CNA Classes & Programs in Palm Desert, California
Get Information from CNA Programs in Palm Desert and Nearby
Palm Desert offers 2 CNA programs for individuals seeking to enter California’s health services sector as certified nursing assistants. Located in Riverside County and serving Coachella Valley’s retirement communities, Palm Desert provides accessible pathways into essential patient care roles through its approved courses.
CNA training programs here emphasize both classroom learning and clinical experience tailored to state requirements. One program features an accelerated option, allowing motivated students to complete studies more quickly than traditional tracks. Graduates may pursue jobs at local facilities such as Monterey Palms Health Care Center or The Springs Healthcare Center at The Carlotta. In Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CNAs earn around $43,410 annually, which is below the statewide figure of $45,170.
An accelerated program is available among Palm Desert's offerings, but no free or fully online courses exist at this time. Completion prepares candidates for state testing and supports direct entry into caregiving careers across multiple local employer types.
Quick Facts About Palm Desert
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Population51,290Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$75,691Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$20.87Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$43,410Median Annual Salary
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Facilities11CMS Healthcare Facilities3 Nursing Homes • 8 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Palm Desert and Nearby
Schools in Palm Desert and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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Browse CNA Classes in Palm Desert
Palm Desert offers 2 CNA training programs that prepare participants for California certification through practical learning experiences, including an accelerated option enabling quicker completion than standard schedules allow. These programs enable students to qualify for state registry placement while gaining skills needed to pursue careers where CNAs are needed throughout Palm Desert’s medical community.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Palm Desert, but free classes are available in other cities throughout California.
Accelerated programs: available in Palm Desert and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Palm Desert but are offered in other cities throughout California.
Southern California Nursing Academy
Program Details
College of The Desert
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Palm Desert
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$43,410Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$20.87Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs8,930CNA Positions
In Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, approximately 8,930 certified nursing assistants are employed by hospitals, skilled nursing centers, rehabilitation providers, and home health agencies across this broad metropolitan corridor, including Coachella Valley communities like Palm Desert.
The CNA salary in Palm Desert follows regional benchmarks: In Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CNAs earn a median of $43,410 annually (or $20.87 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This wage is below California’s overall figure of $45,170 but corresponds with prevailing compensation rates offered by local employers serving older adult populations common throughout Palm Desert's service area.
CNA jobs in Palm Desert are available at CMS-certified organizations such as Monterey Palms Health Care Center (99 beds), The Springs Healthcare Center at The Carlotta (59 beds), Desert Springs Post Acute (178 beds), and numerous home health agencies including Suncrest Healthcare (5-star quality rating) and Amazing Health Home Care, all of which play significant roles in providing community-based services where trained assistants contribute directly to patient wellbeing every day in Palm Desert.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Palm Desert? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Redlands, and Yucaipa, 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Palm Desert (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Palm Desert providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Palm Desert (8 facilities)
8 home health agencies in Palm Desert providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Suncrest Healthcare
Facility Details
Amazing Health Home Care Inc
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Alma Home Health , Inc
Facility Details
Guardian Angel Home Care, Inc
Facility Details
Mission Home Health Palm Desert
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Palm Desert, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert 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
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Palm Desert
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Palm Desert?
Most CNA programs in Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Palm Desert?
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 Palm Desert?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Palm Desert?
Yes, some schools in Palm Desert or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Palm Desert there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Indio, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Redlands, and Yucaipa. 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 Palm Desert?
CNAs in Palm Desert are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.