in as Little as 3-6 Weeks

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

Minimum Training Hours

$125

State Exam Fee

$35,500

Average Annual Salary

3-6

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Minnesota

Begin Your Healthcare Journey in The North Star State

Minnesota's exceptional healthcare sector offers outstanding opportunities for aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants throughout the North Star State. From the world-renowned Mayo Clinic and Minneapolis-St. Paul medical centers to healthcare facilities serving communities in Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and throughout Minnesota's diverse regions, CNAs play an essential role in delivering quality patient care. Minnesota requires 75 hours of training regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), providing efficient preparation while allowing rapid entry into one of the nation's most robust healthcare systems in just 3-6 weeks.

The North Star State's commitment to healthcare excellence, strong economy, and outstanding quality of life create exceptional employment opportunities for qualified CNAs. Minnesota consistently ranks among the nation's best states for healthcare workers, offering competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment. Major employment centers include the Twin Cities metropolitan area (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Rochester (home to Mayo Clinic), Duluth, St. Cloud, and Bloomington, with opportunities throughout Minnesota's vibrant communities. Whether you're starting your healthcare career or seeking advancement, Minnesota offers clear pathways from CNA to LPN and RN through excellent educational institutions statewide.

Just 75 hours required—fast-track your career start
Among the highest CNA wages in the Midwest
Access to world-class healthcare institutions
Outstanding quality of life and job satisfaction

Quick Facts

Training Hours Required 75 Hours

Classroom/Lab Hours 45 Hours

Clinical Hours 30 Hours

Exam Format Written + Skills

Exam Fee $125

Regulatory Body MN Department of Health

Registry MN Nurse Aide Registry

Browse CNA Schools in Minnesota

Explore our directory of Minnesota Department of Health-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

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Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Minnesota

Complete State-Approved Training

Enroll in a 75-hour training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Minnesota's curriculum includes 45 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction covering nursing fundamentals, infection control, patient safety, communication skills, residents' rights, and patient care principles, plus 30 hours of supervised clinical practice in licensed healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, or assisted living centers. Training is available through community colleges, technical schools, healthcare facilities, and private training centers across Minnesota. Full-time programs typically complete in 3-4 weeks with daily intensive classes, while part-time options accommodate working students over 6-8 weeks with evening or weekend schedules. You'll master essential skills including vital signs monitoring, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), patient transfers and positioning, infection prevention protocols, emergency response procedures, and person-centered care principles. Upon successful completion, your training facility will provide a completion certificate and submit your eligibility information to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry for exam registration.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing training, you'll take the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric. The exam consists of two mandatory components: a written or oral knowledge test with 60 multiple-choice questions covering nursing skills, infection control, safety procedures, communication techniques, residents' rights, and patient care fundamentals (you need 70% or 42 correct answers to pass), and a hands-on clinical skills demonstration where you'll perform 5 randomly selected nursing skills from a list of 21 possible tasks. Skills may include proper handwashing, measuring vital signs accurately, assisting with mobility and transfers using safety equipment, providing personal hygiene care, catheter care, or range of motion exercises. The complete exam takes approximately 2.5-3 hours. You must pass both sections on the same testing day to earn certification—if you pass one component but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed portion. Minnesota allows three testing attempts within two years of training completion; if you fail all three, you must complete training again. The current exam fee is $125. Testing centers are located throughout Minnesota in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Bloomington, and other cities, with exams offered regularly for convenient scheduling.

Complete Background Check & Registry Enrollment

Before beginning CNA employment in Minnesota, you must complete a comprehensive criminal background check and register with the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. Minnesota requires thorough background screening including state and federal criminal history checks and vulnerable adult abuse registry searches to ensure the highest standards of patient safety. Most healthcare employers coordinate the background check process as part of their hiring procedures, though you can also initiate it independently through the Minnesota Department of Health. Background checks typically cost $35-70 and must be completed through approved vendors. Once you pass both portions of the competency exam, your results are electronically transmitted to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry and processed within 7-14 business days. You'll receive an official registry identification number and certification from Minnesota MDH confirming your active status. Minnesota CNAs must maintain active registry status by working at least 8 hours in a paid nursing assistant position within each 24-month certification period. You can verify your certification status anytime through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry online portal at health.state.mn.us. With certification complete, you're qualified to work in Minnesota's exceptional healthcare system, including world-renowned institutions like Mayo Clinic, M Health Fairview, Allina Health, HealthPartners, and hundreds of other facilities throughout the state.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Certification in Minnesota

Becoming a CNA in Minnesota typically takes 4-8 weeks from enrollment to certification. Minnesota requires 75 hours of training, including 45 hours of classroom instruction and 30 hours of clinical practice, providing efficient preparation for professional nursing assistant careers in the North Star State's excellent healthcare system. Full-time accelerated programs offered by institutions like Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Century College, St. Paul College, Rochester Community and Technical College, and Lake Superior College complete training in 3-4 weeks with daily intensive schedules Monday through Friday. Part-time programs extend over 6-8 weeks, offering evening or weekend classes to accommodate students with work or family obligations throughout the Twin Cities, Rochester, Duluth, and other Minnesota communities. After completing training, you'll schedule your state competency exam through Prometric, typically available within 1-2 weeks at testing centers throughout Minnesota. Exam results are usually provided immediately after testing for the skills portion, with final certification processing within 7-14 business days once you're added to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. The complete timeline from first day of training to starting your first CNA position generally ranges from 5-10 weeks. Minnesota's streamlined certification process, combined with the state's exceptional wages and quality of life, makes it one of the most attractive destinations for launching a healthcare career in the United States.

CNA training costs in Minnesota range from $600 to $2,000 depending on the institution type and geographic location. Minnesota State community and technical colleges—including Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Century College, St. Paul College, Rochester Community and Technical College, Lake Superior College, and Anoka Technical College—offer the most affordable options at $600-$1,200 since they receive state funding for workforce development programs. Private vocational schools and healthcare training academies typically charge $1,400-$2,000 but often provide accelerated schedules, smaller class sizes, convenient Twin Cities locations, and flexible scheduling options. Many Minnesota nursing homes and healthcare facilities offer FREE CNA training programs in exchange for a 6-12 month employment commitment—this "earn while you learn" model is particularly prevalent in greater Minnesota (rural areas and smaller communities) experiencing healthcare worker shortages. Most program fees include textbooks, training materials, uniforms, and clinical supplies, though you should budget an additional $125 for the state competency exam fee and $35-70 for background check processing. Minnesota residents may qualify for financial assistance through Minnesota's Workforce Development programs (CareerForce), Federal Pell Grants for eligible students, or Minnesota State Grant programs. Major healthcare employers like Mayo Clinic, M Health Fairview, Allina Health, HealthPartners, and Essentia Health offer generous tuition reimbursement programs and signing bonuses ($1,000-$3,500) that can offset training costs within the first few months of employment. Given Minnesota's high CNA wages ($17-21/hour in the Twin Cities), training investments typically pay for themselves within 2-3 months of full-time employment.

Minnesota allows hybrid CNA training where theoretical classroom instruction can be completed online, but hands-on clinical training must be conducted in person at an approved healthcare facility. The Minnesota Department of Health permits up to 45 hours of didactic coursework—including lectures, reading assignments, instructional videos, case studies, and written assessments—to be delivered via distance learning platforms. However, the mandatory 30 hours of clinical skills training must be completed face-to-face in a licensed nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility under direct supervision of qualified registered nurse instructors. This hybrid model provides valuable flexibility for students managing employment, family responsibilities, or transportation challenges across Minnesota's diverse geography—from the dense Twin Cities metro area to rural communities in northern and southern Minnesota—while ensuring you gain essential hands-on patient care experience. Several Minnesota institutions including select community and technical colleges and private training providers now offer hybrid programs combining online theory modules with weekend or evening clinical rotations at healthcare facilities throughout the state. It's critical to understand that FULLY online CNA programs (100% virtual with no in-person clinical component) are NOT recognized by Minnesota and will not qualify you to take the state competency exam or obtain certification. Federal and state regulations require supervised, in-person clinical training to ensure patient safety and proper skill development. When researching programs, always verify that the provider is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health and includes the required 30 hours of supervised clinical training in a licensed healthcare facility. Check the official state registry of approved programs on the Minnesota Department of Health website at health.state.mn.us before enrolling to ensure your training will be accepted for certification.

The Minnesota CNA competency exam, administered by Prometric, consists of two mandatory components that comprehensively test your knowledge and practical nursing skills. The written or oral knowledge test contains 60 multiple-choice questions covering basic nursing skills, infection prevention and control, safety and emergency procedures, communication and interpersonal skills, residents' rights and independence, and person-centered care principles. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam and need a score of 70% (42 out of 60 questions correct) to pass. The test is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong (reflecting Minnesota's diverse population), and an oral version is offered for candidates who prefer auditory testing or have reading difficulties. After completing the written portion, you'll immediately proceed to the clinical skills evaluation where you'll demonstrate 5 randomly selected nursing procedures from a list of 21 possible skills. Common skills include proper handwashing technique, measuring and recording vital signs with precision (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature), assisting residents with ambulation using safety devices, performing passive range of motion exercises, providing perineal care, assisting with feeding techniques, measuring urinary output, or providing catheter care. You'll perform these skills on a mannequin or volunteer "patient" while a trained Prometric evaluator observes and scores your performance using a detailed checklist focusing on safety, infection control, patient dignity, communication, and proper technique. The skills test typically takes 45-60 minutes. You must pass BOTH sections on the same day to earn certification—if you pass one section but fail the other, you only retake the failed component. Minnesota allows three testing attempts within two years of training completion; failing all three requires repeating the entire 75-hour training program. The current exam fee is $125 for both sections. Testing centers are conveniently located throughout Minnesota in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Bloomington, and Mankato.

Yes, Minnesota accepts CNA certifications from other states through reciprocity or endorsement, provided you meet specific requirements. If you hold an active, unexpired CNA certification from another state and are in good standing on that state's nurse aide registry, you can apply for Minnesota certification by endorsement through the Minnesota Department of Health. The endorsement process requires submitting a completed application form available on the Minnesota Department of Health website, requesting verification of your out-of-state certification sent directly from your current state's registry to Minnesota, completing a Minnesota-specific criminal background check including vulnerable adult abuse registry search through approved vendors, and paying applicable fees (approximately $35-70 for background checks plus a $30-50 endorsement application fee). Minnesota requires that your out-of-state training met or exceeded Minnesota's 75-hour minimum standard—since most states have equal or higher requirements, this is rarely problematic. If your certification has expired for more than 24 months or you haven't worked as a CNA during that period, Minnesota may require you to complete a competency evaluation or refresher training before granting endorsement. The entire reciprocity process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application submission to approval. It's essential to initiate this process BEFORE beginning employment in Minnesota, as federal regulations prohibit healthcare facilities from hiring CNAs who aren't properly certified in the state where they're working. Once approved, you'll receive a Minnesota Registry identification number and official certification from the Minnesota Department of Health, allowing you to work immediately in any licensed healthcare facility throughout the state. Minnesota's excellent wages, outstanding quality of life, and world-class healthcare institutions make it an extremely attractive destination for CNAs seeking to transfer their credentials from other states, particularly those from neighboring Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Maintaining Your Certification

CNA Certification Renewal in Minnesota

How to Renew Your Minnesota CNA Certification

Minnesota maintains an employment-based renewal system for CNA certifications. Your certification remains active on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry indefinitely as long as you work in a paid nursing assistant position for at least 8 hours (one shift) during each 24-month certification period. Unlike many states requiring formal renewal applications, continuing education credits, or renewal fees, Minnesota automatically maintains your active status through employer-reported work verification. When you're employed as a CNA in Minnesota, your healthcare facility is responsible for reporting your employment activity to the Minnesota Department of Health, which keeps your registry status current without any action required on your part.

If your certification lapses due to not working for 24 consecutive months, you must reactivate it through one of two pathways. The first option involves completing a competency evaluation where you demonstrate proficiency in required nursing skills through testing with an approved evaluator, typically costing $150-300 depending on the testing provider and location within Minnesota. The second option requires completing a state-approved refresher training course (usually 30-60 hours of instruction) followed by passing the clinical skills portion of the state competency exam. Refresher courses cost $400-1,000 depending on the training institution and location throughout Minnesota. After successfully completing either reactivation method, you'll be reinstated on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry and eligible to resume CNA employment throughout the state.

It's important to verify your registry status annually by checking the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry online portal at health.state.mn.us or calling (651) 201-4101. If you change employers—particularly common in Minnesota's dynamic healthcare market with numerous major health systems—confirm that your new healthcare facility properly reports your employment to maintain your active certification status. If you're planning an extended leave from healthcare work—such as for education, family care, relocation, or personal reasons—try to work at least one 8-hour shift before your 24-month activity window expires to avoid allowing your certification to lapse. CNAs working in multiple states (particularly those working in both Minnesota and neighboring states like Wisconsin or North Dakota) should maintain separate active status in each state independently, as Minnesota's registry operates separately from other state registries and reciprocity agreements don't automatically transfer renewal requirements across state lines.

Renewal Fee

Work Requirement

8 Hours/24 Months

CEU Requirement

None Required

Reactivation Cost

$150-$1,000

Career Opportunities

CNA Job Outlook & Salary in Minnesota

Minnesota's healthcare sector provides exceptional employment prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants, with robust job growth projected through 2030. The North Star State's commitment to healthcare excellence, aging population, and expansion of healthcare services throughout urban and rural communities creates unprecedented demand for qualified CNAs. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development projects 12-15% growth in CNA positions over the next decade, among the highest growth rates in the Midwest. Major employment centers include the Twin Cities metropolitan area (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Rochester (home to Mayo Clinic), Duluth, St. Cloud, and Bloomington, with opportunities throughout Minnesota's vibrant communities from Mankato to Bemidji.

CNAs in Minnesota earn among the highest wages in the Midwest and above the national average, reflecting the state's strong economy and commitment to healthcare workers. The Twin Cities metro area typically offers the highest pay at $17-21/hour, while Rochester, Duluth, and other regions range $16-19/hour. Hospital-based CNAs, particularly those at major institutions like Mayo Clinic, M Health Fairview, Allina Health, or HealthPartners, generally earn premium wages compared to long-term care facilities, and night shift differential pay often adds $3-4 extra per hour. Experienced CNAs working in specialized settings like intensive care, emergency departments, rehabilitation facilities, or dialysis centers can earn $20-24/hour. Minnesota healthcare employers typically provide exceptional benefits including comprehensive health insurance, dental and vision coverage, generous retirement plans with employer matching (often 6-8%), extensive paid time off (3-4 weeks annually), tuition reimbursement for nursing school advancement (LPN/RN programs), and flexible scheduling options. The combination of top-tier wages, excellent benefits, outstanding quality of life, and access to world-class healthcare institutions makes Minnesota an extremely attractive destination for CNAs seeking both career success and exceptional living conditions in the North Star State.

Average CNA Salary in Minnesota

$35,500

per year

Hourly Wage

$17.07/hr

Nearby States