CNA Classes & Programs in El Cerrito, California
2 state-approved CNA programs in El Cerrito, including 4-week, evening and weekend options. Free and online programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in El Cerrito
- 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
- 2
- 1 nursing home and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 25,869
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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El Cerrito offers 2 CNA programs serving those interested in entering California’s fast-paced healthcare field. Located north of Berkeley in Contra Costa County’s urban corridor, El Cerrito provides accessible options close to major Bay Area medical hubs while retaining its suburban character—a convenient starting point for future nurse aides pursuing formal education locally.
The city features both traditional classroom-based programs as well as an accelerated option designed for individuals seeking quicker entry into caregiving roles; only one such accelerated course is currently available here. In the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area—which includes El Cerrito—CNAs earn around $50,380 annually according to recent figures; this regional median surpasses California's overall average of $45,170 each year.
CNA classes in El Cerrito prepare participants not only for state registry placement but also provide practical skill-building experiences critical for early success when applying at Bay Area hospitals or skilled nursing facilities after graduation.
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Browse CNA Classes in El Cerrito
Students in El Cerrito can choose from 2 CNA programs—including an accelerated option—that prepare them thoroughly for state registry placement while emphasizing real-world patient care skills essential across Bay Area health settings. These CNA classes support rapid entry into certified roles, where demand remains high throughout El Cerrito and nearby communities connected by public transit lines serving regional medical employers.
Program Types in El Cerrito
| Type | In El Cerrito | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in El Cerrito | See other California cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Vasco Career College ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in El Cerrito | See other California cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Vasco Career College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in El Cerrito
Lowest published cost first.
Vasco Career College
Cost$1,700Hours150Weeks5
- Address
- 11155 San Pablo Avenue Suite A, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (510) 243-7400
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Vasco Career College’s CNA program includes 50 hours of classroom and 100 hours of clinical training with day, evening, and weekend schedule options. Cohorts include a 5‑week daytime option and 14‑week evening or weekend tracks.
Visit websiteNightingale Healthcare Professionals
Cost–Hours160Weeks–
- Address
- 743 El Cerrito Plaza, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (510) 553-1800
NHP offers a 160‑hour CNA training in El Cerrito with 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical, delivered entirely in person. Full‑time daytime cohorts start frequently.
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.
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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 Cerrito
| 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 metropolitan area, around 10,690 Certified Nursing Assistants work within a variety of healthcare institutions ranging from large acute-care hospitals to smaller long-term care centers. Consistent need exists due to both population density and ongoing service requirements among aging adults throughout this urban corridor.
CNA jobs in El Cerrito align closely with regional norms seen across much of Northern California’s Bay Area markets rather than just city-specific metrics alone. According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNA salary in El Cerrito is near $50,380 annually, with hourly wages averaging about $24.22. This figure stands notably above California's statewide benchmark salary of $45,170 each year—a reflection of higher living costs typical within major metropolitan regions like San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward.
A notable employer based on CMS-certified facility listings includes Shields Nursing Center—a privately owned skilled nursing facility with 45 beds that serves as one of El Cerrito's primary sites for both clinical learning experiences during training programs and job opportunities post-certification—as well as Indira Care Home Health Agency located on Fairmont Avenue, providing additional career paths through home health services licensed under proprietary ownership structures catering primarily toward patients requiring intermittent supportive care at home rather than institutionalized settings alone.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in El Cerrito (1 facility)
1 nursing home in El Cerrito providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Shields Nursing Center3230 Carlson Boulevard(510) 525-3212Map | 45 | 2.7 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in El Cerrito (1 facility)
1 home health agency in El Cerrito providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Indira Care Home Health6500 Fairmont Ave., Suite 6(415) 466-6626Map | – |
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 Cerrito? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Berkeley, Daly City, Oakland, Antioch, and San Leandro, 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 Cerrito, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in El Cerrito, 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 Cerrito 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 Cerrito.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in El Cerrito
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in El Cerrito?
Most CNA programs in El Cerrito can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 5 weeks, at Vasco Career College.
How much does CNA training cost in El Cerrito?
Vasco Career College lists a price of $1,700. Ask the other programs in El Cerrito for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in El Cerrito?
No program in El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito?
No program in El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito?
Yes. Vasco Career College 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 El Cerrito there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Berkeley, Daly City, Oakland, Antioch and San Leandro. 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 Cerrito?
CNAs in El Cerrito are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home and 1 home health agency in El Cerrito. 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.