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 delivers comprehensive healthcare training designed to launch students into clinical environments. Through rigorous instruction approved by the California Department of Public Health, participants gain hands-on experience in patient care techniques, medical ethics, and professional communication. The program strategically prepares students for immediate entry into healthcare settings, emphasizing supervised patient assistance and foundational nursing skills. With two annual application periods, students can quickly transition into frontline medical roles, making this an efficient pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals seeking a solid foundation in acute care and patient support services.
Santa Ana, CA - Public 4-Year - sac.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Santa Ana College's CNA program is an exceptional 13-week certification pathway designed to rapidly prepare students for healthcare careers. With state Department of Public Health approval, the program uniquely offers a free educational experience that comprehensively trains participants in critical patient care skills. Students receive extensive hands-on training, covering essential medical procedures like vital sign monitoring and patient assistance. The curriculum emphasizes practical healthcare communication and includes mandatory orientation, comprehensive health screenings, and required background checks. Graduates benefit from impressive local job market opportunities, with over 800 annual openings in Orange County and potential annual earnings around $37,402, making this an attractive entry point into medical professional roles.
Los Angeles, CA - Public 2-Year - lasc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Positioned as a robust entry point into healthcare, Los Angeles Southwest College's CNA/Home Health Aide program delivers comprehensive hands-on training designed to transform students into skilled patient care professionals. Through meticulously structured curriculum, participants develop critical medical assistance techniques, learn comprehensive patient interaction protocols, and gain practical experience applicable across multiple healthcare environments. The program emphasizes technical proficiency and compassionate care, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment in hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health services. Strategic coursework focuses on essential skills like vital sign monitoring, patient mobility assistance, infection control, and personalized care strategies.
Long Beach, CA - Public 2-Year - lbcc.edu
Concentration: Nursing Assistant - Campus Based - Visit Website
Long Beach City College's Nursing Assistant program offers a comprehensive and innovative pathway into healthcare, emphasizing practical skills and professional development. Through an immersive curriculum featuring a cutting-edge 2,600-square-foot skills lab, students engage in hands-on training that closely simulates authentic clinical environments. The program strategically prepares students for crucial patient care roles, leveraging state-of-the-art medical equipment and providing multiple certificate options. Students benefit from a robust career ladder approach, positioning graduates for immediate employment and future advancement in the dynamic healthcare sector. Emphasizing both technical proficiency and compassionate care, this concentration equips aspiring healthcare professionals with essential skills for success.
Whittier, CA - Public 4-Year - riohondo.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rio Hondo College's CNA program delivers a robust healthcare training experience, meticulously designed to transform students into skilled nursing assistants. Spanning 72 theoretical hours and 135 clinical training hours, the program comprehensively prepares students for diverse patient care environments. By meeting stringent Title 22 regulations, students receive state-approved instruction that covers critical skills including geriatric patient care and emergency response techniques. The curriculum strategically enables graduates to confidently challenge the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam, positioning them for immediate employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. Open to students aged 16 and older, this program represents an accessible pathway into professional healthcare service.
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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