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CNA Classes in California

37 accredited California schools graduated 1,674 CNA students in 2023–24. Compare them by city below, with published costs, program length and what nursing assistants earn in California.

Updated October 2026 · Data: IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025

Schools
3714 cities
Lowest published cost
$625median $2,414
Graduates 2023–24
1,674
California median pay
$47,630+$5,370 vs U.S.

Jump to a metro area

CNA Classes in Los Angeles, CA 12 schools

Healthcare Career College

8527 Alondra Blvd, #174, Paramount, CA 90723
Private for-profit Certificate (1-2 years)Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
94
Program cost
$16,420
Length
2 months

This price is for a longer program than a typical CNA course; it is classified under the same federal program code. Ask about stand-alone CNA training.

This private for-profit two-year college in Los Angeles County graduated 94 CNA students in 2023–24. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $16,420 for a program of about 2 months.

Hacienda La Puente Adult Education

14101 E. Nelson Ave, La Puente, CA 91746
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
51
Program cost
Ask school
Length
under 12 weeks

This public career school in Los Angeles County graduated 51 CNA students in 2023–24.

Los Angeles Mission College

13356 Eldridge Avenue, Sylmar, CA 91342
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
36
College tuition
$1,196/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

Public four-year institution in Sylmar that reported 36 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,196 ($10,088 out of state).

Downey Adult School

12340 Woodruff Ave., Downey, CA 90241
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
35
Program cost
Ask school
Length
under 12 weeks

Public two-year college in Downey that reported 35 CNA graduates in 2023–24.

Angeles Institute

17100 PIONEER BLVD, SUITE 170, Artesia, CA 90701
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
34
Program cost
$1,583
Length
1 months

Private for-profit career school in Artesia that reported 34 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $1,583 for a program of about 1 months.

Platt College-Los Angeles

1000 South Fremont Avenue, A9W, Alhambra, CA 91803
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
32
College tuition
$14,804/yr
Length
under 12 weeks

32 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this private for-profit four-year institution. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $14,804.

Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health

1237 N. Mission Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
20
Program cost
Ask school
Length
under 12 weeks

This public two-year college in Los Angeles County graduated 20 CNA students in 2023–24.

Platt College-Anaheim

1551 South Douglass Road, Anaheim, CA 92806
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
16
College tuition
$14,804/yr
Length
under 12 weeks

Private for-profit four-year institution in Anaheim that reported 16 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $14,804.

National Career College

14355 Roscoe Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
13
Program cost
Ask school
Length
under 12 weeks

13 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this private for-profit two-year college.

Angeles College

3440 Wilshire Blvd Ste 310, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
10
Program cost
$2,326
Length
2 months

Private for-profit four-year institution in Los Angeles that reported 10 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $2,326 for a program of about 2 months.

College of the Canyons

26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
4
College tuition
$1,104/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

4 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,104 ($11,160 out of state).

High Desert Medical College

701 West Avenue K suite 123, Lancaster, CA 93534
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
3
Program cost
Ask school
Length
under 12 weeks

Private for-profit two-year college in Lancaster that reported 3 CNA graduates in 2023–24.

CNA Classes in Riverside, CA 6 schools

Riverside City College

4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
195
College tuition
$1,380/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

Public two-year college in Riverside that reported 195 CNA graduates in 2023–24, the most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,380 ($11,190 out of state).

California Nurses Educational Institute

72769 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
45
Program cost
$2,700
Length
2 months

This private for-profit two-year college in Riverside County graduated 45 CNA students in 2023–24. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $2,700 for a program of about 2 months.

Riverside County Office of Education-School of Career Education

2100 E. Alessandro Blvd., Riverside, CA 92508
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
22
Program cost
$10,596
Length
5 months

This price is for a longer program than a typical CNA course; it is classified under the same federal program code. Ask about stand-alone CNA training.

Public career school in Riverside that reported 22 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $10,596 for a program of about 5 months.

Palo Verde College

One College Drive, Blythe, CA 92225
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
8
College tuition
$1,380/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

8 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,380 ($13,800 out of state).

Summit College

804 E Brier Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
7
Program cost
$2,132
Length
2 months

7 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this private for-profit career school. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $2,132 for a program of about 2 months.

Chaffey College

5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
3
College tuition
$1,104/yr
Length
under 12 weeks

This public two-year college in San Bernardino County graduated 3 CNA students in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,104 ($11,040 out of state).

CNA Classes in Fresno, CA 4 schools

Clovis Adult Education

1452 David E Cook Way, Clovis, CA 93611
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
104
Program cost
$1,500
Length
3 months

104 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public career school, the 4th-most in the state. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $1,500 for a program of about 3 months.

Institute of Technology

564 W Herndon, Clovis, CA 93612
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
61
Program cost
Ask school
Length
under 12 weeks

61 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this private for-profit two-year college.

Reedley College

995 N Reed Ave, Reedley, CA 93654
Public Certificate (1-2 years)Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
3
College tuition
$1,288/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

This public two-year college in Fresno County graduated 3 CNA students in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,288 ($9,408 out of state).

Agape College of Business and Science

1313 P Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Private nonprofit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
2
College tuition
$10,104/yr
Length
under 12 weeks

Private nonprofit four-year institution in Fresno that reported 2 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $10,104.

CNA Classes in San Diego, CA 3 schools

Southwestern College

900 Otay Lakes Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91910
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
80
College tuition
$1,288/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

Public two-year college in Chula Vista that reported 80 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,288 ($9,436 out of state).

Poway Adult School

13626 Twin Peaks Road, Poway, CA 92064
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
26
Program cost
Ask school
Length
under 12 weeks

Public career school in Poway that reported 26 CNA graduates in 2023–24.

Escondido Adult School

220 W Crest Street, Escondido, CA 92025
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
6
Program cost
Ask school
Length
under 12 weeks

Public career school in Escondido that reported 6 CNA graduates in 2023–24.

CNA Classes in Sacramento, CA 2 schools

Charles A Jones Career and Education Center

5451 Lemon Hill Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95824
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
27
Program cost
$625
Length
2 months

This public career school in Sacramento County graduated 27 CNA students in 2023–24. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $625 for a program of about 2 months.

American River College

4700 College Oak Dr, Sacramento, CA 95841
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
16
College tuition
$0/yr
Length
under 12 weeks

Public two-year college in Sacramento that reported 16 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $0 ($11,520 out of state).

CNA Classes in San Francisco, CA 2 schools

Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD

Loma Vista Adult Center - 1266 San Carlos Avenue., Concord, CA 94518
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
22
Program cost
$2,502
Length
3 months

This public career school in Contra Costa County graduated 22 CNA students in 2023–24. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $2,502 for a program of about 3 months.

City College of San Francisco

50 Frida Kahlo Drive, San Francisco, CA 94112
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
2
College tuition
$0/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

2 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $0 ($12,960 out of state).

CNA Classes in Merced, CA 1 school

Merced College

3600 M St, Merced, CA 95348
Public Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
144
College tuition
$1,104/yr
Length
under 12 weeks

This public two-year college in Merced County graduated 144 CNA students in 2023–24, the 2nd-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,104 ($8,064 out of state).

CNA Classes in Oroville, CA 1 school

Butte College

3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
130
College tuition
$1,104/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

130 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college, the 3rd-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,104 ($8,184 out of state).

CNA Classes in Salinas, CA 1 school

Central Coast College

111 E Navajo Drive, Suite 100, Salinas, CA 93906
Private for-profit Certificate (under 12 weeks)
Graduates '23–24
96
Program cost
$3,255
Length
2 months

Private for-profit two-year college in Salinas that reported 96 CNA graduates in 2023–24, the 5th-most in the state. Published tuition and fees plus books and supplies come to $3,255 for a program of about 2 months.

CNA Classes in Santa Rosa, CA 1 school

Santa Rosa Junior College

1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
83
College tuition
$1,242/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

This public two-year college in Sonoma County graduated 83 CNA students in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,242 ($9,234 out of state).

CNA Classes in Santa Maria, CA 1 school

Allan Hancock College

800 South College Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
80
College tuition
$1,104/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

80 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,104 ($8,952 out of state).

CNA Classes in Modesto, CA 1 school

Modesto Junior College

435 College Ave, Modesto, CA 95350
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
76
College tuition
$1,188/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

This public four-year institution in Stanislaus County graduated 76 CNA students in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,188 ($8,788 out of state).

CNA Classes in Visalia, CA 1 school

College of the Sequoias

915 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
65
College tuition
$1,288/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

This public two-year college in Tulare County graduated 65 CNA students in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,288 ($8,232 out of state).

CNA Classes in Redding, CA 1 school

Shasta College

11555 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, CA 96003
Public Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year)
Graduates '23–24
23
College tuition
$1,104/yr
Length
12 weeks to 1 year

Public four-year institution in Redding that reported 23 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $1,104 ($8,184 out of state).

How to get CNA certified in California

  1. Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (federal minimum: 75 hours, 16 of them supervised clinical practice).
  2. Pass your state’s competency evaluation: a written or oral exam plus a skills demonstration.
  3. Get listed on your state nurse aide registry, which employers check before hiring.
  4. Keep your certification active. Under federal rules, if you go 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work you must retrain or retest.

Rules differ by state. Confirm current California requirements with the relevant state board or registry before you enroll.

CNA Classes in California: FAQ

How many CNA programs are in California?

We list 37 accredited California schools that graduated CNA students in 2023–24, 25 of them public. Together they awarded 1,674 CNA credentials that year.

How much do cna classes cost in California?

10 California schools published a program price. Tuition plus books and supplies ranged from $625 to $16,420, with a median of $2,414. Community colleges often charge by credit hour instead, so check each school’s net price calculator.

How much do nursing assistants make in California?

The median certified nursing assistant in California earns $47,630 a year ($22.90 an hour), according to BLS data for May 2025, versus $42,260 nationally. The top 10% earn $61,100 or more.

Which California school trains the most nursing assistants?

Riverside City College in Riverside reported the most CNA graduates in California: 195 in 2023–24.

How long does CNA training take?

Federal rules require at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Many states require more.

What exam do nursing assistants take?

A state competency evaluation with a written (or oral) test and a hands-on skills test, run by a state-contracted testing vendor.

Other healthcare programs in California