CNA Classes & Programs in Lakeside, California
2 state-approved CNA programs in Lakeside, including free and online options. 4-week programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in Lakeside
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $44,250
- $21.28 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 9,820
- in the San Diego-Carlsbad region
- Healthcare facilities
- 1
- 1 nursing home
- Population
- 1,405
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Lakeside is home to 2 CNA programs that help residents take their first step into healthcare careers as Certified Nursing Assistants. With both traditional classroom learning and online options available locally—and at least one offering free CNA classes—students have flexible paths toward certification suited to different schedules or financial needs.
The city’s primary CMS-certified facility is Lakeside Special Care Center—a sizable skilled nursing location supporting practical experience opportunities after graduation from local programs. While there are no hospitals currently listed within Lakeside itself, nearby areas may provide additional job prospects for newly certified CNAs looking beyond their immediate community.
In the San Diego-Carlsbad region—which includes Lakeside—CNAs earn around $44,250 per year based on regional data available; this figure helps guide expectations for wages after completing local CNA classes.
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Browse CNA Classes in Lakeside
Lakeside provides 2 CNA training programs—including online classes and free training—that enable students to qualify for California state certification while building practical skills needed by employers. These programs prepare graduates to work confidently as nursing assistants in the area’s healthcare sector where ongoing demand exists for certified personnel capable of delivering compassionate patient care in diverse clinical settings.
Program Types in Lakeside
| Type | In Lakeside | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Lakeside Special Care Center ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Lakeside | See other California cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Lakeside Special Care Center ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Lakeside | See other California cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Lakeside
Lowest published cost first.
Lakeside Special Care Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 11962 Woodside Ave, Lakeside, CA 92040
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (619) 561-1222
Lakeside Special Care Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteLakeside Special Care Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- Lakeside, CA
- Phone
- (619) 561-1222
Lakeside Special Care Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
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
Major California cities
- Los Angeles41 programs
- San Diego20 programs
- San Jose12 programs
- San Francisco6 programs
- Fresno14 programs
- Sacramento18 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Lakeside
| 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.
CNA jobs in Lakeside are available across various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers, with approximately 9,820 CNAs employed in the San Diego-Carlsbad region. The need for qualified nursing assistants remains consistent due to steady patient volumes throughout this part of Southern California.
CNA salary in Lakeside follows regional patterns: In the San Diego-Carlsbad area, CNAs earn around $44,250 annually (equivalent to $21.28 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is slightly below California’s statewide median of $45,170 per year but reflects typical compensation levels found locally within this metropolitan area.
The city’s main CMS-certified employer is Lakeside Special Care Center—a skilled nursing facility with 94 beds serving over 100 residents on average—offering substantial job opportunities for graduates of local CNA programs who wish to gain experience providing direct resident care within a supportive environment dedicated to long-term recovery needs.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Lakeside (1 facility)
1 nursing home in Lakeside providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeside Special Care Center11962 Woodside Avenue(619) 561-1222Map | 94 | 2.8 |
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 Lakeside? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Encinitas, La Jolla, Lemon Grove, Imperial Beach, and La Mesa, 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 Lakeside, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Lakeside, 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 Lakeside 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 Lakeside.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Lakeside
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Lakeside?
Most CNA programs in Lakeside can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Lakeside?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Lakeside 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 Lakeside?
Yes. Lakeside Special Care Center 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 Lakeside?
Yes. Lakeside Special Care Center offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Lakeside?
No 4-week program is listed in Lakeside. 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 Lakeside there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Encinitas, La Jolla, Lemon Grove, Imperial Beach and La Mesa. 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 Lakeside?
CNAs in Lakeside are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 nursing home in Lakeside. 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.