Choosing the Right Accelerated CNA Program in Minneapolis
With so many accelerated CNA programs available in the Minneapolis area, finding the one that fits your timeline, budget, and learning style can be overwhelming. Whether you’re balancing work and family or trying to enter the healthcare field quickly, you’ll find no shortage of options offering hybrid or online formats, weekend classes, and fast-track schedules.
To make your decision easier, we’ve reviewed and compared the most popular programs that can be completed in four weeks or less. We looked closely at price, flexibility, time commitment, and what each program includes. This guide highlights the most practical and reliable choices, especially for students who need flexible or hybrid learning.
1. HeartCert CNA Nursing Program
HeartCert offers an accelerated CNA program that can be completed in 4 to 6 days, with a total of 78 training hours. Students begin with 43 hours of required online coursework, followed by 35 hours of in-person labs and clinical instruction.
Online access is granted shortly after registration and must be completed before the first class date. In-person sessions are held at locations in Minneapolis, Eagan, and Northfield, with weekday and weekend options available. Tuition is $1,500. Additional support, including ESL and test prep services, can be added at checkout. Scrubs and masks are required for in-person training.
Category | Details |
Price | $1,500 |
Duration/Clock Hours | 78 hours total (43 hours online + 35 hours in person) |
Schedules | 4–6 days of in-person training; weekday and weekend options available |
Contact Info | (651) 261-2314 • 1201 W River Pkwy Suite 217, Minneapolis, MN 55454 |
2. Loving Lotus
This hybrid CNA course takes 2.5 weeks to complete and includes a total of 75 hours of training: 42–44 hours of self-paced online instruction and 35 hours of in-person skills training. In-person sessions run over four consecutive days, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Tuition is $1,400 and includes a uniform, background check, textbook, gait belt, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff. Weekend and weekday schedules are available. A TB test and valid ID are required before the first day. Students must finish all online coursework before attending in-person sessions. Payment plans are available.
Category | Details |
Price | $1,400 |
Duration/Clock Hours | 2.5 weeks; 75 hours total (42–44 hours online, 35 hours in person) |
Schedules | Weekday and weekend options; in-person training held over four 8.5-hour days |
Contact Info | (651) 321-7500 • 303 21st Street, Suite 252, Newport, MN 55055 |
3. North American Medical Academy
The CNA program at North American Medical Academy can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. The course consists of 125 total hours and includes lecture, lab, and clinical training. Instruction is provided by RNs with at least five years of experience and certified trainer credentials.
Students receive training in both nursing assistant and home health aide skills, and all supplies and books are included in tuition. A 95% pass rate is reported for those completing the 4-week track. Classes are held at the Minneapolis campus, and financial support may be available through community partnerships.
Category | Details |
Price | Not listed (tuition includes books, lab and clinical supplies; uniform not included) |
Duration/Clock Hours | 4 weeks; 125 total hours |
Schedules | Accelerated 4-week option available; contact school for current class dates |
Contact Info | (612) 521-0602 • 5201 Bryant Ave. N, Suite 108, Minneapolis, MN 55430 |
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4. North Metro Health Institute
This accelerated CNA program runs for 3.5 weeks and includes 96 total hours of instruction. Students complete all lectures and labs in the first 2.5 weeks, followed by clinical training at a long-term care facility. Attendance is mandatory during clinicals.
Classes are available weekday evenings (4–8 PM) and on weekends (9 AM–4 PM), with new sessions starting monthly. Tuition is $850, plus a $50 registration fee and $200 in exam fees. Optional technology access is $200. Instruction is led by experienced RNs. Online class access is available via live sessions for added flexibility.
Category | Details |
Price | $850 tuition; $50 registration fee; $200 exam fee; optional $200 technology fee |
Duration/Clock Hours | 3.5 weeks; 96 total hours |
Schedules | Evening classes (Mon–Fri, 4–8 PM); Weekend classes (Sat–Sun, 9 AM–4 PM); monthly start dates |
Contact Info | (763) 438-3314 • 7420 Unity Ave North, Suite #203, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 |
5. Prime Time Medical Training
The accelerated CNA program at Prime Time Medical Training can be completed in as little as 3 weeks, with sessions offered quarterly. This 75-hour hybrid course includes 43 hours of online study and 32 hours of in-person lab and clinical skills.
Classes are offered in multiple formats: day (4 weeks), evening (7 weeks), or weekend (6 weekends). Clinical training is completed on-site in a simulation lab or at a nursing facility, depending on availability. Tuition is $1,450, which includes course and lab fees, but excludes uniform and background check.
Students must be at least 16, pass a background check, show proof of immunizations, and demonstrate English proficiency.
Category | Details |
Price | $1,450 (includes course and lab fees; scrub uniform and background check extra) |
Duration/Clock Hours | 3 to 7 weeks depending on schedule; 75 clock hours total (43 online + 32 in-person) |
Schedules | Day: 4 weeks · Evening: 7 weeks · Weekend: 6 weekends · Accelerated: 3 weeks (quarterly) |
Contact Info | 952-563-9901 · 12016 Ulysses St. NE, Blaine, MN 55434 |
6. Accelerated School of Nursing Assistant
The CNA program lasts 3 weeks and is available in morning, evening (3 PM–8 PM), or weekend-only formats. Classes start any day, offering flexibility for students with varying schedules.
Tuition is $925 for morning and evening classes, with a discounted total of $850 for self-sponsored students after fees. Weekend-only classes cost $1,500. The 75-hour program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training designed to prepare students for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Exam.
Financial assistance is available for qualifying low-income students, and discounts may apply. Registration must be completed in person for evening and weekend classes.
Category | Details |
Price | $925 for morning/evening (self-sponsored, discounted to $850); $1,500 for weekends only |
Duration/Clock Hours | 3 weeks; 75 clock hours |
Schedules | Morning, Evening (3 PM–8 PM), Weekend options; classes start any day |
Contact Info | 952-215-4619 · 8470 Xerxes Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444 |
7. Northwest Technical College
The Nursing Assistant course (HLTH 1110) runs for 4 weeks and includes both online coursework and four in-person lab/clinical days. This is a 3-credit class required for entry into NTC’s nursing programs and prepares students for the Minnesota CNA certification exam.
Tuition is $1,068.48, covering fees, books, supplies, uniform, background check, and the test-out exam. Labs and clinicals must be completed on campus in Bemidji or at one of NTC’s designated partner sites. Course offerings are available twice each term, and enrollment requires acceptance into the college and registration through the student portal.
Category | Details |
Price | $1,068.48 (includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, uniform, background check, and exam) |
Duration/Clock Hours | 4 weeks · 3 credits · Includes online coursework + 4 in-person lab/clinical days |
Schedules | Offered twice per term · Hybrid format (online + in-person lab/clinical) |
Contact Info | (218) 333-6600 · 905 Grant Avenue SE, Bemidji, MN 56601 |
8. JJ School of Technology
The Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program at JJ School of Technology runs 4 weeks and includes 116 total training hours—100 hours in classroom/lab and 16 clinical hours. The course meets state and federal certification standards.
Students can choose between morning (9 AM–2 PM) or evening (5 PM–9 PM) classes, Monday through Friday, with the flexibility to switch between sections as needed. The program prepares students for the Minnesota state competency exam for certification.
Admission requires applicants to be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED, and able to meet physical and background check requirements.
Category | Details |
Price | Not listed on website; payment plans available (contact school for current tuition rates) |
Duration/Clock Hours | 4 weeks · 116 total hours (100 classroom/lab + 16 clinical) |
Schedules | Morning: 9 AM–2 PM · Evening: 5 PM–9 PM · Monday–Friday · Students may alternate sections |
Contact Info | (763) 560-0544 · 7420 Unity Ave N #301, Minneapolis, MN 55443 · [email protected] |
9. 3H Institute
The CNA program at 3H Institute runs approximately 3–4 weeks and includes 75 total hours: 43 hours of online coursework, 16 hours of lab, and 16 hours of clinical training. Students must complete the online portion before attending four full-day in-person sessions.
Classes use a blended format through Cinematic Health Education, offering a flexible, self-paced online experience followed by in-person skills instruction. Tuition is $1,450, not including the state certification exam fee.
Completion requires 100% attendance, passing a final exam, and demonstrating required skills. Students must register at least 12 days before the first in-person class to complete the online modules on time.
Category | Details |
Price | $1,450 (state exam fee not included) |
Duration/Clock Hours | 3–4 weeks · 75 total hours (43 hours online, 16 lab, 16 clinical) |
Schedules | Online coursework is self-paced · In-person sessions held over 4 full days (9:00 AM–5:30 PM) |
Contact Info | (612) 532-8627 · 8700 W 36th St Ste 201, St Louis Park, MN 55426 · [email protected] |
If you’re looking for a CNA program in the Minneapolis area that can be completed in 4 weeks or less, you have several good options—but a few stand out based on value, speed, flexibility, and training quality. Below are our top 3 picks after comparing all the key programs available:
1. HeartCert CNA Nursing Program
Best for Fast Completion and Multiple Locations
HeartCert offers the fastest CNA training in the area with a schedule that allows completion in just 4 to 6 days of in-person instruction after finishing 43 hours of required online coursework. The total 78-hour program provides a solid balance of virtual and hands-on learning.
Why it’s a top pick:
- Ideal for students needing quick certification for employment or further education.
- Weekday and weekend in-person sessions in Minneapolis, Eagan, and Northfield offer strong location flexibility.
- Support services like ESL help and test prep can be added, which is a major plus for first-time testers or English language learners.
Potential downside:
- $1,500 tuition is on the higher end, and it doesn’t include materials like scrubs or testing fees.
2. Loving Lotus
Best All-Inclusive Package with Short Commitment
Loving Lotus delivers a 2.5-week hybrid program with 75 total hours (42–44 online, 35 in person). What sets this program apart is its all-inclusive pricing—$1,400 covers everything, from textbooks to uniforms and medical equipment.
Why it’s a top pick:
- Offers excellent value for students who don’t want to worry about extra material costs.
- Flexible schedule options (weekend or weekday) and compact four-day in-person training make it manageable for busy adults.
- Strong focus on preparing students with both essential gear and instruction.
Potential downside:
- Slightly less name recognition than larger programs like HeartCert or colleges, but still high quality.
3. Prime Time Medical Training
Best Balance of Cost, Flexibility, and Schedule Options
Prime Time’s CNA program can be completed in as little as 3 weeks, or extended to 4, 6, or 7 weeks depending on your pace and availability. With 43 hours online and 32 in person, this 75-hour program meets all state training requirements.
Why it’s a top pick:
- $1,450 tuition includes course and lab fees. Payment plans and scholarships may be available.
- Variety of scheduling formats (accelerated, day, evening, weekend) make it easy to fit into any lifestyle.
- In-person clinicals can be completed on-site or at partner facilities, increasing training quality.
Potential downside:
- Uniform and background check are not included in tuition.
Final Recommendation:
If you want to finish quickly and are willing to pay more, HeartCert is your best bet. If you want an affordable, well-rounded program with all materials included, Loving Lotus is hard to beat. For students needing options and flexibility, Prime Time Medical Training offers the most customizable experience.
No matter your choice, reach out to the schools directly. They can help you verify class dates, payment plans, and what’s included in tuition. A quick call or email can make your decision easier and get you on track toward certification.