CNA Classes in California: Online & Campus Training Programs
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are integral to the healthcare system. They provide frontline patient care in a variety of medical settings, from home health care to hospitals. As the healthcare industry expands to meet the demand for care, opportunities for CNA employment are expected to grow.
California offers numerous opportunities for becoming CNAs with programs in place state-wide to help you get into the workforce quickly.
Programs are available in private educational institutions, community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, and high schools. Training usually takes only a few months. Though the hands-on nature of CNA work means some courses and clinicals are conducted in person, many schools have incorporated many online components to their programs. This guide looks at both online and on-campus options, what it takes to become a CNA in California, what to expect once enrolled in a program, and the kind of salary and job outlook to expect.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Best CNA Classes and Training Programs in California for 2024
Becoming a certified nursing assistant in California requires finding an approved program. With numerous options available, how do you choose the best and most affordable? We surveyed the options and narrowed them down to the schools that truly stand out in terms of accreditation, student support, and affordability. The two standout schools for 2024 spotlighted below are both approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Stay tuned for our full rankings list later this year.
Ventura College
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program at Ventura College provides the opportunity to enter the healthcare workforce in a matter of months. This program takes one semester to complete with about 12 hours per week of classroom time. It teaches body mechanics, infection control, nutrition, communication, and patient rights, as well as the basic nursing care expected of CNAs. Most of the program is hands-on at a campus extension location.
Applicants must submit to physical and criminal clearance checks, be CPR certified, complete an application, undergo drug and alcohol testing, and expect mandatory attendance during the first three weeks of the program. Preparation for the program includes taking courses in basic mathematics and English. Estimated costs, including all fees and the cost of the state certification exam upon graduation, is approximately $728.
San Diego College of Continuing Education
Those in the San Diego area can take advantage of the 12-16 week Nursing Assistant program at San Diego College of Continuing Education. Students complete 250-260 hours of training, which includes lectures and hands-on skills practice. You’ll learn a variety of skills, including communication, professionalism, standard procedures in medicine, rehabilitative care, nutrition, body mechanics, observation and charting, caring for individuals in acute or long-term care settings, emergency procedures, and coping with death and dying.
On the first day of class, students are fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check. Only those who pass can continue the program. A brief orientation is required for enrollment, during which students are assessed for reading and math skills. Eligible students receive an application packet with all the information needed to continue the CNA path. This program is tuition-free; however, students pay approximately $400 for expenses, including uniforms, physical exams, and state certification.
Learn More About California CNA Classes and Nursing Programs Near You
List of Approved Campus and Online CNA Classes and Programs in CA
As you research CNA classes in California, it’s crucial to choose a program that’s been approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This ensures the coursework and training meet high standards and that your credential will be recognized by employers. Search the following list to find an approved CNA training program near you, including those that offer some of their classes online.
| School | County | City | Phone Number | Online Classes Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School | County | City | Phone Number | Online Classes Offered |
Source: California Department of Public Health: The Healthcare Workforce Branch (HWB), Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section (HPCTS); Latest Data Available as of Feb. 2022
FAQs About CNA Classes and Training in CA
What skills do you learn in CNA classes in California?
CNA classes in California teach the skills and knowledge necessary to provide the best possible patient care. Topics covered include patient safety, wound treatment, cleanliness, assistance with day-to-day living, communication skills, activities and exercise for patients based on ability, nutrition and hydration, mental health issues, digestion and elimination, and care for special situations, such as for patients who are intubated. Though much of this is taught first through lecture, it is also taught in hands-on training through simulations and, in some cases, with real patients in a healthcare setting while closely supervised by instructors.
How much do CNA classes cost in California?
In most cases, CNA programs are very short, and the full tuition costs are expected upfront or in regular installments. Financial aid is also available. The following tuition rates for three CNA programs in California give an idea of cost.
Where can I get help paying for my CNA classes in California?
CNA programs vary in cost, from a few thousand dollars to free. Even if the program is free, like the San Diego College of Continuing Education, there are still expenses involved for students. Those expenses include uniforms, appropriate shoes, and state examination fee. However, scholarships, grants, and student or personal loans can help cover costs. Financial aid is often only available to those who attend a state-approved program. To learn more about paying for your CNA program, see our CNA scholarships guide and main financial aid guide.
How long do CNA classes in California take to finish?
CNA classes in California can often be finished in a semester of part-time study or in a matter of weeks of full-time study. Eight to twelve weeks is a typical timeline for a CNA program in California, whether courses are taken online or not. However, there are accelerated programs like the one at Pacific Times Healthcare College where students finish in 16 days of intensive study. Class timing and flexibility are also factors. For instance, it takes longer to complete a course taught only on weekends, but it may be more suitable for those working full-time.
Inside Look at Online CNA Classes in California
Most CNA programs in California still require significant on-campus attendance. However, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, many schools are looking for ways to keep their students safer and thus are turning to hybrid models to cut down on face-to-face time. Santa Ana College is one example. To learn more about CNA courses that might be available online, check out our guide to online CNA classes.
Common Questions About Online CNA Classes in California
Will taking CNA classes online in California impact my ability to get certified or licensed?
As long as the program you choose is state-approved and properly accredited, online CNA classes in California have the same rigorous standards as coursework taught on campus. Given that, getting licensed as a nursing assistant is the same whether courses are online or not.
Do employers in California care if I take some of my CNA classes online?
Employers care about hiring someone who can do the job. If you are certified, an employer knows you bring the needed knowledge and skills to the table. That’s why an accredited and state-approved school for CNAs is essential. Whether you took classes online or in-person does not matter.
Are online CNA classes in California more affordable than campus programs?
There is usually no discount for taking classes online. However, there are other financial advantages. For example, lack of commute saves wear and tear on your vehicle, time spent in traffic, and fuel costs. Other advantages include avoiding parking fees and gaining access to e-textbooks.
Do online CNA classes in California take less time to complete?
Not necessarily, since training time for CNAs is usually already minimal and only for covering all necessary material. Programs are already designed to get you into the workforce fast. You might, however, find some flexibility with online work, like being able to take a class on your own time and not adhering to a set schedule.
How to Become a CNA in California
Becoming a CNA in California requires graduation from an approved program and passing an examination. The following steps take you through the requirements for becoming a certified nursing assistant and beginning work in the state as a CNA.
Step 1
Complete CNA training
CNA programs in California must be approved by the CDPH for their graduates to sit for the CNA exam. To find a list of approved schools, visit the Licensing and Certification Program page.
Step 2
Submit the application
Upon enrollment, you must submit an initial application to the CDPH. You must also submit the Request for Live Scan Service form.
Step 3
Pass relevant exams
Upon completion of the training program, applicants take the Competency Evaluation Exam. The test can be completed through an authorized vendor.
Step 4
Complete remaining licensure requirements
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, have a clean criminal background check, and complete the approved CNA program.
Step 5
Learn how to keep the license current
Renewal of the license for a CNA requires 48 hours of in-service training or continuing education units during the two-year certification period. A minimum of 12 of those hours must be earned each year, and only 24 can be taken online. Submit the Renewal Application along with the documentation of hours completed.
To learn more about initial licensing and renewal, visit the Licensing and Certification Program page.
Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in California
When you consider enrolling in CNA programs in California, you might be curious about the job outlook and the salary possible. We consider the salary and job outlook below along with the demand for CNAs in California.
Is there high demand for CNAs in California?
The healthcare system is booming across the country, with 8.3% job growth for CNAs expected from 2020 to 2030. That number is much higher in California with 13.1% growth expected. This demand is spurred, in part, by the aging baby boomer population as well as by advances in medicine helping them live longer, more productive lives. Consider this information when comparing the job outlook for CNAs in California to that in the rest of the country.
Job Outlook for CNAs in California
| CNA Employment (2020) | Projected New CNA Jobs (2020-2030) | Projected CNA Job Growth (2020-2030) | |
| California | 97,300 | 12,700 | 13.1% |
| United States | 1,396,700 | 115,300 | 8.3% |
Source: Projections Central
How much do CNAs make in California?
CNAs in California make more than the national average. Some of the highest incomes are found in areas with large populations like San Jose and San Francisco. These areas also have large hospital systems or a variety of long-term care and clinical settings that make CNAs more in-demand than in smaller, more rural areas of the state.
Annual Earnings for CNAs in California
| Location | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019
California CNA Student and Professional Resources
- Scholarships and Online Resources for CNA Students This scholarship and online resources page provides information on becoming a CNA, including how to pay for the program.
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Licensing and Certification Program This page tells all you need to know about becoming a certified nursing assistant in California. It includes step-by-step instructions for passing the exam and keeping certification current.
- California Nurses Association Certified nursing assistants can extend their healthcare careers by becoming LVNs or registered nurses or even venturing into other areas of healthcare. The California Nurses Association provides information, assistance, and support in these endeavors.
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training Programs This page offers a long list of CNA training programs that are approved by the CDPH.
- Detailed Guide for Nursing Assistants in Alameda County This county-specific guide provides information, including what job duties to expect, useful for CNAs across the state of California.
