Key Points
- Rochester CNAs earn $46,910 per year, above Minnesota's median wage.
- RCTC's 98% first-time pass rate far surpasses the state's 83%.
- Free CNA training is available through employer-sponsored and community programs.
Your Complete Guide to CNA Classes and Training in Rochester, MN
Find your ideal CNA class in Rochester: compare costs, schedules, and certification requirements.
Choosing between employer-sponsored training and self-pay programs shapes how quickly Rochester students enter the workforce and how much debt they carry. Rochester sits at the center of one of the most active healthcare labor markets in the Midwest, with Mayo Clinic employing tens of thousands of clinical and support staff and a surrounding network of long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and specialty clinics generating continuous demand for certified nursing assistants.
For prospective CNAs, that demand creates real leverage. Local employers routinely offer free training in exchange for a post-certification work commitment, while community college programs and online-hybrid options give self-directed students more control over their schedules. Minnesota requires a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training before candidates can sit for the competency exam, so the clock to certification is relatively short once you choose a path.
As of 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual wages of $46,910 for nursing assistants in the Rochester metro area, outpacing the state median and reflecting the premium that concentrated healthcare demand places on certified staff. Jump to our ranked list of top programs →
Why Rochester? CNA Jobs and Demand in Minnesota's Healthcare Hub
Rochester, Minnesota, is one of the most concentrated healthcare job markets in the entire Midwest, anchored by the world-renowned Mayo Clinic and supported by a network of hospitals, senior living communities, and home health agencies. For aspiring CNAs, that concentration translates into a steady stream of job openings, competitive pay, and strong hiring prospects right out of CNA training.
A City Built Around Healthcare
Mayo Clinic is the single largest employer in southeastern Minnesota, and its Rochester campus alone encompasses multiple hospitals, outpatient buildings, and long-term care facilities such as Charter House. The system regularly posts CNA and nursing support openings, with Charter House positions currently offering hourly wages between $20.00 and $26.313. Beyond Mayo, Olmsted Medical Center operates its own hospital and clinic network, and dozens of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and home health agencies across Olmsted County compete for qualified aides.
What the Numbers Say
The Rochester area sees roughly 306 CNA openings per year1, driven by patient volume growth and natural workforce turnover. The mean hourly wage for certified nursing assistants in the area sits at $21.482, with a range spanning from about $17.65 on the low end to $26.14 for experienced aides or those working specialty shifts2. Many employers in the area advertise starting pay between $18.50 and $22.00 per hour4, and facilities competing for talent frequently push into the $22.00 to $27.00 range for night, weekend, or holiday differentials1.
What This Means for New Graduates
With so many employers hiring, newly certified CNAs in Rochester rarely face a long job search. Several local facilities offer employer-sponsored training programs that guarantee a position upon completion, while others extend sign-on bonuses or tuition reimbursement to attract candidates. The practical takeaway is clear: if you complete your CNA classes in or near Rochester, the local job market is positioned to absorb you quickly and at wages that outpace many other metro areas in Minnesota.
- High volume of openings: Roughly 306 positions become available each year in the Rochester area1.
- Competitive pay: Hourly wages range from the high teens to the mid-twenties, depending on employer and experience.
- Diverse employers: Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center, Charter House, area nursing homes, and home health agencies all hire CNAs year-round.
- Fast placement: Strong demand means most new graduates can secure employment within weeks of passing the state competency exam.
Online and Hybrid CNA Classes Available to Rochester Students
The shift toward flexible, online learning has made it easier than ever to begin your CNA training without stepping into a traditional classroom full-time. While hands-on clinical hours will always require in-person attendance, the theory portion of many CNA programs can now be completed from home. This hybrid model is especially appealing for Rochester students balancing work, family, or other commitments.
How to Find Approved Online and Hybrid CNA Programs
Start by visiting the Minnesota Department of Health's website. They maintain a current list of approved nursing assistant training programs in the state. While the list may not explicitly filter by "online" or "hybrid," you can review each program's description or contact them to ask about remote coursework options.
Local institutions like Rochester Community and Technical College or the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences occasionally offer blended formats. Reach out to their admissions or continuing education departments directly to ask whether any upcoming CNA sessions include online theory classes paired with local clinical placements.
Verifying Program Approval
Before you enroll in any online CNA class, confirm its approval status with the Minnesota Department of Health. Search for "online CNA class Minnesota hybrid" to discover programs advertising remote study, then cross-reference those names against the state's approved list. This two-step check protects you from investing time and money in a program that won't qualify you for the state certification exam.
Using Professional Resources for Guidance
For additional help, turn to organizations like the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA). Their website and member resources can point you toward reputable hybrid training options. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) also provides broader information on nursing assistant careers and training pathways, though it won't list specific approved programs. These sources can help you understand what to look for in a quality CNA program and how to avoid misleading claims.
With careful research, Rochester students can find a flexible, state-approved pathway to CNA certification that fits their lives.
Free CNA Training in Rochester: Employer-Sponsored and Community Programs
Rochester offers multiple pathways to complete CNA training at no cost, making healthcare careers accessible regardless of your financial situation. Between state initiatives, employer-sponsored programs, and community resources, prospective CNAs can often avoid paying tuition entirely while gaining valuable credentials.
Hawthorne Education Center: Rochester's Free CNA Training Hub
Hawthorne Education Center provides free CNA training right in Rochester. This program covers the full curriculum required for state certification without charging tuition. Contact their office at 507-273-0713 during business hours (Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM, Friday from 8 AM to noon) to learn about upcoming class schedules and enrollment requirements.2
Minnesota's Next Generation Nursing Assistant Initiative
The state's Next Generation Nursing Assistant Initiative removes nearly every financial barrier to CNA training. This program covers tuition, fees, books, scrubs, certification exam fees, and sometimes even transportation and technology costs.3 To qualify, you must be a Minnesota resident age 16 or older with legal work authorization. Apply online or submit a paper application through CareerForce or your chosen training provider, as outlined in CareerForce's guide to free nursing assistant training.
WIOA Funding for Qualifying Students
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides additional funding for eligible students through WIOA-funded CNA training programs. If your household income falls at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, you hold a GED or high school diploma, and you have legal work authorization, WIOA funding may cover your entire CNA training. CareerForce Rochester helps connect students with these opportunities and other no-cost pathways to certification.
Employer-Sponsored Training and Reimbursement
Minnesota law requires nursing homes to reimburse CNA training costs for employees who work at least 90 days, provided they complete training within 12 months of employment.3 This means you can complete training at Rochester Community and Technical College or another approved provider, then receive full reimbursement after starting work. Rochester Regional Health offers CNA training for candidates who meet physical requirements and pass background checks and health screenings. Samaritan Bethany's Arbor Terrace also provides a nursing assistant training program.
How to Find and Apply for Free Training
Start your search at Minnesota CareerForce's Training Program Finder. Filter results by "Certified Nursing Assistant" and "Rochester" to see current no-cost options. All programs require a background check, and you must be at least 16 years old.3 Contact CareerForce Rochester directly for guidance on which pathway best fits your situation, whether that's a state-funded initiative, WIOA support, or an employer-sponsored program.
CNA Programs Near Rochester: Costs, Length, and Admissions Compared
Several institutions offer CNA training within roughly 50 miles of Rochester. All programs include a state-mandated 75 hours of clinical instruction, and a background check is typically required. Costs, durations, and admission criteria vary, so prospective students should verify details directly with each school before applying.
| Program/School | Cost | Duration | Key Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samaritan Bethany – Arbor Terrace Nurse Aide Training Program | $575 | 4-7 weeks | Minimum age 18; background check required |
| Minnesota State College Southeast – Nursing Assistant | $578.29 | 2 weeks | Background check required |
| Rochester Community and Technical College – Nursing Assistant | N/A | N/A | Must be current RCTC student; placement into READ 0900; background check required |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you find meaning in hands-on patient care?
CNAs spend most of their shift bathing, feeding, repositioning, and talking with residents or patients. If close personal contact energizes you, the work is rewarding; if it drains you, burnout comes fast.
Can you handle the physical load of a full shift?
You will be on your feet for eight to twelve hours, lifting and transferring patients who may weigh more than you. A back injury early in your career can end it, so honest self-assessment matters.
Do you want a fast route into healthcare with room to climb?
CNA training takes weeks, not years, and many Rochester nurses, techs, and therapists started here. If you view certification as step one toward LPN, RN, or beyond, the investment pays off quickly.
How Much Do CNAs Earn in Rochester? Salary and Job Outlook
According to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing Assistants in the Rochester metro area earn a median annual wage of $46,910, which translates to about $22.55 per hour. The table below shows employment and wage figures for Rochester compared to other Minnesota metros, highlighting the area's competitive pay. (Projected job growth data is not yet available for this occupation.)
| Location | Total Employment | Median Annual Wage | Median Hourly Wage | 25th Percentile Annual | 75th Percentile Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN | 1,470 | $46,910 | $22.55 | $39,400 | $46,910 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 13,830 | $46,910 | $22.55 | $43,210 | $48,870 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | 1,540 | $43,050 | $20.70 | $39,460 | $46,390 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 1,440 | $39,090 | $18.79 | $36,930 | $45,850 |
| Mankato, MN | 740 | $42,720 | $20.54 | $40,280 | $46,070 |
With one of the highest concentrations of healthcare facilities in Minnesota, Rochester offers CNAs more job openings and wages that exceed the state average. According to BLS data, local nursing assistants earn a mean annual wage above the Minnesota median, reflecting the region's strong healthcare demand and creating steady job security.
How to Become a CNA in Minnesota: Step-By-Step Certification Guide
Minnesota's CNA certification path balances speed with rigor: you can complete training in as little as four weeks, but only after meeting state requirements and passing a two-part competency exam. Here's how to navigate the process from enrollment to registry listing.
Complete a State-Approved 75-Hour Training Program
Minnesota requires all CNA candidates to finish a 75-hour course approved by the Minnesota Department of Health.1 That total includes at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice in a nursing home or hospital.1 Most Rochester programs follow the Hartman's Nursing Assistant curriculum and run four to eight weeks, depending on whether you attend full-time or evening sessions. You must be at least 16 years old to enroll. A high school diploma or GED is not always required, though individual programs may set their own prerequisites. Every candidate must pass a criminal background check (fee around $35) before entering clinical rotations.
Pass the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Exam
Within 24 months of finishing your training, you must pass the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies).2 The exam has two parts:
- Written test: 70 multiple-choice questions covering infection control, safety, communication, and resident rights. You need a 74 percent to pass and have up to four attempts.2
- Skills demonstration: A 30-minute hands-on test in which you perform three to four randomly selected nursing tasks, such as hand hygiene, vital signs, or assisting with mobility, in front of an evaluator. You have three attempts to pass the skills portion.2
The combined exam fee runs $250 to $270 in 2026. Retaking the written test costs $100; retaking the skills test costs $170. Testing sites in Rochester include Rochester Community and Technical College and regional Headmaster centers.2
Get Listed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry
Once you pass both exam components, your training program or testing agency submits your results to the Minnesota Department of Health. There is no separate registry fee.4 Your name appears on the official Nursing Assistant Registry within two to four weeks4, and you can begin working as a certified CNA. Certification remains active as long as you work at least eight hours for pay in a two-year period.4 If you hold an out-of-state certification, Minnesota offers reciprocity: submit proof of your active listing in another state and pass a background check to transfer your credential without repeating the exam.4
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Here's a stat worth knowing: Rochester Community & Technical College reported a 98% first-time pass rate on the Minnesota CNA exam (Q4 2021, per the Minnesota Department of Health), well above the statewide first-time pass rate of about 83% reported for 2024. In other words, RCTC students have historically cleared certification on their first try at a notably higher clip than the state average.
Top CNA Programs for Rochester Students
While Rochester Community and Technical College remains the most direct local pathway for CNA training, students living in or near Rochester may also consider these top-ranked programs from across Minnesota. The following schools are evaluated on institutional quality, affordability, and program design, and many offer coursework that can be completed with minimal relocation.
Factors considered
- Institutional graduation and retention rates
- Affordability and net price
- Program length and credit hours
- State approval and certification alignment
- Career readiness and clinical partnerships
Data sources
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Ridgewater College
#1Willmar, MN · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Career changers wanting a quick start
Ridgewater College’s Nursing Assistant program is a fast five-week course with multiple start dates each year at its Hutchinson and Willmar campuses. Students train in advanced simulation labs and real-world clinical settings, with small class sizes ensuring individualized instruction. The program is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health and prepares graduates for immediate CNA employment.
- Complete in just five weeks with multiple start dates each year.
- Train at Hutchinson or Willmar campuses with state-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Gain hands-on clinical experience through partnerships with real healthcare providers.
- Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from experienced instructors.
- Covers basic nursing skills, patient rights, legal considerations, and restorative services.
- Approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, leading to CNA certification.
- Requires eighth-grade reading level and current Mantoux test before clinicals.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
#2Fergus Falls, MN · ~$13,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Budget-minded students seeking tuition-free options
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) offers a 77-hour CNA course through its Workforce Development Solutions division, with low tuition and many students qualifying for tuition-free options through grants and scholarships. The program focuses on essential patient care skills and prepares students for the registry exam. Collaboration with local businesses provides additional financial assistance and career opportunities.
- 77-hour course designed for quick entry into healthcare.
- Low tuition rates, with many students eligible for tuition-free grants.
- Workforce Development Scholarships available for qualifying students.
- Business and industry sponsorships can cover training costs.
- Focus on basic patient care: bathing, grooming, feeding, vital signs.
- Prepares students for the Minnesota registry exam.
- Collaborations with local employers for career placement support.
St Cloud Technical and Community College
#3Saint Cloud, MN · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Students wanting on-campus exam convenience
St. Cloud Technical and Community College provides an 80-hour CNA program that blends classroom theory, lab practice, and supervised clinical work, meeting all Minnesota state requirements. Students can take the certification exam on campus, and the course serves as a prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program. Flexible curriculum options accommodate both current and visiting students.
- 80-hour program: 16 hours theory, 40 hours lab, 16 hours clinical.
- Certification exam offered directly on campus.
- Meets Minnesota state requirements for CNA training.
- Serves as a prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program.
- Hands-on skills practice in supervised lab and clinical settings.
- Flexible curriculum options for current and visiting students.
- Focus on entry-level healthcare competencies and patient care.
Anoka Technical College
#4Anoka, MN · $17,000/yr (net price)
Anoka Technical College’s Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide certificate program prepares students for dual roles through hands-on training in basic nursing, personal care, and restorative services. Training takes place in supervised laboratory and clinical settings and meets federal and state requirements. Graduates find employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies.
- Certificate program preparing for both CNA and HHA roles.
- Hands-on clinical training in supervised lab and long-term care settings.
- Meets federal and Minnesota Board of Nursing requirements.
- Covers basic nursing, personal care, mental health, and social needs.
- Includes restorative services, resident rights, and home health skills.
- Industry-expert instructors with fall, spring, and summer start dates.
- Median wage of $20.79 per hour for nursing assistants in Minnesota.
Alexandria Technical & Community College
#5Alexandria, MN · $14,000/yr (net price)
Alexandria Technical & Community College’s 84-hour, state-approved CNA program includes supervised lab practice and clinical experience in long-term care. The four-week course earns three college credits and serves as a prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program. It covers healthcare fundamentals, communication, infection control, and resident care techniques.
- 84-hour state-approved course, completed in just four weeks.
- Earn three college credits that apply toward further nursing study.
- Supervised clinical experience in long-term care settings.
- Covers infection control, vital signs, personal care, and nutrition.
- Includes training in dementia care, communication, and emergency response.
- 100% attendance required; textbooks and materials included in cost.
- Serves as a prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program.
Riverland Community College
#6Austin, MN · $7,000/yr (net price)
Riverland Community College’s Nursing Assistant Certificate is a 4-credit program with multiple campus locations, offering a fast track into healthcare. It prepares students for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Exam and positions them for employment in nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. The program’s proximity to Rochester makes it a practical choice for southern Minnesota residents.
- 4-credit certificate program for rapid entry into healthcare.
- Prepares students for the Minnesota competency exam.
- Multiple campus locations, including Austin and Albert Lea.
- Hands-on training for patient care in diverse settings.
- Employment opportunities in nursing homes, hospitals, and rehab centers.
- Functions as a prerequisite for nursing program advancement.
Northland Community and Technical College
#7Thief River Falls, MN · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
Northland Community and Technical College offers a 3-credit Nursing Assistant Certificate with campus locations in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls. The program includes lectures, lab demonstrations, hands-on skill practice, and clinical experience in real-world settings. It serves as a prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program and provides admissions support.
- 3-credit certificate program with foundational lectures and labs.
- Available at East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls campuses.
- Hands-on skill practice and clinical experience in real settings.
- Prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program.
- Admissions representatives provide guidance on requirements.
- Career outlook includes nursing care facilities, hospitals, and home health.
Northwest Technical College
#8Bemidji, MN · $11,000/yr
Northwest Technical College provides a three-credit Nursing Assistant course that prepares students for the Minnesota Department of Health certification exam. As a state-approved testing site, the college offers a complete pathway from training to exam. The course is required for Practical Nursing and RN programs, making it a strong foundation for career advancement.
- Three-credit course preparing for state certification.
- State-approved testing site for the certification exam.
- Required for Practical Nursing and RN programs.
- Hands-on skills training with a mock skills book available.
- Online exam registration for convenience.
- Course code HLTH 1110; admission process required.
Hennepin Technical College
#9Brooklyn Park, MN · $10,000/yr
Hennepin Technical College offers a hybrid Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program that combines online learning with in-person skills practice and clinical hours. Meeting Minnesota’s 75-hour requirement, it leads to CNA certification and serves as a prerequisite for Practical Nursing. Campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie make it accessible to Twin Cities metro area students.
- Hybrid format: online theory combined with in-person skills and clinicals.
- Leads to CNA certification and meets the 75-hour state requirement.
- Prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program.
- Offered at Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie campuses.
- Day classes available in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
- Includes clinical practice hours; exam costs not included in tuition.
Minnesota North College
#10Hibbing, MN · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Minnesota North College’s Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Home Health Aide Certificate is a campus-based program with no additional application requirements beyond general college admission. Students can register directly through E-Services and gain hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum focuses on essential nursing skills for diverse healthcare settings.
- CNA and Home Health Aide certificate with direct clinical training.
- No additional application beyond general college admission.
- Register directly through E-Services for streamlined enrollment.
- Part of broader nursing programs for career laddering.
- Hands-on skill development in campus-based settings.
- Potential financial aid available through college resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Rochester
Find answers to the most common questions about CNA training in Rochester, Minnesota, including costs, program length, salary expectations, and how to get started on your path to certification.
Becoming a CNA starts with completing a state-approved nursing assistant program with at least 75 hours of training, including 16 clinical hours. After finishing, pass the Minnesota CNA competency exam, which costs between $250 and $265.1 Once you pass, you’ll be added to the state’s Nursing Assistant Registry and can start working in Rochester’s healthcare facilities. becoming a CNA
CNA program costs in Minnesota typically range from $500 to $2,000.1 In Rochester, you’ll find options between $600 and $1,500.2 For example, a local hybrid program charges about $875,3 while another area provider offers classes for $575 to $578,4 plus a $55 background check fee.1 Free or employer-sponsored programs can reduce or eliminate these costs.2
Training programs in Minnesota can be as short as 2 weeks or as long as 11 weeks.1 Rochester-area schedules often run 4 weeks for full-time students or 7 weeks part-time.1 After completing the required hours, you’ll schedule the state exam, which adds a few days to a couple of weeks depending on testing availability.
Certified nursing assistants in Rochester typically earn between $19 and $23 per hour.5 Actual pay depends on your employer, shift differentials, and experience. With Mayo Clinic and several senior care facilities in town, there are many opportunities, and wages tend to be competitive compared to other parts of Minnesota.
Yes, free or low-cost training is available.2 The International Institute of Minnesota offers a no-cost CNA program for immigrants and refugees, with a reduced exam fee of $125. Additionally, Medicaid certified nursing homes must reimburse CNA training and testing costs if you become certified within 12 months of hire, making it effectively free for many job seekers.6
Many programs now offer hybrid online CNA classes, combining online coursework with in-person clinical labs. For instance, Minnesota State College Southeast provides 51 to 53 hours of online learning and 22 to 24 hours of hands-on skills practice.3 Fully online programs aren’t available because Minnesota requires direct patient care experience to become certified.
Most training providers in Rochester offer job placement support to help with landing your first CNA job and maintain partnerships with local healthcare employers. The city’s strong demand for CNAs, anchored by Mayo Clinic and numerous long term care facilities, means graduates often find positions quickly. Many programs also provide resume assistance and interview coaching to help you transition into the workforce.