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Launch Your Healthcare Career with CNA Classes in San Diego!

Dreaming of a career where you can truly make a difference? Aspiring to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in San Diego? You’ve found your starting point! Our CNA Classes San Diego is dedicated to guiding you to the top CNA programs in San Diego, California, offering career resources for your journey in healthcare.

Extensive Program Directory

Our team has meticulously curated a list of the best CNA training programs in San Diego. This broad directory offers a range of training options, perfectly suited to meet your educational needs and career ambitions in the healthcare sector.

Objective Program Evaluations

Choosing the right program is key. We offer unbiased, detailed reviews of every CNA program in San Diego. Our evaluations cover essential factors such as program reputation, cost, schedule flexibility, curriculum quality, faculty experience, clinical training opportunities, and past student feedback. Our insights are designed to help you make the best choice for your future.

Empowering Resources for Aspiring CNAs

We are committed to supporting aspiring CNAs in San Diego throughout their educational journey. Our resources include insightful articles, FAQs, and practical tips, all aimed at enhancing your understanding of the CNA profession and equipping you for a successful career as a nursing assistant.

In-Person CNA Classes

For those who thrive in a classroom setting, in-person CNA classes in San Diego offer direct interaction with experienced instructors, peer discussions, and networking opportunities within the local healthcare community.

Hybrid CNA Classes

Hybrid CNA programs combine the convenience of online learning with the benefits of in-person instruction. This flexible approach allows you to balance independent study with collaborative, hands-on learning experiences.

Online CNA Classes

If your schedule is packed, online CNA classes are the ideal solution. Learn at your own pace, access course materials at your convenience, and manage your learning journey while receiving top-tier education from seasoned nurse aid instructors.

Featured CNA Programs

in San Diego

We’ve simplified your search for CNA programs in San Diego by highlight the best options in the area:



The Cesar E. Chavez Campus of San Diego Continuing Education offers various Healthcare Careers certificate programs, including Personal Care Assistant/Caregiver, Nursing Assistant, and more, designed for entry-level healthcare positions. These programs, highlighted by the success of former students like Brian Yamase, provide hands-on learning and expert instruction. The Acute Care Nursing Assistant certificate, in particular, has proven effective for career advancement in hospital settings. The Nursing Assistant program, a 394-hour course over 16 weeks, prepares students for the Certified Nurse Assistant examination, essential for State of California certification.

For specialized roles, the campus offers programs like Nursing Assistant (Rehabilitative), Nursing Assistant (Acute Care), and Health Unit Coordinator, each varying in duration and focus. The Behavioral Health Aide program, for example, spans 405 hours and caters to those interested in mental health care. While the programs are tuition-free, there are associated costs for books, uniforms, and exams. These comprehensive programs, coupled with the campus's commitment to accessible, quality education, make it a valuable resource for those pursuing careers in healthcare.

Cesar E. Chavez Campus

Program Information Details
Cost Tuition Free (Approx. $400 for additional expenses)
Program Duration 394 hours in 16 weeks
Location 1901 Main St, San Diego, CA 92113
Online Classes? No
Free Classes? Yes (Tuition-free)

Pacific Health Educational Center in San Diego offers an Accelerated CNA program that completes in 22 class days, aiming to provide students with essential knowledge and practical experience in a professional and supportive environment. Additionally, the center features a two-day Restorative Nursing Program (RNP) offering 8 CEU credit hours, and monthly Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Saturday classes in both 8-hour and 4-hour sessions. These courses are designed to enhance essential nursing skills and are available for enrollment through phone or email.

The center also provides a Home Health Aide (HHA) program with weekend classes, spanning 40 hours over 5 days, and a CNA program with both weekend and weekday options. The weekend CNA sessions run for 11 weekends, while the weekday class spans 5 weeks, with class hours from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for both. Interested individuals can reach out to the center at their Black Mountain Road location in San Diego for further details and enrollment procedures.

Pacific Health Educational Center

Program Information Details
Cost $2,100
Program Duration 5 Weeks
Location 9466 Black Mountain Road, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92126
Online Classes? No
Free Classes? No

Southwestern College Higher Education Center at Otay Mesa provides a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, offering crucial training for those aiming to enter the healthcare field. The program, led by Registered Nurses, prepares students for a career in healthcare and acts as a stepping stone to advanced roles like Vocational Nursing and the Associate Degree in Nursing. To help prospective students, the college hosts virtual Information Sessions on Zoom, detailing the curriculum, application process, and career opportunities. The 8.5-unit CNA Program includes lectures and labs, focusing on fundamental procedures, patient care, data collection, and communication, in line with state certification standards.

The program offers flexibility with different session lengths (9 or 18 weeks) starting in January, March, June, and August. It also provides English Learner Support in selected classes. Admission to the CNA program is competitive and requires a complete application packet, including physical exam and immunization forms. Graduates of the program are eligible for the California Department of Health Services exam, administered on campus. Southwestern College's CNA program is designed to thoroughly prepare students for immediate healthcare roles and future educational advancement in nursing.

Southwestern College Higher Education Center

Program Information Details
Cost $750 to $850
Program Duration 9 or 18 weeks, depending on enrollment
Location 8100 Gigantic St, San Diego, CA 92154
Online Classes? No
Free Classes? No

Fast Track Medical Training Center, located in San Diego, CA, offers a wide range of courses for healthcare professionals, including a comprehensive Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program. Their CNA program, which costs $1500, is just one part of their extensive offerings, which also include Continuing Education Units for CNA certificate renewal, Home Health Aide courses, and a 54-hour Pharmacology class aimed at CNAs looking to advance to LVN. Furthermore, they offer classes in EKG Interpretation, Critical Care Nursing, RN/LVN NCLEX review, BLS/CPR, ACLS, and Caregiver training, showcasing their commitment to providing diverse and comprehensive educational opportunities in the healthcare sector.

The center’s mission focuses on enhancing the knowledge and skills of its trainees, preparing them for successful healthcare careers. The CNA program requires a $500 deposit with the remainder of the tuition due before class completion, and students must schedule a competency exam with the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program upon finishing the program. Applicants must provide a Social Security Card and State ID or Driver's License. The center emphasizes quality in its educational programs and maintains a clear refund policy for those who need to reschedule or cancel their enrollment.

Fast Track Medical Training Center

Program Information Details
Cost $1,500
Program Duration Not specified
Location 6160 Mission Gorge Rd. Suite 120, San Diego, CA 92120
Online Classes? No
Free Classes? No

A Better Solution CNA School in San Diego, affiliated with A Better Solution In Home Care & Nursing, offers a CNA program that stands out for its quick 21-day completion time and small class sizes for personalized instruction. The school provides immediate job placement upon passing the test, free test preparation courses, and allows students to work as caregivers while attending classes. With strategic partnerships in the healthcare sector, the school ensures excellent job placement opportunities and offers scholarships to students who register as caregivers during the course.

The program includes 100 hours of training, split between classroom learning and clinical exposure, and is designed to meet California's requirements for CNA certification. Students must be at least 16, fluent in English, in good physical health, and pass the state CNA exam and background checks. The school offers incentives for friend enrollment and referrals, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quick entry into the healthcare field in San Diego.

A Better Solution CNA School

Program Information Details
Cost Non-refundable $300 deposit; Balance due before completion
Program Duration 21 days
Location 8929 Complex Dr, San Diego, CA 92123
Online Classes? No
Free Classes? Free test preparation classes

San Diego Medical College offers a hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, blending two weeks of online theory classes with two weeks of clinical bedside patient care training. The program is scheduled throughout 2024 with various start dates, offering flexibility for enrollees. It's crucial for students to have the necessary technology to participate in the online portion. The curriculum aligns with the California Department of Public Health's requirements, encompassing 60 hours of lectures and 100 hours in a clinical setting. Upon completion, students are eligible for the state certification exam.

Financially, the program includes an enrollment fee and subsequent weekly payments, covering aspects like training, study materials, and Live Scan fingerprinting. Not all fees are refundable, and prospective students should consult the finance department for details. Additionally, the college provides various medical and health-related courses, backed by experienced professionals who adopt an engaging and innovative teaching approach. Contact information is available for those seeking further details or enrollment.

San Diego Medical College

Program Information Details
Cost Enrollment: $100, Weekly: $435
Program Duration 4 weeks
Location 6780 Miramar Road Suite #204, San Diego, CA 92121
Online Classes? Yes
Free Classes? No

International Health Group Career College offers a fast-track CNA Certification Program, approved by the California Department of Public Health, designed to be completed in 20-22 days. The program focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills to pass state CNA tests, emphasizing compassionate patient care under the supervision of nurses. As a state testing center, the college facilitates easy access to the State Competency Test through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, assessing students’ theoretical and practical skills.

The college’s program is tailored to meet the increasing need for Nursing Assistants in California. It offers flexible scheduling options with weekday and weekend classes at various campuses, including San Diego, Vista, San Marcos, and Chula Vista. To support students, the college provides scholarships, career advisory services, and experienced instructors with over 10 years of experience in the medical field.

International Health Group Career College

Program Information Details
Cost Not Provided
Program Duration 20-22 days
Location San Diego, Vista, San Marcos, Chula Vista
Online Classes? No
Free Classes? Yes, sponsorships and scholarships available for students who qualify

Escondido Adult School offers a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) course that effectively combines online theoretical instruction with practical in-person clinical training at Redwood Terrace, a skilled nursing facility. The curriculum, spanning 199 hours over 10 weeks, comprehensively covers 17 modules, including basic nursing skills, medical terminology, and patient care ethics. This approach ensures students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for various nursing assistant roles.

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the California State Board Certified Nurse Assistant examinations, an essential step for certification. The program requires a high school diploma or equivalent for some medical classes, and students must have access to technology like a computer with a webcam and Wi-Fi. With a total cost of $1595.00, plus additional book and equipment fees, the course offers a structured pathway for aspiring CNAs, blending online convenience with valuable hands-on experience.

Escondido Adult School CNA Program

Program Information Details
Cost $1595, additional book and equipment fees
Program Duration 199 hours/10 weeks
Location 220 W. Crest St., Escondido, CA 92025
Online Classes? Yes
Free Classes? No

San Diego College of Continuing Education offers a comprehensive Nurse Assistant Training Program, blending online and practical training over an 8 to 16-week period. The program, requiring 250-330 hours, prepares students to care for individuals who cannot care for themselves, covering a broad spectrum of skills from basic nursing and medical terminology to ethics and emergency procedures. Online lectures are conducted through Canvas and Zoom, necessitating students to have appropriate computer systems.

After completing the course, students are eligible to take the California State Certified Nurse Assistant examination. Program prerequisites include a mandatory orientation, health assessments, and Live Scan fingerprinting. The program, while tuition-free, has additional costs for books, uniforms, CPR certification, and state exam fees, estimated between $574 to $905. The school’s commitment to thorough training is reflected in its high pass rates for both the program and state exams in recent years.

San Diego College of Continuing Education

Program Information Details
Cost Estimated $574 - $905
Program Duration 8 to 16 weeks, 250-330 hours
Location 4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92113-1915
Online Classes? Yes
Free Classes? No (Tuition-free with other associated costs)

Poway Adult School offers a Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) combining online and in-person training to prepare students for certification as nursing assistants. Over a 16-week period, the program balances theoretical learning through Zoom sessions with practical skills acquired in a skilled nursing facility and at Del Norte High School. It covers essential topics like basic nursing skills, medical terminology, and patient care, and includes additional components like a CPR class and a "Meet the Employer" event.

The program requires full attendance and active participation, especially in its online components, and sets strict standards for student engagement. With a cost of $995 plus additional estimated fees for medical exams and other necessities, it provides a comprehensive educational experience. The program emphasizes the importance of meeting health and legal prerequisites, including COVID-19 vaccination and background checks, to ensure students are well-prepared for their future roles in healthcare.

Poway Adult School

Program Information Details
Cost $995, additional fees estimated at $200 - $300
Program Duration 16 weeks
Location 13626 Twin Peaks Road, Poway, CA 92064
Online Classes? Yes (Theory classes)
Free Classes? No

LearnMore is a not-for-profit career-training school that specializes in quality, accelerated courses to equip participants with skills for employment in high-demand sectors.  This unique training program currently offers in-person 22- and 44-day accelerated nurse assistant training courses and is expanding to include an Acute Care CNA course.  LearnMore designed the accelerated nurse assistant training course for candidates seeking nurse assistant certification by the State of California. The state-approved course provides 60 theory and lab instruction hours, 100 clinical instruction hours, and meets all federal and state training requirements.

The cost of this course is $1,500 per student and flexible payment plans are offered.

More information is available on the website: https://learnmorefast.org/

 

Program Information Details
Cost $1,500
Program Duration 22-days or 44-days
Location San Diego, CA 92105  -AND-  Glendale, CA 91204
Online Classes? No
Free Classes? No

Education should be accessible to all. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of schools, non-profits, and other organizations in San Diego that offer free CNA classes or employer-sponsored training. These programs not only provide free education but also serve as gateways to a meaningful career in healthcare, impacting the lives of patients and the community positively.

Join San Diego’s Thriving Healthcare Community

San Diego’s healthcare sector is in need of CNAs and has plenty of open position with opportunities for growth. By becoming a CNA, you’ll enter a field with career development potential and become a contributing member of San Diego’s health and wellness community. Check out our blog posts to help provide additional support and resources as you pursue CNA licensure and career advancement.