As the nation’s most populous state, California has hundreds of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training programs. CNAs support RNs by providing basic hygiene and patient care. To date, 98,500 CNAs currently work in California and earn $33,500 annually, higher than the national average of $23,050, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Wages can vary widely throughout the state depending on location and type of facility.

Choosing the Best CNA Programs in California

With hundreds of CNA programs to choose from, it's essential that applicants choose one that is recognized by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Such programs are offered by community colleges, allied health institutes, career colleges, and stand-alone CNA training centers from Sacramento and San Francisco to Los Angeles and San Diego. For specific information, click on our CNA Training Programs Admissions page.

  • Program Length: CNA career programs in California are 6 to 12 weeks in length and require more hours than programs in many other states. Programs include classroom and clinical work. They also prepare students to complete the NNAAP Competency Exam required by the state.
  • Program Cost: Though tuition pricing will vary by each institution, applicants can expect to spend approximately $1,800, which may or may not include testing and other fees. Organizations such as the Red Cross in Los Angeles offer free CNA training options. In addition, some nursing homes offer to cover the cost of tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
  • Board Approved Programs: Successfully completing a CDPH-approved program is crucial in order to qualify for employment at California healthcare employers. The state requires CNA applicants to complete both an approved training program and pass an examination. To learn more, check out the CNA certification requirements in California.
  • Online/In-Person Options: While CNA training programs require in-person hands-on clinical training, some of the classroom work may be available in an online format. CNA institutes allow students to attend classes during the day or during the evening so they can continue working. Most schools allow students to start their programs at multiple times throughout the year.

2023 List of CNA Classes in California

To get a feel for the CNA curriculum in California, see our list of classes and courses available in the state.

Alhambra, CA

CNA Programs
2215 West Mission Rd
Alhambra, CA 91803
(818) 539-9931

Bakersfield, CA

1801 Panorama Dr
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 395-4011

CNA Programs
501 S Mt Vernon Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93307
(661) 831-3327

CULVER CITY, CA

CNA Programs
9000 OVERLAND AVE.
CULVER CITY, CA 90230
(310) 287-4464

Chula Vista, CA

CNA Programs
311 Del Mar Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(909) 380-7255

CNA Programs
900 Otay Lakes Rd
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 421-6700

Coalinga, CA

CNA Programs
300 W Cherry Ln
Coalinga, CA 93210
(559) 934-2000

Colton, CA

CNA Programs
851 E Cooley Dr
Colton, CA 92324
(909) 422-8950

Commerce, CA

CNA Programs
2227 Atlantic Blvd
Commerce, CA 90040
(562) 426-8176

Concord, CA

CNA Programs
1266 San Carlos Ave
Concord, CA 94518
(925) 685-7340

Corona, CA

CNA Programs
90 W Grand Blvd #107
Corona, CA 92882
(951) 734-1601

Cupertino, CA

CNA Programs
10123 N Wolfe Rd SUITE 2085
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 522-2700

El Cajon, CA

CNA Programs
1161 E Main St #205
El Cajon, CA 92021
(619) 241-9931

El Monte, CA

11350 Valley Blvd
El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 455-0312

Garden Grove, CA

CNA Programs
12141 Brookhurst St
Garden Grove, CA 92841
(714) 539-5959

Gilroy, CA

CNA Programs
5055 Santa Teresa Blvd
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 848-4800

Glendale, CA

CNA Programs
1501 S. Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 539-9931

Glendora, CA

CNA Programs
1134 Barranca Ave
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 852-8400

CNA Programs
1000 W Foothill Blvd
Glendora, CA 91741
(626) 963-0323

Imperial, CA

CNA Programs
380 E. Aten Rd.
Imperial, CA 92251
(760) 352-8320

Imperial Beach, CA

CNA Programs
1325 Iris Ave
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619) 429-8500

Lakeport, CA

1152 S Main St
Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 262-4100

Long Beach, CA

800 W. Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90806
(562) 435-3411

CNA Programs
1903 Santa Fe Ave
Long Beach, CA 90810
(562) 983-1777

Los Angeles, CA

CNA Programs
1020 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(800) 733-5627

CNA Programs
1600 W Imperial Hwy
Los Angeles, CA 90047
(323) 241-5321

CNA Programs
3551 Trousdale Pkwy
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 740-2311

Merced, CA

CNA Programs
3600 M St
Merced, CA 95348
(209) 384-6000

Montebello, CA

CNA Programs
420 Date Street
Montebello, CA 90640
(562) 698-8301

Napa, CA

1600 Lincoln Ave
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 253-3594

2277 Napa Vallejo Hwy
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 256-7000

Oakland, CA

CNA Programs
3901 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94611
(916) 993-7063

Oceanside, CA

CNA Programs
1 Barnard Dr
Oceanside, CA 92056
(760) 757-2121

Ontario, CA

CNA Programs
337 N Vineyard Avenue, 4th Floor
Ontario, CA 91764
(951) 637-8332

Oroville, CA

3536 Butte Campus Dr
Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 895-2511

Palm Desert, CA

CNA Programs
43-500 Monterey Ave
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-8041

Palm Springs, CA

CNA Programs
777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 200
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(951) 637-8332

5200 Ramon Rd #1
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 416-5955

Pasadena, CA

CNA Programs
1570 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 585-7123

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

CNA Programs
5885 Haven Ave
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737
(909) 652-6000

Redding, CA

11555 Old Oregon Trail
Redding, CA 96003
(530) 242-7500

Reedley, CA

CNA Programs
995 N. Reed
Reedley, CA 93654
(559) 638-0300

Reseda, CA

CNA Programs
19300 Sherman Way
Reseda, CA 91335
(818) 757-4431

Riverside, CA

CNA Programs
6700 Indiana Avenue, Suite 255
Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 637-8332

2100 E Alessandro Blvd
Riverside, CA 92508
(760) 863-3333

Rocklin, CA

5100 Sierra College Blvd
Rocklin, CA 95677
(916) 624-3333

Sacramento, CA

CNA Programs
1565 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 993-7063

4700 College Oak Dr
Sacramento, CA 95841
(916) 484-8011

CNA Programs
5451 Lemon Hill Ave
Sacramento, CA 95824
(916) 433-2600

CNA Programs
3100 Meadowview Rd
Sacramento, CA 95832
(916) 394-0770

San Bernardino, CA

CNA Programs
3173 Kerry St
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 887-6305

San Diego, CA

CNA Programs
7851 Mission Center Ct #326
San Diego, CA 92108
(858) 357-8800

San Francisco, CA

CNA Programs
50 Frida Kahlo Way
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 239-3000

CNA Programs
351 H Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94130
(415) 277-2400

San Jose, CA

CNA Programs
2731 N 1st St.
San Jose, CA 95134
(707) 577-7640

3095 Yerba Buena Rd
San Jose, CA 95135
(408) 274-7900

3095 Yerba Buena Rd
San Jose, CA 95135
(408) 274-7900

San Luis Obispo, CA

CNA Programs
Highway 1
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
(805) 546-3100

San Pablo, CA

CNA Programs
2600 Mission Bell Dr
San Pablo, CA 94806
(510) 235-7800

Santa Ana, CA

CNA Programs
601 North Golden Circle
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(562) 426-8176

Santa Barbara, CA

CNA Programs
721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 965-0581

Santa Clarita, CA

CNA Programs
26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 259-7800

Santa Maria, CA

CNA Programs
800 S College Dr
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 922-6966

Santa Monica, CA

CNA Programs
1450 11th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(818) 539-9931

Santa Rosa, CA

CNA Programs
5297 Aero Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 577-7640

South Lake Tahoe, CA

2170 South Ave
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 541-3420

Stanton, CA

CNA Programs
12362 Beach Blvd
Stanton, CA 90680
(714) 890-7023

Stockton, CA

CNA Programs
9 El Dorado St
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 475-9854

CNA Programs
5151 Pacific Ave
Stockton, CA 95207
(209) 954-5151

Torrance, CA

CNA Programs
16007 Crenshaw Blvd
Torrance, CA 90506
(310) 532-3670

Ventura, CA

CNA Programs
4667 Telegraph Road
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 289-6000

Visalia, CA

CNA Programs
915 S Mooney Blvd
Visalia, CA 93277
(559) 730-3700

Walnut, CA

1100 N. Grand Ave.
Walnut, CA 91789
(909) 274-7500

Weed, CA

CNA Programs
800 College Ave
Weed, CA 96094
(530) 938-5555

Whittier, CA

3600 Workman Mill Rd
Whittier, CA 90601
(562) 692-0921

Wilmington, CA

CNA Programs
1111 Figueroa Pl
Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 233-4000

Woodland Hills, CA

6201 Winnetka Ave
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
(818) 719-6404

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.