How to Become A Certified Nursing Assistant in Minnesota
Minnesota employs approximately 29,120 certified nursing assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $46,680 1. Nationally, certified nursing assistant employment is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 204,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Certified Nursing Assistant in Minnesota
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota? Minnesota requires credentials such as Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) License, Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The licensing authority is the Minnesota Board of Nursing 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Minnesota? Yes. Minnesota has licensing or registration requirements for certified nursing assistants. The Minnesota Board of Nursing oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do certified nursing assistants earn in Minnesota? The median annual wage for certified nursing assistants in Minnesota is $46,680 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $38,010 and experienced professionals can earn $55,410 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Minnesota Board of Nursing
- Median wage (Minnesota): $46,680 per year 1
Certified Nursing Assistant License Requirements in Minnesota
The Minnesota Board of Nursing oversees certified nursing assistant licensing in Minnesota 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) License | Advanced practice registered nursing is defined as the performance of clinical nurse specialist practice, nurse-midwife practice, nurse practitioner practice, or registered nurse anesthetist practice. |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | A graduate trained nurse who has passed a state registration examination and has been licensed by the Minnesota Board of Nursing to practice nursing. |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Minnesota Board of Nursing Review: LicensureLicensure requirements, continuing education, and credentialing services. |
| Nursing Home Administrator | Minnesota Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) New Applicants Review: Nursing Home Administrator General Information How to Apply Courses and Education Practicum / AIT Exam… |
| Public Health Nurse Registration Certificate | Minnesota Board of Nursing Review Public Health Nurse Registration A registered nurse licensed in Minnesota may obtain from the Board of Nursing registration as a public health nurse after meeting req… |
| Nurse Aide Registry (NAR) | The Nurse Aide Registry lists nursing assistants who have met Minnesota training and/or testing standards to work in nursing homes and certified boarding care homes. |
| Nursery Stock Grower Certificate | The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is responsible for the administration of the Nursery Law, the purpose of which is to prevent the introduction into and the dissemination within the state… |
| Nursery Stock Dealer Certificate | The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is responsible for the administration of the Nursery Law, the purpose of which is to prevent the introduction into and the dissemination within the state… |
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Certified Nursing Assistant Wages by Metro Area in Minnesota
Nursing Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Minnesota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), nursing assistants wages in Minnesota vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington | 14,590 | $48,020 | $47,640 | $39,510 | $56,090 |
| Sioux Falls | 2,930 | $39,190 | $39,260 | $31,110 | $45,850 |
| Fargo | 2,240 | $39,940 | $42,350 | $33,050 | $50,800 |
| Duluth | 1,610 | $44,250 | $43,370 | $36,180 | $48,760 |
| St. Cloud | 1,580 | $40,130 | $43,450 | $37,840 | $55,680 |
| Rochester | 1,550 | $46,840 | $45,380 | $38,340 | $53,820 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska | 1,250 | $43,510 | $42,720 | $37,530 | $47,220 |
| Mankato | 930 | $46,430 | $46,870 | $41,500 | $56,770 |
| Grand Forks | 930 | $45,740 | $43,750 | $35,330 | $48,830 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Certified nursing assistants in Minnesota
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest certified nursing assistant employment within Minnesota according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington | 14,590 | $48,020 |
| Duluth | 1,610 | $44,250 |
| St. Cloud | 1,580 | $40,130 |
| Rochester | 1,550 | $46,840 |
| Mankato | 930 | $46,430 |
Explore More Trades in Minnesota
- Electrician in Minnesota
- Plumber in Minnesota
- HVAC Technician in Minnesota
- Welder in Minnesota
- Carpenter in Minnesota
- Solar Installation Technician in Minnesota
- Auto Mechanic in Minnesota
- CNC Machinist in Minnesota
- Medical Assistant in Minnesota
- Massage Therapist in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for certified nursing assistants in Minnesota? Minnesota currently employs approximately 29,120 certified nursing assistants 1. Nationally, certified nursing assistant employment is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota with an out-of-state license? Contact the Minnesota Board of Nursing for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Minnesota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Minnesota.
How much do certified nursing assistants earn in Minnesota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for certified nursing assistants in Minnesota is $46,680, which is $7,150 above the national median of $39,530 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Minnesota Board of Nursing - Licensing Information: http://www.nursingboard.state.mn.us/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |