CNA Classes & Programs in Palm Desert, California
2 state-approved CNA programs in Palm Desert, including 4-week options. Free and online programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in Palm Desert
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $43,410
- $20.87 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 8,930
- in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario region
- Healthcare facilities
- 11
- 3 nursing homes and 8 home health agencies
- Population
- 51,290
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Palm Desert
| Type | In Palm Desert | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Palm Desert | See other California cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | College of The Desert ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Palm Desert | See other California cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Palm Desert | 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 Palm Desert
Lowest published cost first.
College of The Desert
Cost$601Hours163Weeks8
- Address
- 43500 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (760) 776-7303
College of the Desert’s noncredit Nurse Assistant course is offered in an accelerated 8-week format with in-person classroom and clinical training. The curriculum includes at least 100 clinical hours plus classroom instruction and prepares students for entry-level patient care roles.
Visit websiteSouthern California Nursing Academy
Cost–Hours160Weeks10
- Address
- 73700 Dinah Shore Drive #107, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (760) 332-8083
Southern California Nursing Academy’s CDPH‑approved CNA/NATP includes 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical training and cites a 10‑week program format. The school offers job placement assistance and networking resources for graduates.
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 Palm Desert
| Median annual pay | $43,410 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $20.87 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 8,930 |
| Salary region | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Palm Desert (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Palm Desert providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey Palms Health Care Center44610 Monterey Avenue(760) 776-7700Map | 99 | 2.6 |
| The Springs Healthcare Center At The Carlotta41505 Carlotta Drive(760) 610-6480Map | 59 | 2.6 |
| Desert Springs Post Acute74-350 Country Club Drive(760) 585-1168Map | 178 | 2.5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Palm Desert (8 facilities)
8 home health agencies in Palm Desert 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 |
|---|---|
| Suncrest Healthcare36923 Cook Street, Suite 104(760) 699-0053Map | 5.0/5 |
| Amazing Health Home Care Inc74333 Hwy 111, Suite 106(760) 565-6061Map | 4.5/5 |
| Alma Home Health , Inc74199 El Paseo, Suite 104(760) 537-1449Map | 3.0/5 |
| Guardian Angel Home Care, Inc41865 Boardwalk, Suite 201(888) 387-2620Map | 3.0/5 |
| Mission Home Health Palm Desert36953 Cook Street, Suite 102, Bldg B(760) 834-8501Map | 3.0/5 |
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 Palm Desert? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and Temecula, 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 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
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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. Accelerated programs, such as College of The Desert, usually take 3 to 5 weeks.
How much does CNA training cost in Palm Desert?
College of The Desert lists a price of $601. Ask the other programs in Palm Desert for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Palm Desert?
No program in Palm Desert is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other California cities. 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?
No program in Palm Desert is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other California cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Palm Desert?
Yes. College of The Desert 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 Palm Desert there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Indio, Rancho Mirage, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and Temecula. 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. CMS lists 3 nursing homes and 8 home health agencies in Palm Desert. 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.