
If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, there’s no shortage of programs—but sorting through all your options can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re hoping to finish training quickly, need evening or weekend classes, or want to find a program with no out-of-pocket cost, you deserve to see everything available—not just a short list of promoted schools.
We’ve done the hard work to bring together every CNA training program in the Twin Cities metro, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. From fast-track courses to career advancement opportunities, everything you need to compare is right here. No guesswork. No dead ends. Just the full picture.
All Programs
Select a school to learn more!
3H Institute
3H Institute’s CNA program uses a flexible hybrid model with 43 hours of online learning and 4 in-person training days. The 75-hour course meets state requirements and prepares students for Minnesota’s CNA certification exam.
Tuition is $1,450, and students may be reimbursed after 90 days of employment in long-term care. Online content is self-paced, while in-person sessions focus on hands-on skills needed for certification.
Category | Details |
Cost | $1,450 (reimbursable after 90 days of employment) |
Duration | Approximately 3–4 weeks; 75 hours total |
Class Schedules | Four weekday sessions, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Online Classes? | Yes; 43 hours of online coursework |
Phone | (612) 532-8627 |
Location | 8700 W 36th St Ste 201, St Louis Park, MN 55426 |
Accelerated School of Nursing Assistant
Accelerated School of Nursing Assistant provides a fast-paced 3-week CNA program in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students can choose morning, evening, or weekend classes to fit their schedule. The curriculum prepares students for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Exam.
Tuition is affordable, starting at $925 for weekday classes and $1,500 for weekend-only. The school supports students with job placement help, low-income assistance, and flexible registration options. Training is hands-on with instruction led by experienced nursing professionals.
Category | Details |
Cost | $925 (weekday); $1,500 (weekend) |
Duration | 3 weeks |
Class Schedules | Morning, Evening (3 PM – 8 PM), or Weekend |
Online Classes? | No |
Phone | 952-215-4619 |
Location | 8470 Xerxes Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444 |
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s CNA program is a 5-week hybrid course approved by the Minnesota Department of Health. Students attend in-person sessions twice weekly and complete online assignments between classes.
Graduates earn a certificate and qualify to take the state exam. The $899 tuition is reimbursable after employment, making it a budget-friendly option for aspiring CNAs.
Category | Details |
Cost | $899 (state exam not included) |
Duration | 5 weeks |
Class Schedules | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Online Classes? | Yes (hybrid format) |
Phone | (763) 433-1200 |
Location | 11200 Mississippi Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 |
Cassia
Cassia provides free CNA training across multiple Minnesota locations, combining online learning with in-person instruction. Students receive full scholarships and are guaranteed job placement after certification.
Trainees join a supportive work environment with strong pay, growth opportunities, and flexible schedules in long-term care settings.
Category | Details |
Cost | Free (includes certification and training) |
Duration | Not specified; hybrid format |
Class Schedules | Varies by location; flexible |
Online Classes? | Yes — blended with in-person instruction |
Phone | (952) 855-5000 |
Location | 7171 Ohms Lane, Edina, MN 55439 (with multiple MN sites) |
Century College
Century College’s Nursing Assistant Certificate prepares students for entry-level roles in long-term care, hospitals, and home care. Upon completion, students qualify for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry exam.
Classes are available during the day or evening in credit or non-credit formats. The course includes classroom learning and required clinical hours at local care facilities.
Category | Details |
Cost | Tuition rates vary; $250 exam fee; credit courses include $20 application fee |
Duration | 4 credits; includes classroom and clinical hours |
Class Schedules | Daytime and evening; full-time or part-time options |
Online Classes? | No |
Phone | 651‑444‑2000 |
Location | 3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 |
CPR Partner Training Center
CPR Partner Training Center’s CNA program blends classroom lessons, lab practice, and real clinical experience. Students learn patient care, communication, and healthcare ethics while preparing for CNA certification.
The program focuses on hands-on instruction with flexible scheduling and guidance from experienced healthcare professionals. Ideal for those starting a career in patient care.
Category | Details |
Cost | Not publicly listed — contact for current pricing |
Duration | Not specified — includes classroom, lab, and clinical |
Class Schedules | Flexible; contact school for current options |
Online Classes? | No — primarily in-person and hands-on |
Phone | (612) 928-5640 |
Location | 3300 County Road 10, Suite 500D, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 |
Family Healthcare Academy
Family Healthcare Academy’s CNA program is fully online and self-paced, ideal for learners needing flexibility. The course includes 11 detailed units with quizzes and practice exams to prep students for Minnesota’s CNA certification exam.
Students must pass each unit with a minimum score of 90% to progress. The cost is $1,000, and the training is designed to help students build real-world CNA skills from home while preparing for the state competency exam.
Category | Details |
Cost | $1,000 |
Duration | Self-paced; estimated several weeks |
Class Schedules | No fixed schedule; progress at your pace |
Online Classes? | Yes |
Phone | 651-309-7335 |
Location | 501 Dale St N #101, St Paul, MN 55103 |
Healthy Helpful Insight Healthcare Institute
Healthy Helpful Insight Healthcare Institute provides a 5-week in-person CNA program in Minneapolis. Taught by an experienced RN, classes are held twice a week and include lab, clinical training, a uniform, supplies, and job placement help.
Students train for the Minnesota CNA exam with hands-on instruction. The $2,150 tuition includes everything needed except the state testing fee. Employer interviews begin on day one, making this a solid path to fast employment.
Category | Details |
Cost | $2,150 |
Duration | 5 weeks |
Class Schedules | Monday & Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Online Classes? | No |
Phone | 612-321-8823 |
Location | 705 42nd Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55412 |
HeartCert
HeartCert’s CNA program blends 43 hours of online coursework with 35 hours of in-person skills training. Students can finish in less than a week and are then eligible for the Minnesota state CNA exam.
Weekend and weekday classes are available in Minneapolis, Eagan, and Northfield. The $1,500 cost includes training, and ESL support and test prep can be added at checkout.
Category | Details |
Cost | $1,500 |
Duration | 4–6 days in person + 43 hours online (78 total hours) |
Class Schedules | Weekday and weekend options |
Online Classes? | Yes |
Phone | (651) 261-2314 |
Location | Minneapolis, Eagan, and Northfield, Minnesota |
Hennepin Technical College
Hennepin Technical College’s CNA program is a 6-week hybrid course combining online learning, hands-on lab training, and 16 hours of clinical experience. It meets Minnesota’s 75-hour CNA training requirement.
Available at two campuses, the course prepares students for CNA certification and is a required step for HTC’s Practical Nursing program.
Category | Details |
Cost | Not listed online; contact school directly |
Duration | 6 weeks |
Class Schedules | Daytime; Fall, Spring, and Summer terms |
Online Classes? | Yes; hybrid format |
Phone | (952) 995-1300 |
Location | Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie campuses |
The International Institute of Minnesota
The International Institute of Minnesota provides free CNA training for New Americans. Classes are hybrid and run for 7 or 11 weeks based on an English reading assessment. Students receive hands-on experience and support finding a job after completing the program.
Classes take place in St. Paul and combine online learning with in-person sessions. Training runs during daytime hours with no evening or weekend classes. Applicants must attend an intake session to get started.
Category | Details |
Cost | Free |
Duration | 7 or 11 weeks |
Class Schedules | Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Online Classes? | Yes; hybrid schedule |
Phone | (651) 377-8661 |
Location | 1694 Como Ave, St Paul, MN 55108 |
JJ School of Technology
JJ School of Technology's CNA program runs for 4 weeks and includes 116 hours of training. It meets both state and federal requirements, preparing students to take the Minnesota state exam and become certified.
Classes run mornings or evenings on weekdays, with the flexibility to switch between schedules. The program includes hands-on clinical hours and is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Category | Details |
Cost | Not listed; contact school for current pricing |
Duration | 4 weeks; 116 hours total |
Class Schedules | M–F; 9am–2pm or 5pm–9pm; students may alternate |
Online Classes? | No |
Phone | (763) 560-0544 |
Location | 7420 Unity Ave N #301, Minneapolis, MN 55443 |
Loving Lotus
Loving Lotus provides a fast 2.5-week hybrid CNA course with online learning and 4 days of in-person training. The $1,400 fee includes materials like a uniform, stethoscope, and textbook.
Classes are self-paced online, with weekday and weekend in-person options. Ideal for busy learners starting a healthcare career.
Category | Details |
Cost | $1,400 |
Duration | 2.5 weeks |
Class Schedules | Weekday and weekend in-person sessions |
Online Classes? | Yes, hybrid self-paced online format |
Phone | 651-321-7500 |
Location | 303 21st Street Suite 252, Newport, MN 55055 |
Minneapolis College
Minneapolis College’s Nursing Assistant program is a 5-credit course that prepares students to care for patients in various settings. Graduates are eligible for the Minnesota CNA certification exam.
The course includes classroom and lab work, with attendance required. It’s a good fit for students pursuing nursing or entry-level healthcare jobs.
Category | Details |
Cost | Not publicly listed; contact for details |
Duration | 5 college credits (3 lecture, 2 lab) |
Class Schedules | Attendance mandatory; contact for session times |
Online Classes? | No |
Phone | 612-659-6000 |
Location | 1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 |
Monarch Healthcare Management
Monarch Healthcare Management provides free CNA training at many locations across Minnesota. Students are paid while training and receive a wage increase after certification. The 75-hour program meets state requirements and leads to CNA job opportunities at Monarch facilities.
Training includes classroom learning and hands-on experience. Monarch helps with state testing, and HR teams support each step. No tuition or exam fees are required, making it ideal for those starting in healthcare without upfront costs.
Category | Details |
Cost | Free (includes paid work during training) |
Duration | 75 hours |
Class Schedules | Not specified |
Online Classes? | Not specified |
Phone | (507) 625-8741 |
Location | Multiple locations across Minnesota |
Normandale Community College
Normandale Community College’s Nursing Assistant Certificate helps students build the skills needed for CNA roles in long-term care. The program includes classroom learning, lab practice, and 16 hours of required clinical training.
Lectures are partially online, with in-person lab and clinical sessions. After passing the final exam, students qualify for placement on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.
Category | Details |
Cost | Not listed; contact the college for current tuition and fees |
Duration | 4 credits; includes lectures, labs, and 16 clinical hours |
Class Schedules | Not specified; likely follows fall and spring semester formats |
Online Classes? | Yes; lectures online, labs and clinicals in person |
Phone | 952-358-8200 |
Location | 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431 |
North American Medical Academy
North American Medical Academy provides a 4–8 week CNA/HHA training program with 125 hours of instruction. Students receive hands-on education led by experienced RNs in a well-equipped facility.
The program prepares students for Minnesota CNA and HHA exams and reports a 95% pass rate. One-on-one support and optional med training add value.
Category | Details |
Cost | Not listed online; includes books and supplies |
Duration | 4–8 weeks; 125 total hours |
Class Schedules | Not specified; likely daytime |
Online Classes? | No |
Phone | 612-521-0602 |
Location | 5201 Bryant Ave. N, Suite 108, Minneapolis, MN 55430 |
North Metro Health Institute
North Metro Health Institute’s CNA program is a fast-paced, 96-hour course completed in just 3.5 weeks. Students train in labs, classrooms, and clinical settings to prepare for the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.
Day, evening, and weekend classes are available monthly. Live online learning is also supported. The program is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health and led by experienced registered nurses.
Category | Details |
Cost | $850 tuition; $50 registration; $200 exam; optional $200 tech fee |
Duration | 3.5 weeks (96 hours) |
Class Schedules | Morning (9am–1pm), Evening (4pm–8pm), Weekend (9am–4pm) |
Online Classes? | Yes – live virtual classes available |
Phone | (763) 438-3314 |
Location | 7420 Unity Ave North, Suite #203, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 |
Northwest Technical College
Northwest Technical College’s CNA course is a 4-week, 3-credit program blending online instruction with four required in-person lab and clinical days. It's designed to prepare students for the Minnesota CNA exam and entry-level healthcare jobs.
The estimated cost is $1,068.48, covering all required materials and fees. The course is part of NTC’s nursing pathway, making it ideal for students planning to pursue LPN or RN programs later. Clinicals take place in Bemidji and nearby partner sites.
Category | Details |
Cost | $1,068.48 |
Duration | 4 weeks |
Class Schedules | Online coursework with 4 in-person lab/clinical days |
Online Classes? | Yes |
Phone | (218) 333-6600 |
Location | 905 Grant Avenue SE, Bemidji, MN 56601 |
Prime Time Medical Training
Prime Time Medical Training in Blaine, MN provides flexible CNA classes with in-person and hybrid options. Students can choose weekday, weekend, evening, or accelerated tracks that meet state standards and prepare for the Minnesota Nurse Aide exam.
The 75-hour course includes online modules (Flex model) or traditional hands-on training. Support services, payment plans, and scholarship options are available. Ideal for working adults or career changers seeking nurse-led instruction and a fast track to certification.
Scrubs Academy
Scrubs Academy’s CNA program blends online flexibility with in-person skill training. Students complete 80 hours of instruction, including 24 hours of hands-on practice and 58 hours of self-paced online learning.
Classes are held in St. Cloud, Buffalo, and Nisswa, with flexible schedules including evenings and fast-track options. The $1,200 tuition includes materials; certification testing is a separate fee.
Category | Details |
Cost | $1,200 (State test-out: $275 extra) |
Duration | 80 hours (24 in-person, 58 online) |
Class Schedules | Day, evening, and fast-track options available |
Online Classes? | Yes — 58 hours online, flexible |
Phone | (320) 281-2980 |
Location | 3735 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
Zandu Health Initiative
Zandu Health Initiative’s CNA program blends online learning with in-person training. Students attend virtual classes Monday–Thursday and meet Fridays for hands-on skills practice and exams. Clinicals are held over two full days at a long-term care facility.
The course prepares students for the Minnesota CNA exam and uses a state-approved curriculum. Tuition is $800, with extra fees for supplies and certification. Small class sizes and flexible payment options make it accessible for working adults and future nursing students.
Category | Details |
Cost | $800 (additional required fees apply) |
Duration | 4 weeks; includes 75 hours of training |
Class Schedules | Online Mon–Thurs, in-person Fridays; clinicals on set dates |
Online Classes? | Yes, hybrid format |
Phone | 952-208-5590 |
Location | 10800 Lyndale Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420 |
CNA Training That Works Around Your Life
Life in the Twin Cities is busy—many aspiring CNAs here are balancing work, family, or school. That’s why we’ve highlighted programs based on how they fit your schedule and goals.
Whether you want to train on nights, weekends, or in as little as a month, you’ll find programs that match what you need.


4-Week CNA Programs in Minneapolis
If speed is your priority, several Minneapolis-area schools offer CNA training you can complete in about four weeks. These accelerated programs are designed to get you through the required classroom and clinical hours fast—without cutting corners.
These are especially popular with:
- Job seekers needing employment quickly
- Recent high school grads ready to start working
- Caregivers re-entering the workforce
We’ve identified the best fast-paced programs in the area, including current tuition, start dates, and what’s included—like uniforms, books, and state exam fees.

Weekend CNA Classes Across the Twin Cities
Weekend classes are a lifeline for many adults who can’t step away from weekday commitments. Whether you’re working full-time or managing family responsibilities, there are CNA programs that hold sessions on Saturdays or both weekend days.
These part-time programs typically run for 6–10 weeks and may offer flexible clinical scheduling. If you’ve been putting off training because of a packed calendar, weekend CNA programs are a practical solution.
You’ll find out which schools offer true weekend-only training and which require occasional weekday hours for clinicals, so there are no surprises later.

Evening CNA Training Options
Evening CNA classes are widely available throughout the Twin Cities, especially in Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Brooklyn Park. These classes are designed for students who work during the day but want to build a better future in healthcare.
Evening schedules typically run Monday through Thursday and include clinical shifts that either align with evening hours or take place on weekends. Depending on the school, you can complete your training in 5 to 8 weeks.
We’ve also flagged which programs offer hybrid formats—so you can do part of the work online and cut down on travel time.
Free CNA Classes in Minneapolis–St. Paul
Yes, you can train to become a CNA in the Twin Cities without paying tuition. Several nursing homes, hospitals, and workforce agencies offer free CNA training—either through employment-based sponsorship or public funding programs.
But not everyone qualifies. That’s why we’ve outlined each program’s eligibility requirements clearly. Some are reserved for low-income individuals or job seekers on government assistance. Others require a post-training work commitment.
For each free program, we show:
- What’s covered (like supplies, testing fees, or scrubs)
- Application process and required documents
- Work or income requirements
- Locations and upcoming class dates
Knowing exactly what’s expected upfront helps you save time and find opportunities that truly match your situation.
Want to Go Beyond CNA? CNA-to-LPN Options
Many people start as CNAs but don’t stop there. If your long-term goal is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Minneapolis has several CNA-to-LPN pathways that can help you advance your career.
We’ve compiled programs that specifically welcome current or former CNAs—and offer flexible formats for working students. These schools often recognize your prior healthcare experience, which can make your transition smoother.
You’ll find:
- Schools offering bridge programs or credit for CNA work
- Average costs and financial aid availability
- Time to completion
- Licensing exam pass rates
If you’re thinking one step ahead, this is a smart way to plan your path forward without starting over.
How This Helps You Choose Smarter
Most CNA candidates in the Twin Cities don’t want to sift through dozens of websites to compare class times, costs, and formats. That’s why everything here is designed to help you move quickly—by comparing every program in one place.
We’ve gone beyond the basics to show:
- Which programs are the most affordable (or free)
- Who offers job placement support
- What each school’s schedule actually looks like
- How long training takes—and what’s included
Instead of bouncing from page to page, you can focus on choosing the training that fits your life, goals, and budget.
Your CNA Career Starts in the Twin Cities
Healthcare workers are in high demand across the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. CNAs are on the front lines of that demand, with jobs available in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehab centers, and home health.
Whether you’re starting fresh or shifting careers, CNA training is one of the most affordable and fastest ways to enter the medical field. And in the Twin Cities, you have more options than most people realize.
So take your next step. Look through your choices. Find a program that fits you. And get ready to launch a healthcare career you can build on.