CNA Classes & Programs in La Mesa, California
3 state-approved CNA programs in La Mesa, including free and online options. 4-week programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in La Mesa
- 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
- 16
- 7 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 7 home health agencies
- Population
- 60,888
- 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 La Mesa can choose from 3 state-approved CNA programs tailored to help students enter healthcare careers. Located within the greater San Diego-Carlsbad metro area, La Mesa offers a variety of training pathways including traditional classroom instruction and online learning formats. Students also have access to free CNA classes through select local providers.
CNA programs in La Mesa are structured to fulfill California’s certification requirements while offering practical preparation for real-world roles. The city’s proximity to hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies means graduates have access to diverse workplaces where their new credentials are valued. Flexible scheduling options accommodate students balancing work or family commitments.
In the San Diego-Carlsbad region, CNAs earn around $44,250 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), slightly below California's statewide median salary of about $45,170.
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Browse CNA Classes in La Mesa
La Mesa offers 3 CNA training programs that prepare students for California state certification. These programs include options for online learning and free training, providing flexibility and accessibility for a range of students. Participants develop essential patient care skills and are prepared for employment in local healthcare environments where certified nursing assistants are valued members of care teams.
Program Types in La Mesa
| Type | In La Mesa | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in La Mesa | See other California cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | San Diego College of Continuing Education ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in La Mesa | See other California cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in La Mesa
Lowest published cost first.
Country Manor La Mesa Healthcare Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 5696 Lake Murray Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (619) 460-7871
Country Manor La Mesa Healthcare Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteLa Mesa Healthcare Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3780 Massachusetts Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (619) 465-1313
La Mesa Healthcare Center 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
- La Mesa, 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 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.
CNA Programs Near La Mesa
Looking for more options near La Mesa?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major California cities
- Los Angeles41 programs
- San Diego20 programs
- San Jose12 programs
- San Francisco6 programs
- Fresno14 programs
- Sacramento18 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in La Mesa
| 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 according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). The demand for certified nursing assistants remains steady throughout hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies in this metro area. Completing an accredited CNA program and earning state certification prepares candidates for these essential positions within various healthcare organizations.
The CNA salary in La Mesa reflects regional compensation trends. In the San Diego-Carlsbad metropolitan area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $44,250 or $21.28 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This is slightly below California's statewide median salary of $45,170, reflecting local cost-of-living factors.
CNA job opportunities span several types of CMS-certified facilities in La Mesa. Notable examples include Grossmont Hospital D/P SNF—a nonprofit facility with 30 beds—and Grossmont Post Acute Care with a capacity of 90 beds; both provide skilled nursing care. Grossmont Hospital serves as a key acute care provider in the community, while Kaiser Foundation Hospital San Diego HHA offers home health services alongside agencies like Excel Home Health and Kamelya Home Health Incorporated. These organizations contribute to consistent employment prospects for newly certified nursing assistants.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in La Mesa (7 facilities)
7 nursing homes in La Mesa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Grossmont Hospital D/P Snf5555 Grossmont Center Drive(619) 740-6000Map | 30 | 2.9 |
| Grossmont Post Acute Care8787 Center Drive(619) 460-4444Map | 90 | 2.7 |
| Parkway Hills Nursing & Rehabilitation7760 Parkway Drive(619) 469-0124Map | 60 | 2.6 |
| La Mesa Healthcare Center3780 Massachusetts Avenue(619) 465-1313Map | 94 | 2.6 |
| Arbor Hills Nursing Center7800 Parkway Drive(619) 460-2330Map | 100 | 2.5 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in La Mesa (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in La Mesa offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Grossmont HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 5555 Grossmont Center Drive Box 58(619) 740-6000Map | 3/5 |
| Alvarado Parkway Institute Behavioral Health SystePsychiatric · 7050 Parkway Drive(619) 431-4877Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in La Mesa (7 facilities)
7 home health agencies in La Mesa 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 |
|---|---|
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital San Diego Hha8010 Parkway Drive, Suite 6 Room 235(833) 574-2273Map | 3.5/5 |
| Excel Home Health5575 Lake Parkway, Suite 220(619) 460-6622Map | 3.0/5 |
| Kamelya Home Health Incorporated3835 Avocado Blvd, Suite 260(619) 303-8341Map | 3.0/5 |
| Nightingale Home Care Inc4579 Maple Avenue, Suite 2 & 4(619) 337-1888Map | 3.0/5 |
| Odos Home Health Inc7840 El Cajon Blvd. Suite 500(858) 240-9620Map | 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 La Mesa? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Chula Vista, El Cajon, Santee, National City, and Poway, 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 La Mesa, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in La 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 La 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 La Mesa.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in La Mesa
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in La Mesa?
Most CNA programs in La 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 8 weeks, at San Diego College of Continuing Education.
How much does CNA training cost in La Mesa?
All 3 CNA programs in La Mesa are free or employer-paid.
Are there free CNA classes in La Mesa?
Yes. 3 programs in La Mesa are free or employer-paid: Country Manor La Mesa Healthcare Center, La Mesa Healthcare Center 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 La Mesa?
Yes. San Diego College of Continuing Education offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in La Mesa?
No 4-week program is listed in La Mesa. 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 La Mesa there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Chula Vista, El Cajon, Santee, National City and Poway. 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 La Mesa?
CNAs in La Mesa are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 7 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 7 home health agencies in La 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.