CNA Classes & Programs in Downey, California
2 state-approved CNA programs in Downey, including evening options. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in Downey
- 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
- 10
- 4 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 113,052
- 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 Downey can choose from 2 approved CNA programs designed to prepare students for entry-level roles supporting patients in medical settings. Located southeast of downtown Los Angeles within Los Angeles County’s bustling metropolitan corridor, Downey offers convenient access to hands-on healthcare education close to home.
CNA courses here emphasize foundational skills development aligned with state standards while connecting graduates with local clinical opportunities at major hospitals or skilled nursing centers. The presence of multiple acute care hospitals—as well as several sizable long-term care facilities—ensures Downey remains an active hub for those completing their training programs before entering the workforce.
In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region—which includes Downey—CNAs earn around $44,690 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), just below California's median salary of $45,170. These figures reflect strong local interest in quality CNA classes and job placement potential.
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Browse CNA Classes in Downey
Downey provides 2 CNA training programs that enable students to pursue California certification while building practical experience required by today’s employers. Each program prepares candidates through focused instruction aimed at helping them qualify quickly as certified nursing assistants, with local demand ensuring there are opportunities where new CNAs can put their skills into practice after graduation from these recognized courses.
Program Types in Downey
| Type | In Downey | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Downey | See other California cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Downey | See other California cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Downey | See other California cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Downey Adult School ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Downey
Lowest published cost first.
Downey Adult School
Cost$1,999Hours160Weeks8
- Address
- 12340 Woodruff Avenue, Downey, CA 90241
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (562) 940-6200
- Schedule
- Evening classes
160-hour CNA program with classroom and clinical training; multiple day and evening cohorts are offered. Program cost includes books and classroom supplies.
Visit websiteLos Angeles County Office of Education-Gain
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 9525 Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (562) 922-8700
LACOE GAIN offers pre‑certification Nurse Assistant training for participants through partner adult schools, combining classroom instruction and on‑site clinical preparation for entry‑level caregiving roles.
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
- Santa Fe Springs2 programs
- Artesia1 program
- City Of Industry1 program
- Santa Ana7 programs
- Norwalk6 programs
Major California cities
- Los Angeles41 programs
- San Diego20 programs
- San Jose12 programs
- San Francisco6 programs
- Fresno14 programs
- Sacramento18 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Downey
| 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 metropolitan area, approximately 41,860 CNAs are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This large workforce underscores consistent demand across urban hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and numerous home health agencies throughout Southern California’s populous corridor. CNA jobs in Downey are supported by this extensive healthcare infrastructure.
The CNA salary in Downey follows regional trends: In this metro area, CNAs typically earn around $44,690 per year or about $21.49 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. While this amount is just below California’s statewide median salary of $45,170 for CNAs, it reflects regional conditions and the strong industry presence within Los Angeles County and its surrounding communities.
CNA employment options locally span a variety of CMS-certified facilities such as Lakewood Healthcare Center—a large corporation-owned facility with nearly 290 beds—and Downey Post Acute as well as Downey Community Health Center, each providing extensive skilled nursing services. The city also hosts three major hospitals: Lac/Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center—a government-run specialty facility—PIH Health Downey Hospital (voluntary non-profit), and Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Downey (voluntary non-profit). For those interested in alternative care settings or community-based work environments after training completion, there are several home health agencies like Kaiser Foundation Tri Central HHA and Skilled Home Health operating throughout Downey, offering additional job possibilities for newly certified assistants.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Downey (4 facilities)
4 nursing homes in Downey providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lakewood Healthcare Center12023 Lakewood Blvd.(562) 869-0978Map | 290 | 2.7 |
| Downey Post Acute13007 S. Paramount Blvd.(562) 923-9301Map | 99 | 2.7 |
| Downey Community Health Center8425 Iowa Street(562) 862-6506Map | 198 | 2.6 |
| Brookfield Healthcare Center9300 Telegraph Road(562) 869-2567Map | 70 | 2.4 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Downey (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Downey offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Lac/Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation CtrAcute Care Hospitals · 7601 East Imperial Highway(562) 385-7111Map | 3/5 |
| Pih Health Downey HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 11500 Brookshire Avenue(562) 904-5000Map | 3/5 |
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital - DowneyAcute Care Hospitals · 9333 Imperial Highway(833) 574-2273Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Downey (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Downey providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Kaiser Foundation Tri Central Hha12254 Bellflower Blvd(888) 215-4300Map | 2.5/5 |
| Skilled Home Health, Inc8141 2Nd St Suite 208A(562) 450-1690Map | 2.0/5 |
| Epic Home Health Care, Inc.9900 Lakewood Blvd Suite 103(323) 655-6186Map | – |
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 Downey? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Santa Fe Springs, Artesia, City Of Industry, Santa Ana, and Norwalk, 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 Downey, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Downey, 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 Downey 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 Downey.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Downey
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Downey?
Most CNA programs in Downey can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 8 weeks, at Downey Adult School.
How much does CNA training cost in Downey?
Downey Adult School lists a price of $1,999. Ask the other programs in Downey for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Downey?
No program in Downey 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 Downey?
No program in Downey is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other California cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Downey?
No 4-week program is listed in Downey. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other California cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Downey there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Santa Fe Springs, Artesia, City Of Industry, Santa Ana and Norwalk. 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 Downey?
CNAs in Downey are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 4 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 3 home health agencies in Downey. 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.