CNA Classes & Programs in Berkeley, California
Get Information from CNA Programs in Berkeley and Nearby
Aspiring CNAs in Berkeley can choose from 2 state-approved programs designed to help them enter California's healthcare sector. As a renowned college-town setting within the Bay Area, Berkeley provides access to both traditional classroom instruction and online learning opportunities for those interested in launching a nursing assistant career.
CNA training programs here support preparation for California certification while offering flexibility through online class formats and even free CNA classes. These educational pathways are complemented by local employers such as Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Camp and several skilled nursing centers located throughout Berkeley. Such resources enable students to gain practical experience close to home.
In the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area, CNAs earn around $50,380 per year—considerably higher than many other regions statewide—making Berkeley an attractive place to begin or advance a career as a certified nursing assistant.
Quick Facts About Berkeley
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Population121,385Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$104,716Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$24.22Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$50,380Median Annual Salary
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Facilities6CMS Healthcare Facilities5 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital
Get Information from CNA Programs in Berkeley and Nearby
Schools in Berkeley and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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Browse CNA Classes in Berkeley
Berkeley offers 2 CNA classes that prepare students for California certification and registry placement. With options including online CNA classes and free programs, these CNA training programs help participants develop practical skills needed for success on certification exams while preparing them for entry-level positions where CNAs are needed locally. Graduates benefit from focused instruction tailored toward immediate employment opportunities within the healthcare sector.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Berkeley through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Berkeley and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Berkeley offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Unitek Training Healthcare
Program Details
Quest Nursing Education Center
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Berkeley
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$50,380Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$24.22Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs10,690CNA Positions
In the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward region, approximately 10,690 certified nursing assistants are employed across various healthcare facilities, reflecting ongoing demand for trained CNAs within hospitals, nursing homes, and related care environments throughout this metropolitan area.
The CNA salary in Berkeley is influenced by regional compensation patterns: In the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $50,380, or $24.22 per hour, based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This figure stands well above the statewide median salary of $45,170, providing a notable advantage for those entering or advancing within the field locally.
CNA jobs in Berkeley are available at a range of facilities. Major employers include Ashby Care Center (31 beds) and Elmwood Care Center (74 beds). Other notable sites are Chaparral House (nonprofit), Kyakameena Care Center (for-profit), and Berkeley Pines Skilled Nursing Center. For hospital employment, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Camp serves as an important acute care provider in the city, based on CMS-certified data as of July 2025.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Berkeley? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Concord, Daly City, San Leandro, San Pablo, and San Francisco, or browse the California CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Berkeley (5 facilities)
5 nursing homes in Berkeley providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Berkeley (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Berkeley offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Camp
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Berkeley, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Berkeley, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by California. These include completing a California Department of Public Health (CDPH)–approved Nurse Assistant Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the state-approved competency examination administered by Credentia or D&SDT-Headmaster, and being listed on the California Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 160 total hours of training (60 classroom hours and 100 supervised clinical hours in a licensed skilled nursing facility) — the highest requirement in the nation
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Criminal background check through California DOJ and FBI Live Scan
- Passing both the knowledge test (70 questions: 60 multiple-choice + 10 reading comprehension, 120 minutes) and the skills evaluation (five randomly selected skills within 25 minutes)
- Up to three attempts per component within two years of completing training before retraining is required
- Placement on the California Nurse Aide Registry maintained by CDPH
Once certified, you can work in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Berkeley and across California. CNAs must complete 48 hours of approved continuing education every 24 months to maintain active certification.
Already certified in another state? California offers certification by equivalency for out-of-state CNAs who hold active certification in good standing and meet federal OBRA training standards. Additional documentation, background checks, or testing may be required. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in California guide.
For complete details on training programs, testing procedures, renewal requirements, and maintaining active registry status, see our comprehensive CNA License & Registration in California guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Berkeley
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Berkeley?
Most CNA programs in Berkeley can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Berkeley?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Berkeley?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Berkeley?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Berkeley?
Yes, some schools in Berkeley or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Berkeley there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Concord, Daly City, San Leandro, San Pablo, and San Francisco. You can also look at the California state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the California CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in California, you must be added to the official state registry. See our California CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Berkeley?
CNAs in Berkeley are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.