CNA Classes in San Francisco, California

San Francisco 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 Francisco, California

About San Francisco

San Francisco, California, is a vibrant city known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic Alcatraz Island, and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. As a cultural and economic hub, San Francisco offers a diverse range of opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. For more information about the city, visit the official San Francisco website.

CNA Training Programs in San Francisco, California

If you’re considering becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in San Francisco, you’ll find several reputable programs to help you get started. Here are three local schools offering CNA courses:

1. City College of San Francisco
   • Program Description: The City College of San Francisco offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the California CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Location: Ocean Campus, Balboa Park
   • Program Page: City College of San Francisco CNA Program
2. Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)
   • Program Description: JVS provides a Nursing Assistant training program that combines practical skills with job placement services. The program is focused on helping students succeed in the healthcare field.
   • Location: Financial District
   • Program Page: JVS CNA Program
3. American CareQuest, Inc.
   • Program Description: American CareQuest offers a state-approved CNA training program that includes classroom education, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel as CNAs.
   • Location: South of Market (SoMa)
   • Program Page: American CareQuest CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in San Francisco

San Francisco is home to several major healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some prominent employers:

1. UCSF Medical Center
   • Description: UCSF Medical Center is one of the top hospitals in the nation, known for its cutting-edge research and patient care. They offer numerous employment opportunities for CNAs in various departments.
   • Location: Parnassus Heights
   • Employment Page: UCSF Medical Center Careers
2. California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC)
   • Description: CPMC is a part of the Sutter Health network and provides a wide range of healthcare services. They frequently hire CNAs to support their patient care teams.
   • Location: Pacific Heights
   • Employment Page: CPMC Careers
3. Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center
   • Description: Laguna Honda is a long-term care and rehabilitation facility that offers extensive services to its residents. They have ongoing opportunities for CNAs to join their team.
   • Location: Forest Hill
   • Employment Page: Laguna Honda 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: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: Successfully pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
4. Certification Application: Submit an application to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for certification.

For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health and the California Board of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in San Francisco, California, is a rewarding decision that opens up numerous opportunities in the healthcare field. Contact one of the local schools today to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step towards a fulfilling career.

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 Francisco?

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 Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco?

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 Francisco is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out California CNA Salary info.