Jake Flannigan, NP
June 23, 2025
California provides direct access to healthcare careers through its CNA programs. The training equips students to assist nurses and provide patient care by teaching essential knowledge alongside practical competencies for providing safe compassionate services. Certified Nursing Assistants work as essential healthcare personnel in medical facilities including hospitals and nursing homes as well as long-term care centers and home health environments. Patients under their care receive assistance with feeding and bathing along with mobility needs. A CNA monitors patients vital signs before reporting changes to supervising nurses.
Santa Maria, CA - Public 2-Year - hancockcollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Allan Hancock College's Certified Nursing Assistant program provides an essential entry point into healthcare, offering aspiring professionals a foundational path to patient care. Students learn critical skills in assisting patients with daily living tasks under registered nurse supervision. The program serves as an ideal first step for those passionate about healthcare, with potential career progression towards becoming a registered nurse. Approved by the California Department of Public Health, this comprehensive training equips students with practical skills and professional certifications.
Santa Ana, CA - Public 4-Year - sac.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Santa Ana College offers a comprehensive 13-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to launch healthcare careers. Students gain critical patient care skills, learn to support medical professionals, and prepare for state certification. The free program equips participants with essential medical knowledge, covering vital sign monitoring, patient assistance, and healthcare communication. Graduates can expect promising job prospects, with over 800 annual job openings in Orange County and average annual earnings of $37,402. The program provides hands-on training, state exam preparation, and a pathway to meaningful employment in the healthcare sector.
Los Angeles, CA - Public 2-Year - lasc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Los Angeles Southwest College's Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program provides an essential pathway into healthcare for aspiring medical professionals. This focused training prepares students to deliver compassionate patient care in diverse settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and home health environments. Graduates gain critical skills in patient assistance, medical procedures, and personal care support, enabling quick entry into a growing healthcare job market with competitive employment opportunities.
Long Beach, CA - Public 2-Year - lbcc.edu
Concentration: Nursing Assistant - Campus Based - Visit Website
Long Beach City College's Nursing Assistant concentration provides a dynamic pathway into healthcare. Students gain comprehensive skills through a practical, hands-on program that prepares them for critical patient care roles. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with state-of-the-art simulation training in a 2,600-square-foot skills lab, mirroring real hospital environments. Graduates are well-positioned for entry-level healthcare positions with strong job market demand and potential career advancement opportunities.
Whittier, CA - Public 4-Year - riohondo.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rio Hondo College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program provides comprehensive training for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students gain practical skills through 72 hours of theory and 135 hours of clinical training, preparing them to work in diverse healthcare settings. The state-approved program meets Title 22 regulations and enables graduates to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam, launching careers in patient care.
Online CNA programs exist in California only through hybrid models because California requires hands-on clinical training for its CNA certification. The programs integrate distance learning for theoretical aspects with classroom training for practical skill development. Students can learn about anatomy, infection prevention, and communication skills at home through online study which often provides flexible scheduling. Students must finish clinical hours in healthcare facilities under supervising staff to fulfill state certification requirements. This combination of online and in-person classes provides benefits to students who need to manage their educational responsibilities with work or family duties.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana College |
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| Los Angeles Southwest College |
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| Long Beach City College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16 years old, valid SSN/ITIN, government-issued photo ID, required immunizations and physical exam, American Heart Association BLS CPR card, cleared Live Scan fingerprinting, criminal background and drug screening |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | California Department of Public Health, Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section – Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program | Complete a CDPH-approved course with a minimum of 60 classroom hours and 100 supervised clinical hours |
| Fees | No state processing fee, competency exam fees are paid directly to the vendor at testing Certification Exam: Pass both a multiple-choice knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation covering five tasks |
| Registry Activation | Vendor-reported exam results transmitted electronically, registry updated same or next day upon receipt |
| Renewal Requirements | Obtain 48 hours of CDPH-approved in-service training or CEUs within the two-birthday certification period (at least 12 hours per year) |
| Endorsement | Active CNAs from other states transfer by submitting reciprocity forms with proof of unencumbered certification, no retesting required |
The state of California provides an attractive career path for Certified Nursing Assistants who earn higher salaries than the national average. The compensation levels for California CNAs depend on their work location and professional experience along with their employer but they generally receive dependable compensation with possibilities for extended work hours and career progression. The cities of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco provide higher salaries to CNAs because healthcare workers are in high demand while living expenses remain high. CNAs work primarily in nursing homes together with hospitals, residential care facilities, and home health agencies.
| Salary & Career Outlook | California | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $41,400 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $19.90 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$48,290 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $41,400 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$35,300 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~6% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~25,300 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| College of Alameda |
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| Santa Ana College |
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| Allan Hancock College |
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CNA positions create opportunities for healthcare professionals to progress toward better career prospects. The work experience of CNA positions helps numerous individuals progress toward becoming Licensed Vocational Nurses and Registered Nurses. Nursing students can acquire hands-on skills through this educational route while building their professional skills and earning income to support their academic progress. Certain educational institutions provide transitional programs that help CNAs pursue advanced training. The field experience allows CNA professionals to develop connections with other professionals as well as obtain employer-based tuition reimbursement benefits which enhance their educational possibilities. CNA professionals who accumulate experience may progress to leadership positions or training roles in their current organizations. When someone begins their career as a CNA they build fundamental patient care abilities that lead to continuous professional growth in an expanding field.
Additional Nursing Programs in California
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