CNA Classes & Programs in Escondido, California
3 state-approved CNA programs in Escondido, including free, online, 4-week, evening and weekend options.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
CNA training in Escondido
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $44,250
- $21.28 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 9,820
- in the San Diego-Carlsbad region
- Healthcare facilities
- 14
- 7 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 6 home health agencies
- Population
- 151,114
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
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 Escondido can choose from 3 state-approved programs focused on preparing students for entry-level roles in patient care settings across North County San Diego. Both classroom-based instruction and online program formats are offered locally so individuals can select options that suit their schedules or learning styles best.
The city features several CMS-certified skilled nursing homes plus Palomar Health Downtown Campus hospital—facilities where new graduates may seek employment after completing their training program requirements successfully. Online courses and an accelerated option provide added flexibility for those looking to quickly qualify for California certification exams or balance education with other commitments.
In the San Diego-Carlsbad region—including Escondido—CNAs earn around $44,250 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), which is close to but slightly below the statewide median salary figure.
Get Info from CNA Schools in Escondido
Fill in the short form to get information from CNA schools that serve Escondido, such as cost, schedules and start dates.
CNA program search
✓ Free Service✓ No Obligations✓ Compare Multiple Programs
We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Browse CNA Classes in Escondido
Students in Escondido can choose from 3 CNA programs—including online courses and an accelerated class—that prepare graduates for state registry placement while equipping them with practical caregiving skills needed by employers locally. These training options qualify participants for California certification exams, with career opportunities supporting local healthcare needs upon completion.
Program Types in Escondido
| Type | In Escondido | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Procareer Academy ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Procareer Academy ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Procareer Academy ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Escondido
Lowest published cost first.
Procareer Academy
CostFreeHours–Weeks5
- Address
- Escondido, CA
- Phone
- (562) 698-8301
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Procareer Academy’s state-approved CNA program uses a hybrid model with live online theory and in-person clinicals, with evening/weekend and daytime options. Many cohorts are tuition-free via government funding and include job placement assistance.
Visit websiteEscondido Adult School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- Escondido, CA
- Phone
- (760) 737-8000
Escondido Adult School offers a Certified Nursing Assistant training program delivered through the adult education center with classroom and clinical components. The school is actively hiring CNA instructors.
Visit websiteSisuCare
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- Escondido, CA
- Phone
- (213) 537-8360
SisuCare offers a hybrid CNA program with online theory and in-person clinical training at partner facilities across California. The program emphasizes flexible scheduling and employer connections to support entry into the workforce.
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 3 programs fits you?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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 Escondido
| 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 certified nursing assistants are employed across hospitals, skilled nursing centers, and home health providers based on recent BLS OEWS data from May 2023. Local employers consistently require trained CNAs who have completed recognized educational pathways leading toward certification under California guidelines.
The CNA salary in Escondido reflects regional trends: In this area, the median annual wage stands at $44,250, with an hourly pay rate near $21.28, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is slightly below California’s overall statewide median salary of $45,170 per year but still offers steady income potential within North County San Diego’s labor market.
CNA job openings may be found at CMS-certified sites such as Meadowbrook Village Christian Retirement Community (19 beds), Palomar Vista Healthcare Center (74 beds), Ocean View Post Acute (120 beds), Palomar Heights Post Acute (98 beds), Redwood Terrace Health Center (59 beds), as well as Palomar Health Downtown Campus—a government-owned acute care hospital serving Escondido residents—and Emerald Triune Home Health Services, among others contributing to diverse employment choices locally.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Escondido (7 facilities)
7 nursing homes in Escondido 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Meadowbrook Village Christian Retirement Community100 Holland Glen(760) 746-2500Map | 19 | 4.3 |
| Palomar Vista Healthcare Center201 N Fig Street(760) 746-0303Map | 74 | 2.6 |
| Redwood Terrace Health Center710 W 13Th Ave(760) 291-2700Map | 59 | 2.5 |
| Ocean View Post Acute1980 Felicita Road(760) 741-6109Map | 120 | 2.5 |
| Palomar Heights Post Acute1260 E Ohio Avenue(760) 746-1100Map | 98 | 2.5 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Escondido (1 facility)
1 hospital in Escondido offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Palomar Health Downtown CampusAcute Care Hospitals · 555 East Valley Parkway(760) 291-6700Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Escondido (6 facilities)
6 home health agencies in Escondido providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Emerald Triune Home Health Services, Inc253 S Escondido Blvd(760) 294-9680Map | 3.0/5 |
| Affinity Healthcare San Diego Inc350 W. 9Th Avenue Suite 203 | – |
| Direct Care Nursing Corporation739 E Pennsylvania Avenue(760) 747-0430Map | – |
| Interim Healthcare San Diego Home Health425 W 5Th Avenue, Suite 101(858) 422-0770Map | – |
| Life Care Home Health Services, Llc205 West 5Th Avenue, Suite 205(760) 473-2500Map | – |
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 Escondido? Explore CNA programs and jobs in La Jolla, Fallbrook, Lemon Grove, Chula Vista, and Oceanside, 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 Escondido, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Escondido, 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 Escondido 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 Escondido.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Escondido
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Escondido?
Most CNA programs in Escondido 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 Procareer Academy.
How much does CNA training cost in Escondido?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Escondido directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Escondido?
Yes. Procareer Academy offers free or employer-paid CNA training. 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 Escondido?
Yes. 3 programs in Escondido offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Escondido?
Yes. Procareer Academy 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 Escondido there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as La Jolla, Fallbrook, Lemon Grove, Chula Vista and Oceanside. 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 Escondido?
CNAs in Escondido are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 7 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 6 home health agencies in Escondido. 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.