Certified Nursing Assistant in Minnesota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$45,580
trending_up +15.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering
26,970

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Stable
+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments
$265

Licensing fees

schedule
3-8 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Minnesota, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised practical training. After completing the training, candidates must pass both a knowledge and a skills competency exam. The Minnesota Department of Health oversees CNA certification, which requires renewal every two years by documenting at least 8 hours of paid work as a nursing assistant within that 24-month period. Minnesota offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who meet specific criteria, and the minimum age to begin training is typically 16.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,760
25th percentile $39,790
50th (median) $45,580
75th percentile $48,100
90th (experienced) $54,230

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Minnesota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing bodyMinnesota Department of Health
State license Required
Education75-hour state-approved training program
Experience16.0 hours
ExamHeadmaster CNA Exam ($265)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum age to become a CNA in Minnesota is typically 16 years old, though some employers may require 18. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months. A background study may be required by an employer.

Source: Minnesota Department of Health

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleMinnesota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
Wondering if a certified nursing assistant career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota? expand_more
The path to certified nursing assistant licensure in Minnesota: complete the required education (75-hour state-approved training program), gain 16.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the Headmaster CNA Exam.
Is a certified nursing assistant license required in Minnesota? expand_more
You cannot practice as a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota without a state license from Minnesota Department of Health. The required exam is the Headmaster CNA Exam.
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Minnesota? expand_more
Minnesota certified nursing assistants bring home a median salary of $45,580. — 15% higher than the $39,530 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,760, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $54,230.
What's the total cost to get certified nursing assistant certified in Minnesota? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($265) and required training.
How many months or years does certified nursing assistant certification take in Minnesota? expand_more
Expect to spend 3-8 weeks from start to finish in Minnesota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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