CNA Classes & Programs in Berkeley, California
2 state-approved CNA programs in Berkeley, including free, online, 4-week, evening and weekend options.
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CNA training in Berkeley
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $50,380
- $24.22 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 10,690
- in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward region
- Healthcare facilities
- 6
- 5 nursing homes and 1 hospital
- Population
- 121,385
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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.
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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.
Program Types in Berkeley
| Type | In Berkeley | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Unitek Training Healthcare ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Quest Nursing Education Center ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Berkeley
Lowest published cost first.
Unitek Training Healthcare
CostFreeHours194Weeks6
- Address
- Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (888) 382-8183
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Employer-sponsored CNA training with 194 total hours combines live online theory, weekly in-person skills labs, and clinical rotations at partner facilities. Full-time day/evening and weekend cohorts are offered; partners typically cover tuition, books, fees, and exam costs.
Visit websiteQuest Nursing Education Center
Cost–Hours160Weeks4
- Address
- Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 452-1444
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Quest’s Nurse Assistant Program is a 160-hour hybrid course (60 classroom, 100 clinical) designed to be completed in 4–6 weeks. Training covers essential CNA skills and competencies in both school and clinical settings.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 2 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major California cities
- Los Angeles41 programs
- San Diego20 programs
- San Jose12 programs
- San Francisco6 programs
- Fresno14 programs
- Sacramento18 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Berkeley
| Median annual pay | $50,380 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $24.22 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 10,690 |
| Salary region | San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Berkeley (5 facilities)
5 nursing homes in Berkeley providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Ashby Care Center2270 Ashby Avenue(510) 841-9494Map | 31 | 3.4 |
| Elmwood Care Center2829 Shattuck Avenue(800) 558-0653Map | 74 | 2.7 |
| Chaparral House1309 Allston Way(510) 848-8774Map | 49 | 2.7 |
| Kyakameena Care Center2131 Carleton Street(510) 843-2131Map | 60 | 2.6 |
| Berkeley Pines Skilled Nursing Center2223 Ashby Avenue(510) 649-6670Map | 36 | 2.4 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Berkeley (1 facility)
1 hospital in Berkeley offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates CampAcute Care Hospitals · 2450 Ashby Avenue(510) 204-4444Map | 3/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Berkeley? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Greenbrae, Vallejo, Concord, Fairfield, and Daly City, 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Berkeley.
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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. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Quest Nursing Education Center.
How much does CNA training cost in Berkeley?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Berkeley directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Berkeley?
Yes. Unitek Training Healthcare offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Berkeley?
Yes. 2 programs in Berkeley offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Berkeley?
Yes. Quest Nursing Education Center is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 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 Greenbrae, Vallejo, Concord, Fairfield and Daly City. 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. CMS lists 5 nursing homes and 1 hospital in Berkeley. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.