Compare top-ranked nursing assistant programs by cost, length, and pass rates across Minnesota.
How much does CNA training in Minnesota actually cost after financial aid? The real cost varies widely. Among the 16 ranked CNA programs on topnursing.org, net price, the amount students pay after grants and scholarships, ranges from about $7,400 to nearly $17,000. This spread depends on location, program format, and institutional aid. With Minnesota employers adding thousands of nursing assistant jobs each year, an affordable, state-approved program is a fast, low-risk entry into healthcare.
Our rankings highlight Minnesota's top CNA programs based on affordability, completion rates, and program features. Each entry includes key details to help you compare and choose the right training path.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Riverland Community College | Austin, MN | $7,000/yr (net price) | Budget-conscious aspiring nursing assistants | |
Riverland Community College in Austin, MN, offers a state-approved Nursing Assistant Certificate that serves as a fast-track pathway into healthcare. The 4-credit program includes hands-on training and qualifies students for the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. With a 73% Pell Grant recipient rate and a net price of $7,427, Riverland provides an affordable entry point for career changers and first-time students. Its advanced certificate option also creates a direct bridge to practical nursing.
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| #2 | Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park, MN | $10,000/yr | Hands-on learners seeking hybrid flexibility | |
Hennepin Technical College, with campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, offers a hybrid Nursing Assistant certificate combining online learning with in-person skills practice. The program meets Minnesota's 75-hour requirement and leads to CNA certification, with a strong emphasis on clinical hours. Graduates see median earnings of $49,460 ten years out, and the college's $10,272 net price makes it a solid value proposition.
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| #3 | South Central College | North Mankato, MN | $9,000/yr | Students preferring small class settings | |
South Central College provides a campus-based Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide program at its Faribault and North Mankato campuses. The four-credit course covers patient care skills and leads to eligibility for Minnesota's CNA and HHA exams. With a net price of $9,082 and a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, students benefit from close instructor attention. The program also serves as a stepping stone to advanced nursing education at SCC.
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| #4 | Ridgewater College | Willmar, MN | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Ridgewater College's five-week Nursing Assistant program offers multiple yearly start dates at its Hutchinson and Willmar campuses. The state-approved curriculum includes hands-on simulation labs and real-world clinical partnerships. Small class sizes and a net price of $10,046 make it an accessible choice for those seeking personalized instruction.
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| #5 | St Cloud Technical and Community College | Saint Cloud, MN | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | ||
St. Cloud Technical & Community College offers an 80-hour Certified Nursing Assistant course with flexible curriculum options. The program includes theory, lab practice, and supervised clinical work, meeting Minnesota requirements. With a net price of $9,635 and on-campus certification exam administration, it streamlines the path to registry eligibility.
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| #6 | Minnesota North College | Hibbing, MN | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Minnesota North College provides a campus-based Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Home Health Aide Certificate focused on essential nursing skills. No additional application beyond general admission is required, making enrollment straightforward. With a net price of $10,432, it offers a direct path to entry-level healthcare roles in northern Minnesota.
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| #7 | Northwest Technical College | Bemidji, MN | $11,000/yr | ||
Northwest Technical College's three-credit Nursing Assistant course prepares students for the Minnesota certification exam, and the college itself is a state-approved testing site. The program is a prerequisite for Practical Nursing and RN programs. At a net price of $10,996, students gain a direct entry point into the healthcare workforce.
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| #8 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls, MN | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) offers a 77-hour Nursing Assistant program through its Workforce Development Solutions division. Known for low tuition and tuition-free options via grants and scholarships, the program emphasizes basic patient care skills. M State collaborates with local businesses for job placement, and many students graduate debt-free.
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| #9 | Northland Community and Technical College | Thief River Falls, MN | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northland Community and Technical College offers a three-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate at its East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls campuses. The program includes lectures, lab demonstrations, and clinical experience, serving as a prerequisite for Practical Nursing. Despite a higher net price of $13,975, the school boasts a 56% graduation rate and strong employer connections.
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| #10 | Century College | White Bear Lake, MN | $11,000/yr | ||
Century College in White Bear Lake offers a flexible Nursing Assistant Certificate with credit and non-credit options, daytime or evening classes, and multiple semester starts. The program includes home health aide training and meets state/federal requirements. With a net price of $10,906 and financial aid eligibility, it accommodates diverse student schedules.
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| #11 | Anoka Technical College | Anoka, MN | $17,000/yr (net price) | ||
Anoka Technical College's Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide certificate combines classroom learning with supervised clinicals in long-term care facilities. The program meets federal and Minnesota Board of Nursing standards. Despite a net price of $16,953, graduates achieve strong earnings ($47,746 median after 10 years) and low median debt of $11,000.
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| #12 | Alexandria Technical & Community College | Alexandria, MN | $14,000/yr (net price) | ||
Alexandria Technical & Community College delivers an intensive 84-hour, four-week Nursing Assistant program meeting Minnesota Department of Health standards. The program includes textbooks and materials, and 22 class hours per week prepare students for the state test. With a 60% graduation rate and a net price of $13,691, ATCC provides a structured, fast-track option.
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| #13 | Normandale Community College | Bloomington, MN | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Normandale Community College's Nursing Assistant Certificate is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health and prepares students for the national competency test. The campus-based program, with a net price of $12,972, focuses on personal care skills for long-term care settings. Although the graduation rate is lower (27%), graduates earn a strong $50,207 median after 10 years.
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| #14 | Inver Hills Community College | Inver Grove Heights, MN | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Inver Hills Community College's five-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate includes 16 hours of supervised clinical experience. The program, offered on-campus and in multiple semesters, prepares students for the state registry exam. With a net price of $11,636 and strong graduate earnings ($49,898 median), it offers a solid return on investment.
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| #15 | Lake Superior College | Duluth, MN | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Lake Superior College in Duluth offers a unique hybrid CNA + NATO program as an Associate of Applied Science. The 80-hour course costs $1,650 and includes one NATO exam. Approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, it combines online learning with on-campus labs. Not financial aid eligible, but employer reimbursement may be available.
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| #16 | Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College | Cloquet, MN | $13,000/yr (net price) | ||
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College offers a hybrid Nursing Assistant certificate with a 75-hour training requirement, including 16 hours of clinical. As Minnesota's only tribal college, it serves a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients (83%) and emphasizes cultural competency. Net price is $12,677, and graduates earn a median $45,665.
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Minnesota requires all approved nursing assistant training programs to deliver at least 75 hours of instruction, with a minimum of 16 hours in a clinical setting. That threshold is set by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and it is your starting point for finding a program that leads to certification.
Only programs listed on the MDH Nursing Assistant Registry’s approved training directory prepare you to sit for the state competency exam. This is non-negotiable: if a program lacks MDH approval, you cannot challenge the NNAAP exam in Minnesota, no matter how many hours you complete. Verify a program’s status directly on the MDH website before you apply. Approved programs follow the Minnesota State Nurse Aide Curriculum 2024 Edition, and instructors in long-term care or independent programs must hold Train the Trainer certification.
Once you have a list of approved options, weigh them against five practical factors:
While MDH publishes aggregate data, the specific number for the latest testing cycle might not be up to date on the state website. During your conversation with the program, request the most recent class’s first-time pass percentage on both the knowledge and skills portions. If a program hesitates to share, consider that a red flag. Remember that in Minnesota you have up to 24 months after training to test, and you may attempt the knowledge exam four times and the skills exam three times before you must retrain entirely.
The clinical component is where you build confidence with real patients. In greater Minnesota, you may train at the only nursing home in the county, which can simplify scheduling but limit exposure to different care settings. Twin Cities programs often rotate you through larger hospitals or specialty units, which can broaden your experience. Decide whether convenience or variety matters more to you, and confirm the clinical schedule before enrolling.
Becoming a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota follows a clear sequence of steps set by the Department of Health. Here's the path from enrollment to registry listing, including the state-mandated training hours.
CNA training in Minnesota usually runs four to eight weeks, but accelerated programs can be completed in as little as two weeks when you train full-time. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires all approved programs to deliver at least 75 hours of instruction, with a minimum of 16 hours of hands-on clinical practice. While the total hours are fixed, the calendar length can vary widely depending on how a school structures its classes.
Full-time day programs commonly pack 75–77 hours into four to six weeks, with frequent class meetings each week. For example, Monarch Healthcare Management offers a condensed 2–3 week track for those who can attend daily. Many community colleges, such as Hennepin Technical College, Saint Paul College, and Minnesota State College Southeast, spread the same 75 hours over a six- to eight-week semester to accommodate students’ other commitments. If you need an evening or weekend schedule, expect the program to stretch to eight, ten, or even twelve weeks.
Some long-term care facilities and hospitals hire nursing assistant trainees and provide free instruction on the job. This route often takes longer because training is woven into work shifts, but you earn a paycheck while you learn. These employer-based programs still meet the state’s 75-hour requirement and prepare you for the certification exam.
Once you finish your training, you must pass the state’s knowledge and skills competency exams. Scheduling can add one to four weeks, depending on testing site demand, so it’s smart to book early. Some test centers allow you to take both parts on the same day, which can streamline the process. After passing, your name is added to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. This step is usually electronic and completed within a week or two. For a typical part-time student, the full journey from enrollment to active registry listing might span 10 to 14 weeks. Someone attending an accelerated full-time program could complete everything, including testing, in about four to six weeks.
Among the 16 ranked CNA programs in Minnesota, net prices range from about $7,400 to $16,950. That span reflects the real cost after grants and scholarships, not just sticker tuition. While some programs list low tuition, the final out-of-pocket amount can climb once you account for required extras.
The total cost of CNA training goes well beyond the per-credit price. Most programs require students to cover the Minnesota competency exam fee, which is separate from course tuition. You’ll also need textbooks, navy or blue scrubs, a stethoscope, and a blood pressure cuff. Add in CPR certification, often a prerequisite, and the mandatory background check fee, and those additional expenses can add several hundred dollars to your budget. Planning for these items ahead of time prevents surprises.
Many nursing homes and long-term care facilities across Minnesota offer paid training in exchange for a work commitment. Cassia, for example, provides free CNA training that includes both the course and the exam, though it has not publicly specified the length of commitment. Monarch Healthcare Management runs a Nursing Assistant in Training program at multiple Minnesota locations, also without a publicized work period. Typical agreements in the state require a six- to twelve-month commitment after certification.12 These arrangements can eliminate upfront costs entirely, but they lock you into a job, so it’s wise to confirm the terms before enrolling.
Not all CNA programs qualify for federal aid. Short-term certificate courses that run only a few weeks often fall under clock-hour programs, which may not be eligible for Pell Grants. Longer programs, especially those embedded in community college certificates that can be stacked into a degree, are more likely to qualify. If you’re considering a program that lasts a semester or more, check with the financial aid office. Beyond federal grants, some schools offer workforce development scholarships or employer tuition reimbursement, and Minnesota’s WIOA funding sometimes covers CNA training at approved sites.
While tuition varies by program and may be reduced by financial aid, CNA students in Minnesota face additional required costs that add up quickly. These non-tuition expenses, including exam fees, textbooks, CPR certification, background checks, and scrubs, typically total between $500 and $700.
No CNA program in Minnesota can be completed entirely online. State regulations require hands-on clinical experience, and every approved program must include supervised patient care hours in a healthcare facility. That doesn't mean you can't find flexible options; hybrid programs let you do the classroom portion online while still meeting in person for labs and clinicals.
The Minnesota Department of Health mandates that nursing assistant training include at least 16 hours of supervised practical training in a clinical setting, plus additional lab practice on campus. These requirements are non-negotiable, so any program advertising a fully virtual pathway is not state-approved. When you compare programs, look for clear descriptions of how clinical hours are delivered; all legitimate programs will spell out the in-person components.
A hybrid CNA program splits the curriculum into two parts. You complete the theory, lectures, and quizzes online, often through a learning management system like D2L or Canvas. Then you come to campus for skills lab sessions and complete your clinical rotation at a nursing home, hospital, or other partner site. This format works well if you need flexibility for the didactic portion but can travel to the campus and clinical locations. Most hybrid programs require you to be on campus for labs at least a few times during the course, and clinical schedules are arranged by the school.
Among the top-ranked CNA programs in Minnesota on our list, most are delivered as traditional campus-based courses. However, one exception is Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, which officially lists its nursing assistant program as hybrid. The program includes 75 hours of training, with online coursework paired with 16 hours of clinical training and on-campus lab skills testing. Other schools may incorporate some online elements; for example, Hennepin Technical College's program highlights mention a hybrid format for its Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie campuses, though it is categorized as campus-based in program data. When contacting any school, ask specifically about the mix of online and face-to-face requirements for the current term.
A common concern for online-enrolled students is where and how clinical shifts are scheduled. Typically, the school identifies and assigns you to a nearby clinical facility, such as a long-term care center, hospital, or home health agency that has a standing agreement with the college. You generally do not have to find your own clinical site, but you must be willing to travel to the locations the school partners with. Some programs, especially those in rural areas, may have limited clinical slots, so applying early can help secure a spot. Be sure to ask about the geographic range of clinical sites before enrolling, especially if you live far from campus.
Nursing assistants in Minnesota earn a median annual wage of $45,580, well above the national median for the occupation. Statewide employment stood at roughly 26,970 nursing assistants, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nationwide, job openings for nursing assistants are projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, averaging about 211,800 openings per year.
| Percentile | Annual Wage (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 25th Percentile | $39,790 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $45,580 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,100 |
| Mean Annual | $45,230 |
Location significantly influences earning potential for nursing assistants in Minnesota. The table below highlights the top metropolitan areas where CNAs earn the highest median annual wages, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. While urban centers like Minneapolis and Rochester offer the strongest pay, rural communities sometimes provide non-wage incentives such as signing bonuses or housing assistance to attract nursing staff. Wage figures are annual estimates and do not include overtime or shift differentials.
| Metro Area | Employment | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 13,830 | $43,210 | $46,910 | $48,870 |
| Rochester, MN | 1,470 | $39,400 | $46,910 | $46,910 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | 1,540 | $39,460 | $43,050 | $46,390 |
| Mankato, MN | 740 | $40,280 | $42,720 | $46,070 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 1,440 | $36,930 | $39,090 | $45,850 |
For certified nursing assistants in Minnesota, two logical next steps are enrolling in LPN programs in Minnesota or a Registered Nurse (RN) program. Many community colleges and technical schools offer bridge programs that build on your CNA experience. A CNA-to-LPN program typically takes 9 to 12 months and leads to a diploma or certificate, qualifying you to sit for the NCLEX-PN. If you already hold an LPN license, an LPN-to-RN bridge can be completed in as little as one year full-time, awarding an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN. Some schools also allow direct CNA-to-RN pathways, though these are less common and may require more prerequisites.
Start with well-known institutions like Hennepin Technical College and Century College. Both list current bridge program details on their websites, including admission requirements, clinical hour breakdowns, and start dates. Other nursing programs in Minnesota to explore include Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Saint Paul College, and Ridgewater College. The Minnesota Board of Nursing maintains a searchable list of all state-approved nursing programs, making it easy to confirm that a school meets regulatory standards. Visiting mn.gov/boards/nursing gives you direct access to that resource.
Bridge programs acknowledge the skills you already have. You may receive credit for your CNA coursework, shortening the overall time commitment. Expect a mix of classroom instruction, lab skills practice, and supervised clinical rotations. For an LPN-to-RN bridge, coursework often includes advanced medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and leadership topics. Full-time students can usually complete an LPN to RN track in two to three semesters, while part-time paths spread the load over 18 to 24 months.
Program lengths, costs, and admission criteria change. Before applying, call or email the program coordinator to verify the current curriculum. While you might search for terms like "LPN to RN bridge Minnesota" on occupational outlook sites such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those pages provide career projections, not program specifics. For accurate information on prerequisite courses, waitlists, or NCLEX pass rates, always check directly with the school and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Quick answers to the most common questions about becoming a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota. From training timelines to exam costs, here is what you need to know before enrolling.
