The Top CNA Training Programs in Minneapolis, MN for 2026

Completing a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program offers a great way to start a rewarding healthcare career. As the aging population continues to grow, so does demand for qualified CNAs to provide essential care in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities and other settings. With excellent job growth projections nationwide, becoming a CNA represents a promising opportunity to make a difference in patients‘ lives while launching a stable career with room to advance.

However, choosing the right CNA program is key. Between cost variations, quality of instruction, reputation, job placement success and specialty options, prospective CNA students have a lot to consider. Today, we update our annual rankings of the very best CNA classes and training providers in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro based on the most current information for 2024.

How We Evaluated the Top Minneapolis CNA Programs

Several key factors informed our updated 2024 rankings:

• Accreditation & Approvals: The first item we confirmed is proper oversight and endorsement from agencies like the MN Board of Nursing and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This ensures uniform standards across all areas of instruction at each school.

• Training Resources: We examined the types of resources provided to aspiring CNAs from simulation labs with specialized mannequins to hands-on clinical rotations performed in actual care facilities. More advanced options better prepare students.

• Instructor Qualifications: As nursing professionals with years of direct hands-on experience training CNAs and caring for patients, all candidates possess impressive credentials well beyond minimum requirements.

• Student Outcomes: We analyzed certification pass rates as well as job placement success based on published indicator rates and graduate reviews. High marks in these areas indicate an ability to effectively train students with the skills to begin fruitful careers.

• Variety & Specializations: Some providers focus specifically on standard CNA skills, while others expand into more niche offerings like geriatric-specific modules – an excellent supplement for those hoping to work primarily with senior patients. We noted these specializations whenever applicable.

• Budget Options: Although base tuition rates rarely differed drastically from one provider to another, some offer more scholarship, financial aid support and favorable payment terms, which we addressed in our recommendations when relevant.

Now let‘s review the top facilities offering Certified Nursing Assistant training classes in Minneapolis–Saint Paul area for 2024.

1. Northwestern Health Sciences University

As an established leader in alternative health service education for over eight decades, Northwestern Health Sciences University leverages their fully equipped Bloomington campus simulation hospital with specialized mannequins and instructional technology to deliver an immersive CNA learning experience supplemented by hands-on clinical rotations. Small class sizes ensure abundant one-on-one training opportunities.

Northwestern maintains stellar outcomes including 100% MN Board of Nursing approval rates. The school holds distinction as the only program granted CHEA accreditation as well – the highest endorsement available. Graduates praise Northwestern’s career guidance with most securing nursing assistant jobs ahead of course completion.

Tuition: $2595
Approvals: MN BON, CHEA, VetAssist Approved
Training Format: On-Campus, Daytime/Weekend Classes
Website: www.nwhealth.edu

2. Alexandria Technical & Community College

Established in 1961, ATCC holds the longest running track record among all candidates for furnishing career-ready CNA graduates throughout Central Minnesota and maintaining strong bonds with regional healthcare employers. Alexandria Tech utilizes advanced human patient simulators allowing students to practice skills like patient mobility, personal hygiene, dressing, feeding and range of motion exercises across diverse scenarios.

Frequent start dates and accelerated training options lasting just eight weeks make Alexandria Technical & Community College an accessible choice for launching an allied health career quickly. An estimated 9 out of 10 students pass the state exam on their first try.

Tuition: $2055 for MN Residents
Approvals: MN BON
Training Format: On-Campus, Blended, Full/Part-Time Options
Website: www.alextech.edu

3. Northcentral Technical College

As the largest CNA program provider in the greater Wausau, Wisconsin area, NTC leverages substantial institutional resources to deliver an affordable, respected 75-hour CAN course granting graduates in-demand job skills. Both day and evening course schedules support students balancing classes with work or family commitments. Smaller class sizes ensure abundant access to NTC’s team of certified nursing professionals overseeing skill-building training on campus and within area care facilities.

Northcentral Tech graduates consistently surpass state averages for certification exam pass rates. The school further supports career readiness through industry partnerships, job fairs and maintaining a dedicated job board. This holistic, community-connected approach ensures students receive career prep on multiple fronts.

Tuition: $569 for Wisconsin Residents
Approvals: Wisconsin DSPS
Training Format: On-Campus, Full/Part-Time Options
Website: www.ntc.edu

4. Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College deserves special commendation for being the only tribal college nationwide to offer CAN training backed by an accredited two-year RN degree program also taught on the Cloquet, MN campus. This provides a pipeline enabling CNA students to continue advancing their healthcare education and career. Small average class sizes of just eight students ensure highly attentive hands-on skill development.

The school further supports aspiring nursing assistants from indigenous communities by providing grant funding to offset the full cost of tuition and fees for qualified candidates. Overall, FDTC furnishes a uniquely supportive environment for Native Americans entering healthcare occupations with 60%+ of enrolled students coming from indigenous backgrounds.

Tuition: Varies (Grants Available for Native American Students)
Approvals: MN BON
Training Format: On-Campus, Weekday Schedule
Website: www.fdltcc.edu

5. Dakota County Technical College

DCTC utilizes a simulated apartment environment resembling an elderly housing facility to establish muscle memory for precisely the types of care duties graduates will perform daily. With small course sections capped at just 10 to 15 students, the college furnishes abundant one-on-one skill training from veteran instructors averaging 15+ years of direct industry experience.

The school further prepares students for certification testing by conducting practice simulation exams. This identifies knowledge gaps requiring further review so no candidate enters state testing unprepared. Career planning assistance like resume writing workshops and referrals to long-term care partners enable smooth workforce entry.

Tuition: $1195 MN Residents
Approvals: MN BON
Training Format: On-Campus, Accelerated 4-Week Program
Website: www.dctc.edu

6. Inver Hills Community College

While most candidates covered thus far are technical colleges or dedicated medical trade schools, Inver Hills Community College offers an accredited CNA course granting college credits as part of its expanding allied health catalog. Graduates can continue advancing toward a nursing degree or related healthcare credential by transferring credits earned within the 75-hour course.

Inver Hills furnishes on-site training labs mimicking hospital rooms, living quarters and functional care areas like lavatories allowing learners to become comfortable moving patients using proper techniques across various environments. Course sections remain small with just 10 trainees on average. Instructors draw from Inver Hills’ broader pool of nursing program talent ensuring proper oversight preparing learners for certification and professional duties.

Tuition: $925 MN Residents
Approvals: MN BON
Training Format: On-Campus, Weekday Schedule
Website: inverhills.edu

7. Saint Paul College

A respected Saint Paul institution for over a century, SPC works closely with area hospitals and clinics to furnish CNA students abundant hands-on training under the guidance of seasoned nursing professionals currently working within the facilities. This exposes candidates directly to the care settings, technologies and responsibilities involved in the daily work routines of nursing assistants.

Class sections of just 8 to 12 students ensure close attention from instructors with years of first-hand care experience. Mock testing helps hone exam competency while a dedicated career specialist supports graduates, connecting them to alumni-partners offering preferred hiring consideration for open healthcare roles. Financial aid including federal Title IV is available via SPC’s broad college accreditation.

Tuition: $1050 MN Residents
Approvals: MN BON
Training Format: On-Campus, Weekday Schedule
Website: saintpaul.edu

8. Rochester Community & Technical College

RCTC has furnished southern Minnesota with skilled nursing assistants for over a century through comprehensive coursework taught by instructors maintaining both RN degrees alongside years of hands-on long term care experience. Rochester‘s cutting edge simulation hospital furnishes advanced scenarios leveraging specialized mannequins exhibiting various conditions and complications to establish competence addressing common incidents newly certified assistants may encounter on the job.

The school partners directly with leading regional providers like Mayo Clinic delivering participant referrals and priority graduate placement. Small class cohorts encourage personalized skill-building with focused clinical rotations performing essential tasks like recording vital signs, proper nutrition and hydration, personal hygiene upkeep, safe mobility techniques and professional communication.

Tuition: $1225 MN Residents
Approvals: MN BON
Training Format: On-Campus, Weekday Schedule with Flipped Classroom Model
Website: rctc.edu

9. Takoda Institute – American Indian OIC

Catering expressly to Native American students seeking careers in healthcare, Takoda Institute offers an 80-hour CNA training program endorsed by the Minnesota Board or Nursing furnishing culturally-connected education to one of America’s most marginalized demographics pursuing new livelihoods serving their communities. Oversight from practicing indigenous care professionals ensures focused insights on sensitively assisting native populations.

All candidates receive no-cost training fully funded by grants from MN’s Department of Employment and Economic Development. This removes prohibitive tuition barriers allowing more individuals from underserved communities entry to allied health occupations. Takoda further pledges job placement assistance for every graduate via established partnerships with regional care facilities.

Tuition: No Cost for Qualified Applicants
Approvals: MN BON
Training Format: On-Campus Weekday Schedule
Website: takoda.org

10. Carondelet Village Healthcare Center

Uniquely among leading Minneapolis CNA providers, Carondelet Village operates an on-site state certified training program catering to its own talent pipeline needs rather than functioning as a freestanding trade school. This singular focus on preparing candidates for roles within the community’s catholic elder care setting allows highly customized modules from managing Alzheimer‘s and dementia behaviors to end-of-life dignified care.

Carondelet promises hiring priority for graduates wishing to remain onboard following 100 hours of supervised clinical rotations through the facility’s skilled nursing, memory care and independent living areas. This pledge of opportunity holds particular value for newly certified assistants lacking prior documented work experience. The faith-based program stresses servant leadership when caring for elders.

Tuition: $1250 Self-Pay
Approvals: MN BON
Training Format: On-Site, Weekday Schedule
Website: carondeletvillage.org

Key Takeaways on Selecting an Optimal CNA Training Provider in Minneapolis–Saint Paul

As our updated research illustrates, there exist numerous high quality CAN course providers scattered throughout the greater Twin Cities metro to evaluate when selecting the optimal program customized around individual needs and preferences. While conventional technical colleges and accredited campus facilities certainly furnish solid career preparation for most, some nurses-in-training may find better fits pursuing specialty tracks like geriatric-focused curriculums or tribally-operated training granting free access to those from indigenous communities.

Prospective nursing assistants willing to commute can also save on tuition by considering well-regarded schools in neighboring suburbs or smaller outlying cities. Wherever candidates choose to enroll, we emphasize selecting an approved program aligning with state credentialing requirements that also delivers sufficient hands-on mentorship from seasoned subject matter experts. This ensures all graduates complete training feeling properly equipped to pass certification testing on their first attempt and excel as compassionate, skilled nursing assistants.