Browse Cost-Effective CNA Programs Near San Bernardino, California

Citrus College’s Nurse Assistant Program, offered on campus, equips students for direct patient care roles in long-term care facilities and qualifies graduates to sit for the California Nurse Assistant Certification exam. With an estimated cost of just $341 (excluding uniforms and supplies), this program is notably budget-friendly. Admission is competitive, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with department approval; typically 15–30 students are accepted per semester. Applicants must complete mandatory orientation, pass a physical exam and TB test, and hold current CPR certification. The curriculum leads to a skill award and provides hands-on training under health sciences oversight, making it a practical, low-cost entry point into healthcare.

• Prepares for California certification.
• First-come, first-served admission.
• Mandatory orientation required.
• Estimated cost around $341.
• Additional uniform and supply costs.
• Physical exam and TB test needed.
• CPR certification required.
• Department approval for enrollment.
• 15-30 students accepted per semester.
• On-campus program format.

Riverside County Office of Education's School of Career Education offers a Patient Care Technician program with a Nursing Assistant concentration that blends online coursework with hands-on campus labs. This 20-week hybrid format costs $10,200, though financial aid helps offset expenses for eligible students. You'll train for California State Certification as a Nurse Assistant while mastering acute care, home health aide duties, EKG monitoring, and vital signs. CPR/First Aid certification and an internship are embedded, and no prior healthcare experience is required. Because it's a not-for-profit public school, tuition stays competitive, and flexible scheduling supports working adults. Graduates gain practical skills for hospitals, clinics, and home care settings.

• 20-week program length.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Cost is $10,200.
• Financial aid available.
• Nursing Assistant concentration.
• California State Certification eligible.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Includes internship opportunities.
• Acute care training included.
• Home health aide skills taught.

The Certified Nurse Assisting program at Riverside County Office of Education-School of Career Education is a campus-based, comprehensive pathway to California state certification. Going beyond the 160 mandatory hours, PCT 101 blends lecture and lab to cover acute care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and even pediatric, obstetric, and orthopedic rotations. Students earn American Heart Association CPR and First Aid certifications, plus training in home health aide and EKG basics. Financial aid is available for qualified students, and as a not-for-profit public institution, the program is an economical choice for aspiring CNAs. Graduates are prepared for versatile roles across medical-surgical units, home care, and long-term facilities.

• Campus-based program.
• Exceeds 160 state-mandated hours.
• Includes First Aid certification.
• CPR certification through AHA.
• Covers acute care training.
• Home health aide certification.
• EKG basics included.
• California State Certification eligible.
• Combined lecture and lab.
• Financial aid available.

Santa Ana College provides a no-cost, 13-week Certified Nursing Assistant pathway approved by the California Department of Public Health. Students master vital sign monitoring, patient assistance, and healthcare communication through hands-on training, with state exam preparation woven into the curriculum. The program includes mandatory orientation, BLS/CPR certification, physical exams, background checks, and immunization documentation. Graduates enter a strong Orange County job market with more than 800 annual openings and average earnings of $37,402. This free program eliminates tuition barriers, making it an exceptionally affordable entry point into healthcare. Completion leads directly to state certification eligibility and meaningful employment.

• Free 13-week certification program
• State exam preparation included
• Multiple health requirement screenings
• 800+ annual job openings
• California Department of Public Health approved
• Comprehensive healthcare skills training
• Mandatory orientation and courses
• Physical and background checks required
• Immunization documentation needed
• BLS/CPR certification required

Pasadena City College offers a streamlined Certified Nursing Assistant pathway through its Occupational Skills Certificate, designed for those seeking entry-level roles in long-term care. The curriculum condenses into a single 6-unit course covering essential nursing theory, hands-on skills, communication, and culturally competent care. Applicants must be at least 16, have a 10th-grade education, and hold current CPR certification; admission uses a random selection process when oversubscribed. Students arrange their own transportation to clinical sites and purchase uniforms and medical instruments. Grading is pass/no pass, and completion makes graduates eligible for California's state certification exam, with program outcomes aligned to CDPH standards. As a community college, PCC provides an affordable route into healthcare, with lower per-unit fees and financial aid options.

• Occupational Skills Certificate program
• Prepares for long-term care employment
• One required 6-unit course
• On-campus program delivery
• Requires transportation to clinical sites
• Uniform and medical instruments needed
• Pass/no pass grading system
• Eligible for state certification exam
• 10th grade education prerequisite
• Minimum age 16 requirement

California Career Institute offers a fast-paced Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to launch students into healthcare careers in just seven weeks. The campus-based training in Anaheim emphasizes hands-on patient care skills, preparing graduates to assist registered nurses in various medical settings. The curriculum covers essential CNA duties, including vital signs monitoring, patient hygiene, and mobility support, with a focus on practical experience. With growing demand for CNAs, this accelerated pathway facilitates quick entry into the workforce. Financial aid options are available to eligible students, and career services assist with job placement. The shortened duration helps minimize overall training costs and allows students to begin earning sooner, making it an affordable choice for aspiring healthcare professionals.

• 7-week program length.
• Campus-based in Anaheim.
• Prepares for CNA certification.
• Focuses on patient care skills.
• Hands-on training approach.
• Career services available.
• Financial aid options.
• Growing job opportunities.
• Assists registered nurses.
• Fast-track healthcare entry.

Mt. San Antonio College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program offers immediate job training through a short-term, noncredit certificate. Students train in hands-on skills labs and prepare for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. The curriculum covers core courses required for the Certificate of Completion (#36872), with recommended electives including Acute CNA and Home Health Aide. No prior experience is necessary, making the program accessible to career changers and newcomers. It focuses on job readiness for care facilities or home health settings, and establishes a foundation for advanced health career pathways. Program learning outcomes are clearly defined, and graduates are positioned for employment after completion. As a California community college, Mt. SAC offers a more affordable pathway to CNA certification compared to private training programs.

• Short-term certificate program.
• Noncredit training for employment.
• Prepares for CNA certification exam.
• Includes hands-on skills lab.
• Focuses on job readiness skills.
• Leads to healthcare facility jobs.
• Home health care career path.
• Foundation for advanced health programs.
• Certificate of Completion #36872.
• Core courses required for certificate.

Rio Hondo College’s CNA program offers a state-approved pathway into healthcare with 72 hours of classroom theory and 135 hours of clinical practice. The curriculum meets Title 22 regulations, covering geriatric patient care, emergency skills, and communication techniques. Graduates are prepared to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam and step directly into entry-level patient care roles. Courses are offered multiple times each year, and the program welcomes students as young as 16. As a California community college, Rio Hondo keeps tuition relatively low, making this an affordable option for local students seeking certification without excessive debt.

• State-approved nursing program
• 72 hours theory, 135 clinical
• Meets Title 22 regulations
• Prepares for certification exam
• Multiple course offerings annually
• Ages 16 and older welcome
• Covers geriatric patient care
• Includes emergency care skills

For those seeking CNA certification, Rio Hondo College provides a comprehensive, Title 22-compliant program totaling 6.5 units. The curriculum blends 72 hours of theory with 135 hours of clinical work, emphasizing long-term care and emergency procedures. Applicants must be at least 16, possess a California ID, and provide a Social Security or ITIN card. Admission uses random selection, so prospective students should attend a mandatory orientation and complete health exams, CPR certification, and background checks. The program runs multiple times annually and prepares graduates for the National Nurse Aide Assessment exam. Rio Hondo’s community college status helps keep costs down, offering an economical route into the field.

• State-approved CNA program
• 72 hours theory, 135 hours clinical
• Prepares for National Nurse Aide exam
• Minimum age 16 years
• California ID required
• Social Security or ITIN needed
• Random selection admissions
• Mandatory orientation required
• Covers patient care skills
• Includes emergency procedures

Regan Career Institute's Certified Nursing Assistant program offers a swift path into healthcare, completing in just 5-10 weeks. This campus-based track includes 100 hours of hands-on externship training, covering patient care, vital signs, and infection control. Approved by the California Department of Public Health and accredited by ABHES, the program prepares students for the state competency exam. Flexible scheduling includes daytime, evening, and weekend classes, accommodating various lifestyles. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. The short duration not only accelerates career entry but also helps minimize overall tuition and related expenses compared to lengthier programs. With California CNAs earning a median salary of $43,570, graduates step into a stable, in-demand field with possibilities for advancement to nursing roles.

• 5-10 week program duration
• Campus-based training format
• 100-hour clinical externship
• California Department of Public Health approved
• ABHES accredited institution
• Flexible daytime/evening/weekend classes
• Prepares for state competency exam
• Hands-on practical training included
• Experienced healthcare instructors
• Comprehensive patient care curriculum

Designed for aspiring nursing assistants, Regan Career Institute's California CNA program combines classroom instruction with real-world clinical experience. Students complete the campus-based training in 5-10 weeks, including a 100-hour externship in healthcare facilities. The curriculum emphasizes essential skills such as vital signs monitoring, patient communication, and infection control. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to take the state competency test and pursue California CNA licensure. The program is fully approved by the California Department of Public Health and holds ABHES accreditation. Costs are detailed on the enrollment page, and the accelerated timeline can reduce overall educational costs while enabling quicker entry to the workforce. Offering flexible class schedules and requiring a minimum age of 16, this program serves as a practical stepping stone to nursing careers in a growing field with a strong median salary.

• 5-10 week program duration.
• 100 hours hands-on externship.
• Campus-based training in California.
• Approved by California Department of Public Health.
• ABHES accredited program.
• Prepares for state competency test.
• Flexible scheduling options available.
• Minimum age requirement: 16 years.
• Comprehensive patient care curriculum.
• Experienced healthcare instructors.

Summit College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program is approved by the California Department of Health Licensing and Certification Board, ensuring compliance with state standards. Established over three decades ago, Summit College is accredited by ACCET and licensed by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, with approval from the U.S. Department of Education. The program prepares students for state certification and entry-level nursing assistant roles. Summit's career-focused curriculum emphasizes hands-on training and practical skills. For affordability, the program's compact schedule allows quicker entry into the workforce, and Summit offers financial aid options to eligible students, making this a cost-effective step toward a healthcare career.

• Approved by California health board