CNA Classes & Programs in El Cajon, California
7 state-approved CNA programs in El Cajon, including free, online, 4-week, evening and weekend options.
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CNA training in El Cajon
- Programs
- 7
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $44,250
- $21.28 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 9,820
- in the San Diego-Carlsbad region
- Healthcare facilities
- 15
- 12 nursing homes and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 105,721
- 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.
El Cajon is home to 7 CNA programs, giving aspiring nursing assistants a range of educational options within this growing city in California. Whether you are new to healthcare or looking to advance your skills, these programs are designed to help students gain the knowledge and preparation needed for state certification and entry-level roles in patient care.
CNA classes in El Cajon offer diverse training opportunities, including online and accelerated courses. Prospective students can also find free CNA classes among the available programs. Graduates will be well-positioned for employment at local facilities such as nursing homes and home health agencies, which are important employers for new CNAs in the area.
In the San Diego-Carlsbad metro area, CNAs earn around $44,250 annually. This provides helpful context for those considering CNA training programs in El Cajon and planning their career path.
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Browse CNA Classes in El Cajon
Students in El Cajon can choose from 7 CNA training programs, including online options, accelerated courses, and free CNA training. These programs prepare participants for California state certification while building practical skills that enable graduates to pursue entry-level positions where CNAs are needed. Each CNA program is focused on job readiness and preparing students for success on the certification exam as well as future employment opportunities.
Program Types in El Cajon
| Type | In El Cajon | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 5 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 5 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 7 CNA programs in El Cajon
Lowest published cost first.
Bradley Court
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 675 East Bradley Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92021
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (619) 448-6633
Bradley Court is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteSan Diego College of Continuing Education
CostFreeHours250Weeks8
- Address
- El Cajon, CA
- Phone
- (619) 388-1927
Tuition-free Nursing Assistant training combining classroom, skills lab, and clinical rotations at partner facilities in San Diego County. Students should budget about 400 for required items and can access career transition/job search support.
Visit websiteHeart To Serve
Cost$1,650Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 1283 East Main Street Suite 101 & 200, El Cajon, CA 92021
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (619) 402-2349
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
CNA training combines classroom, lab, and clinical experience with day, evening, and weekend schedules; the AM cohort can be completed in 4 weeks.
Visit websiteAta College
Cost$2,995Hours197Weeks5
- Address
- 1810 Gillespie Way Suite 104, El Cajon, CA 92020
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (619) 596-2766
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Accelerated CNA program combining classroom and clinical training to prepare for entry-level patient care roles. The 197-hour program can be completed in 5 weeks with day or evening schedules.
Visit websiteDalrada Career Institute
Cost–Hours160Weeks4
- Address
- 511 North 2Nd Street Learn4Life, El Cajon, CA 92021
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (858) 278-9800
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
CDPH-approved fast track CNA program with 160 hours over 20 days combining lecture, lab, and clinical. Weekday, evening, and weekend schedules are offered; DCI partners with Learn4Life to deliver CNA training with work scholarship options.
Visit websiteHealthcare Science Academy
Cost–Hours160Weeks–
- Address
- 1135 North 2Nd Street, El Cajon, CA 92021
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (619) 882-0421
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
CDPH-approved CNA training with 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinicals, offered in fast-track weekday, evening, and weekend formats.
Visit websiteSan Diego Medical College
Cost–Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 343 East Lexington Avenue Suite 105, El Cajon, CA 92020
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (619) 942-8274
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
San Diego Medical College offers a 23-day CNA program with day, evening, and weekend options; the day cohort runs 8am–4pm for 22 days and evenings run 4pm–8pm for 42 days. Tuition packages include free RNA training, on-site state testing, and job placement assistance upon request.
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 7 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 El Cajon
| Median annual pay | $44,250 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $21.28 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 9,820 |
| Salary region | San Diego-Carlsbad |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the San Diego-Carlsbad region, approximately 9,820 CNAs are employed across a range of healthcare settings. The demand for certified nursing assistants remains steady throughout this metro area, providing consistent job opportunities for individuals who have completed their training and obtained state certification.
CNA salary in El Cajon reflects regional earning trends. In the San Diego-Carlsbad area, CNAs earn a median of $44,250 per year (or $21.28 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is slightly below the California statewide median of $45,170. Wages may vary depending on experience, specific employer type, and additional credentials.
The city features a mix of CMS-certified facilities offering employment prospects for CNAs. Notable employers include Somerset Subacute and Care, a 65-bed nursing facility; Granite Hills Healthcare & Wellness Centre with 99 beds; Villa Las Palmas Healthcare Center with 151 beds; Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center; Parkside Health and Wellness Center; and home health agencies such as Absalom Home Health Agency and Sacred Heart Health Care Providers. These organizations provide a variety of work environments for newly certified nursing assistants in El Cajon.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in El Cajon (12 facilities)
12 nursing homes in El Cajon 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Somerset Subacute And Care151 Claydelle Ave(619) 442-0245Map | 65 | 2.6 |
| Granite Hills Healthcare & Wellness Centre, Llc1340 E Madison Ave(619) 447-1020Map | 99 | 2.6 |
| Parkside Health And Wellness Center444 W Lexington(619) 442-7744Map | 52 | 2.6 |
| Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center1391 Madison Avenue(619) 444-1107Map | 96 | 2.6 |
| Villa Las Palmas Healthcare Center622 South Anza Street(619) 442-0544Map | 151 | 2.5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in El Cajon (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in El Cajon 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 |
|---|---|
| Absalom Home Health Agency Llc1283 East Main Street, Suite 201(858) 240-9620Map | 2.5/5 |
| Belle Vie Home Health Inc1220 Greenfield Drive(619) 322-3862Map | 2.0/5 |
| Sacred Heart Health Care Providers Inc758 N 2Nd Street(619) 444-4986Map | 2.0/5 |
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 El Cajon? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Imperial Beach, Lakeside, La Mesa, Santee, and Encinitas, 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 El Cajon, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in El Cajon, 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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in El Cajon
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in El Cajon?
Most CNA programs in El Cajon 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 Heart To Serve.
How much does CNA training cost in El Cajon?
CNA programs in El Cajon cost between $1,650 and $2,995, depending on the school. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. The lowest-priced paid option is Heart To Serve at $1,650. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in El Cajon?
Yes. 2 programs in El Cajon are free or employer-paid: Bradley Court and San Diego College of Continuing Education. 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 El Cajon?
Yes. 2 programs in El Cajon offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in El Cajon?
Yes. 5 programs in El Cajon 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 El Cajon there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Imperial Beach, Lakeside, La Mesa, Santee and Encinitas. 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 El Cajon?
CNAs in El Cajon are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 12 nursing homes and 3 home health agencies in El Cajon. 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.