CNA Classes in San Diego, California

San Diego CNA Training - California

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in San Diego, California

About San Diego

San Diego, California, known for its picturesque coastline, vibrant neighborhoods, and year-round mild climate, is an excellent place to begin your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). With landmarks like Balboa Park, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and stunning beaches, San Diego offers a rich cultural and recreational environment. For more information about the city, visit the official San Diego website.

CNA Training Programs in San Diego, California

San Diego offers several reputable CNA training programs to help you start your career in healthcare. Here are three local schools providing Nursing Assistant programs:

1. San Diego College of Continuing Education
   • Location: Mid-City Campus, City Heights
   • Program Overview: Offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the California state certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • San Diego College of Continuing Education – Nursing Assistant Program
2. Grossmont Health Occupations Center
   • Location: Santee, CA (approximately 20 miles from downtown San Diego)
   • Program Overview: Provides a robust CNA program with a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program is designed to meet state certification requirements.
   • Grossmont Health Occupations Center – CNA Program
3. San Diego City College
   • Location: Downtown San Diego
   • Program Overview: Offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate program that includes coursework in patient care, medical terminology, and clinical practice, preparing students for the state certification exam.
   • San Diego City College – Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in San Diego

San Diego is home to numerous healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment. Here are some major employers:

1. Sharp HealthCare
   • Location: Multiple locations across San Diego, including Kearny Mesa and Chula Vista
   • Overview: One of the largest healthcare providers in San Diego, offering a wide range of services. Sharp HealthCare frequently hires CNAs for various roles.
   • Sharp HealthCare – Careers
2. Scripps Health
   • Location: Multiple locations, including La Jolla and Hillcrest
   • Overview: A leading healthcare system in San Diego, known for its hospitals and clinics. Scripps Health offers numerous opportunities for CNAs.
   • Scripps Health – Careers
3. UC San Diego Health
   • Location: La Jolla and Hillcrest
   • Overview: Part of the University of California system, UC San Diego Health is a top-tier medical center offering advanced care and research opportunities.
   • UC San Diego Health – Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in California

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in California, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: This includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the California CNA competency exam, which includes both a written and skills test.
3. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check.
4. Certification Application: Apply for certification through the California Department of Public Health.

For more detailed information, visit the California Department of Public Health – CNA Certification.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in San Diego, California, is a rewarding decision. With ample training programs and employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to pursue your CNA certification. Contact a local school today to take the first step towards your new career in healthcare.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in California may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in San Diego?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around San Diego usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in San Diego will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in San Diego?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in California, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in California, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in San Diego is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out California CNA Salary info.