CNA Classes & Programs in Merced, California
5 state-approved CNA programs in Merced, including free, online, evening and weekend options. 4-week programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in Merced
- Programs
- 5
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,010
- $19.71 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 390
- in the Merced region
- Healthcare facilities
- 8
- 6 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 87,686
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Merced is home to 5 CNA programs serving those interested in entering California’s healthcare workforce as certified nursing assistants. Located within California’s Central Valley region with access to varied medical resources nearby, Merced provides several educational pathways for aspiring CNAs seeking flexible learning opportunities including online courses.
CNA classes offered locally focus on preparing students for state certification through skill development tailored toward immediate job placement upon graduation. Both free program options and online formats are available—helping future caregivers balance their education with personal commitments while gaining practical experience relevant to Merced’s local employers.
In Merced’s metro area itself, CNAs typically earn around $41,010 each year according to recent salary data—reflecting current trends among entry-level caregivers working throughout Merced County communities.
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Browse CNA Classes in Merced
Merced offers 5 CNA programs, including free training programs and online courses aimed at achieving California state registry placement. Each CNA class focuses on practical instruction supporting both skill mastery and exam success while qualifying graduates for jobs where CNAs are needed locally—helping meet regional demand across Merced’s growing network of medical providers.
Program Types in Merced
| Type | In Merced | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Anberry Transitional Care ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Merced | See other California cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 4 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 5 CNA programs in Merced
Lowest published cost first.
Anberry Transitional Care
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1000 W Yosemite Avenue, Merced, CA 95341
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (209) 783-9200
Anberry Transitional Care is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteMerced College
Cost$276Hours–Weeks9
- Address
- 3600 M Street, Merced, CA 95348
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (209) 384-6000
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Merced College’s Nurse Assistant Training Program (ALLH-63) provides on-campus lecture and skills lab with clinical placements, typically 16 weeks in fall/spring or 9 weeks in summer. Sections commonly meet with an evening lecture and a weekday daytime clinical.
Visit websiteMerced College
Cost$276Hours–Weeks9
- Address
- 100 Farmland Avenue, Merced, CA 95348
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (209) 384-6000
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Merced College’s Nurse Assistant Training Program (ALLH-63) provides classroom, lab, and clinical training in basic nursing skills and is offered in 16-week fall/spring or 9-week summer formats in Merced and Los Banos. Admission includes a mandatory workshop and meeting health and safety requirements.
Visit websiteMJ Nursing Assistant Training Institute
Cost$1,250Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- Merced, CA
- Phone
- (209) 233-9854
- Schedule
- Weekend classes
CNA training with classroom/lab and clinical instruction in local skilled nursing facilities; hybrid and on-site options offered. Weekday and weekend schedules are available.
Visit websiteMj Nursing Assistant Training Institute
Cost$1,250Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 555 West 26Th Street, Merced, CA 95340
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (209) 233-9854
- Schedule
- Weekend classes
MJ Nursing Assistant Training Institute offers weekday and weekend CNA classes with on-site labs/clinicals and hybrid theory delivered via Zoom. Tuition is 1250; required items such as Live Scan and CPR are additional.
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 5 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 Merced
| Median annual pay | $41,010 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $19.71 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 390 |
| Salary region | Merced |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In Merced’s metro area, nearly 390 certified nursing assistants work across hospitals and long-term care centers, supporting steady local demand thanks to an expanding network of CMS-certified employers serving residents throughout this Central Valley community.
The CNA salary in Merced is best represented by localized data: In Merced’s region, CNAs typically earn around $41,010 annually or about $19.71 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). While this median wage is somewhat lower than California's statewide figure of $45,170 annually, it still reflects solid earning prospects given local cost-of-living conditions and entry requirements into this vital profession.
CNA employment options span multiple facility types including Anberry Transitional Care (120 beds), Franciscan Post-Acute Care Center (71 beds), Golden Merced Care Center (121 beds), La Sierra Care Center (68 beds), Merced Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (79 beds), as well as Mercy Medical Center—a prominent voluntary nonprofit hospital provider—and Mercy Home Care agency offering additional workplace flexibility outside institutional settings. These organizations represent key employers actively hiring new graduates equipped with current certifications throughout Merced County.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Merced (6 facilities)
6 nursing homes in Merced 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Anberry Transitional Care1000 West Yosemite Avenue(209) 783-9200Map | 120 | 2.8 |
| Franciscan Post-Acute Care Center3169 M Street(209) 722-6231Map | 71 | 2.7 |
| Golden Merced Care Center3170 M Street(209) 723-1056Map | 121 | 2.5 |
| Merced Nursing & Rehabilitation Ctr510 West 26Th Street(209) 723-2911Map | 79 | 2.4 |
| La Sierra Care Center2424 M Street(209) 723-4224Map | 68 | 2.2 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Merced (1 facility)
1 hospital in Merced offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mercy Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 333 Mercy Avenue(209) 564-5000Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Merced (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Merced providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Mercy Home Care2740 M Street(209) 564-4320Map | 4.0/5 |
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 Merced? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Atwater, Firebaugh, Madera, Los Banos, and Chowchilla, 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 Merced, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Merced, 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 Merced 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 Merced.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Merced
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Merced?
Most CNA programs in Merced can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 9 weeks, at Merced College.
How much does CNA training cost in Merced?
CNA programs in Merced cost between $276 and $1,250, depending on the school. One program is free or employer-paid. The lowest-priced paid option is Merced College at $276. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Merced?
Yes. Anberry Transitional Care 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 Merced?
Yes. 2 programs in Merced offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Merced?
No 4-week program is listed in Merced. 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 Merced there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Atwater, Firebaugh, Madera, Los Banos and Chowchilla. 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 Merced?
CNAs in Merced are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 6 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Merced. 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.