CNA Classes & Programs in Costa Mesa, California
Get Information from CNA Programs in Costa Mesa and Nearby
Costa Mesa is home to 2 CNA programs for individuals seeking state-approved training to become certified nursing assistants. Located within the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area, Costa Mesa’s diverse healthcare landscape supports those pursuing careers in patient care through formal education pathways.
Aspiring CNAs can select from both traditional classroom and online CNA classes in Costa Mesa. Some programs also provide accelerated learning tracks for faster completion. Completing a CNA course enables graduates to qualify for California certification and pursue roles at local hospitals, nursing homes, or home health agencies throughout the area.
In Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CNAs earn around $44,690 per year—a figure just below the statewide median—offering graduates insight into expected wages following successful completion of their training.
Quick Facts About Costa Mesa
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Population111,490Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$104,981Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$21.49Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$44,690Median Annual Salary
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Facilities6CMS Healthcare Facilities3 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital • 2 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Costa Mesa and Nearby
Schools in Costa Mesa 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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- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Costa Mesa
Students in Costa Mesa can choose from 2 CNA programs that prepare them for California certification through classroom instruction and online options. These CNA classes equip participants with practical skills and knowledge needed for state registry placement while offering flexibility with accelerated classes available. Graduates are prepared to meet regional healthcare demand as they seek opportunities where CNAs are needed throughout Costa Mesa’s medical community.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Costa Mesa, but free classes are available in other cities throughout California.
Accelerated programs: available in Costa Mesa and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Costa Mesa offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Nurses' Development Center
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Coastline Rop
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Costa Mesa
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$44,690Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$21.49Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs41,860CNA Positions
In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region, approximately 41,860 CNAs are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies in Costa Mesa and surrounding areas consistently recruit trained professionals to deliver hands-on care across various settings.
CNA salary in Costa Mesa aligns with metro-level figures: In Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CNAs earn a median of $44,690 annually or $21.49 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023). This is slightly lower than the statewide median salary of $45,170 but remains typical within Southern California’s healthcare sector.
Costa Mesa features several CMS-certified facilities providing employment opportunities for newly certified CNAs. Notable employers include Victoria Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (79 beds), Newport Subacute Healthcare Center (139 beds), and Mesa Verde Post Acute Care Center (80 beds). The city also hosts College Hospital Costa Mesa as an acute care facility as well as home health agencies like Advantage Health Systems and Specialized Home Health Services.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Costa Mesa? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Fullerton, Orange, Downey, Norwalk, and Compton, 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 Costa Mesa (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Costa Mesa providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Costa Mesa (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Costa Mesa offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Costa Mesa (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Costa Mesa providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Advantage Health Systems
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Specialized Home Health Services
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Costa Mesa, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Costa Mesa?
Most CNA programs in Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa?
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 Costa Mesa?
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 Costa Mesa?
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 Costa Mesa?
Yes, some schools in Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Fullerton, Orange, Downey, Norwalk, and Compton. 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 Costa Mesa?
CNAs in Costa Mesa 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.