CNA Classes & Programs in Costa Mesa, California
2 state-approved CNA programs in Costa Mesa, including online, 4-week, evening and weekend options. Free programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in Costa Mesa
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $44,690
- $21.49 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 41,860
- in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region
- Healthcare facilities
- 6
- 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 111,490
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Costa Mesa
| Type | In Costa Mesa | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Costa Mesa | See other California cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Nurses' Development Center ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Nurses' Development Center ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Costa Mesa
Lowest published cost first.
Coastline Rop
Cost$1,800Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 1001 Presidio Square, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (714) 979-1955
Coastline ROP offers an Adult CNA (Pre-Certification) Internship course combining classroom instruction with a clinical internship at a skilled nursing facility. A recent cohort ran Monday–Friday daytimes at the Presidio Campus.
Visit websiteNurses' Development Center
Cost–Hours160Weeks3
- Address
- Costa Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (562) 403-2115
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
NDCI’s CNA is a 160 hour program (60 theory, 100 clinical) with daytime, evening, and weekend schedules; clinical training is offered at partner sites in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa
| Median annual pay | $44,690 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $21.49 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 41,860 |
| Salary region | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Costa Mesa (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Costa Mesa providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center340 Victoria Street(949) 642-0387Map | 79 | 2.7 |
| Newport Subacute Healthcare Center2570 Newport Blvd(949) 631-4282Map | 139 | 2.7 |
| Mesa Verde Post Acute Care Center661 Center Street(949) 548-5585Map | 80 | 2.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Costa Mesa (1 facility)
1 hospital in Costa Mesa offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| College Hospital Costa MesaAcute Care Hospitals · 301 Victoria Street(949) 642-2734Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Costa Mesa (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Costa Mesa providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Advantage Health Systems151 Kalmus Drive, Suite D-101(714) 557-5506Map | 5.0/5 |
| Specialized Home Health Services2755 Bristol Street Ste 115(949) 543-1300Map | 4.5/5 |
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 Costa Mesa? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Corona, Pomona, and Torrance, 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 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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Costa Mesa.
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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. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at Nurses' Development Center.
How much does CNA training cost in Costa Mesa?
Coastline Rop lists a price of $1,800. Ask the other programs in Costa Mesa for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Costa Mesa?
No program in Costa Mesa is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other California cities. 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?
Yes. Nurses' Development Center offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Costa Mesa?
Yes. 2 programs in Costa Mesa are accelerated. 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 Costa Mesa there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Corona, Pomona and Torrance. 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. CMS lists 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 2 home health agencies in Costa Mesa. 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.