Approved CNA Training Programs in California
Nursing Assistant certification in the state of California is overseen by the California Department of Public Health's Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS), CNA/HHA/CHT Certification Unit. The ATCS approves nursing assistant training programs offered through facilities, colleges, adult education programs and occupational training centers. Make sure you attend a program that has been ATCS approved so that you will be eligible for certification by exam through an ATCS approved testing center once you have successfully completed a nursing assistant program. You will find a list of ATCS approved nursing assistant programs below.
The ATCS approved CNA programs are required to have 50 hours of in-class nursing assistant theory related courses and 100 hours of clinical training. The CNA classes and clinical training will cover all relevant topics necessary to perform the duties of a certified nursing assistant including utilizing proper infection control standards, basic patient care training, medical terminology, taking vital signs, preparing simple dressing, and overall patient hygiene and other related training. CNA programs will cost anywhere from $600 to over $1000 for everything including uniforms, tuition, books, etc.
Free CNA training can be found at many facilities throughout California, however, these programs often require the student to be an employee and sign on to work for a predetermined period of time following successful completion of the nursing assistant program and CNA certification exam.
CNA salaries can range anywhere from $19,000 to over $36,500 annually or a mean hourly rate of $13.04 according to the California Employment Development Department depending on experience, prior education, location and other factors. The job outlook is promising for people looking to enter the CNA profession as well as for those already in the profession. The California Employment Development Department projects a 21.7% increase in the demand for CNAs between 2006 and 2016 and an average of 3080 job openings each year.
Get started researching CNA programs by requesting information from the schools below. You may also be interested in Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) programs in California or even Medical Assistant Programs in CA.
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Featured Approved Nursing Assistant Training Programs in California
Kaplan College
Kaplan College offers a Nurse Assistant Diploma (ATCS approved), Patient Care Technician Diploma and a Vocational Nursing Certificate Program. Upon successful completion of the program graduates are eligible to take the Nursing Assistant Competency examination. Programs offered in North County (Vista, CA) and San Diego, CA.
- Click Here to request information about the San Diego Campus Nurse Assistant Program
- Click Here to request information from the North County/Vista, CA Nurse Assistant Program
Approved Nursing Assistant Programs Offered at Colleges in California
Allan Hancock College |
American River College |
Antelope Valley College |
Copper Mountain Community College District |
American Red Cross - Inglewood |
Los Angeles Valley College |
Casa Loma College |
Technical School, INC. |
Casa Loma College |
Nursing Learning Center |
Central Nursing College |
St. Francis Career College |
Preferred College of Nursing |
American Red Cross - Los Angeles |
Career Development Institute |
Computer Institute of Technology |
B & R Nursing School |
Los Angeles Harbor College |
Mt San Antonio College |
C S U, Long Beach Foundation/Cvt |
Concorde Career College |
Palo Verde College |
West Coast Ultrasound Institute |
Walter Jay M.D. Institute |
(Source: California Employment Development Department)

