CNA Classes & Programs in Palo Alto, California
2 state-approved CNA programs in Palo Alto, including free, online, evening and weekend options. 4-week programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in Palo Alto
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $54,360
- $26.13 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 5,520
- in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region
- Healthcare facilities
- 5
- 3 nursing homes and 2 hospitals
- Population
- 67,901
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Palo Alto offers 2 CNA programs in a city recognized for its proximity to leading universities and high-tech industries. Aspiring nursing assistants can access both traditional and online CNA classes, providing flexibility for various learning preferences. With these training opportunities, students are well-positioned to pursue state certification and take the first steps toward a rewarding career in healthcare.
In addition to standard programs, Palo Alto features free CNA classes, offering financial relief for eligible students seeking entry into the field. Local hospitals and skilled nursing facilities provide clinical training environments that reflect the city’s diverse healthcare landscape. These settings allow CNA trainees to gain valuable hands-on experience in preparation for the California certification exam.
According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region, CNAs earn around $54,360 annually, which is above the statewide figure. With a range of educational pathways and employment options, Palo Alto remains an attractive location for those beginning a career as a certified nursing assistant.
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Browse CNA Classes in Palo Alto
Palo Alto provides 2 CNA training programs that prepare students for California state certification. Options include both online CNA classes and free training, enabling learners to select flexible or cost-effective paths. Each program equips students with practical skills and job readiness essential for success as a certified nursing assistant, supporting local demand for CNAs across healthcare settings throughout the Palo Alto area.
Program Types in Palo Alto
| Type | In Palo Alto | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Unitek Training Healthcare ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Palo Alto | See other California cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Unitek Training Healthcare ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Palo Alto
Lowest published cost first.
Unitek Training Healthcare
CostFreeHours194Weeks6
- Address
- Palo Alto, CA
- Phone
- (888) 382-8183
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Employer-sponsored Nursing Assistant Training Program with online theory and in-person labs and clinicals; full-time 6-week or weekend 15-week options. Program totals 194 hours and includes uniforms, supplies, and first exam fee.
Visit websiteCI Institute of Nursing
Cost$1,500Hours160Weeks–
- Address
- Palo Alto, CA
- Phone
- (650) 796-9397
160-hour CNA program with synchronous online theory and in-person clinicals at contracted facilities in Los Altos and San Jose. Placement services are offered, though employment is not guaranteed.
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.
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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 Palo Alto
| Median annual pay | $54,360 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $26.13 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 5,520 |
| Salary region | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region, approximately 5,520 CNAs are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). The demand for qualified nursing assistants remains steady as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities continue to support patient care across this metropolitan area. CNA jobs in Palo Alto are available in a range of healthcare settings, reflecting the city's diverse medical landscape.
The CNA salary in Palo Alto reflects regional trends. In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area, CNAs earn around $54,360 per year or $26.13 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This figure is notably higher than the California median of $45,170 annually, highlighting strong earning potential for local CNAs.
CNA job opportunities span a variety of facility types in Palo Alto. Notable employers include Vi at Palo Alto, a 44-bed for-profit nursing home; Webster House, a non-profit facility with 145 beds; and Palo Alto Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center with 66 beds. Hospital settings such as Palo Alto VA Medical Center—an acute care Veterans Administration hospital—and Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford provide further employment options for certified nurse aides seeking different care environments within the city.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Palo Alto (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Palo Alto 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vi At Palo Alto600 Sand Hill Road(888) 926-1850Map | 44 | 3.4 |
| Webster House437 Webster Street(650) 328-3300Map | 145 | 3.0 |
| Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center911 Bryant Street(650) 327-0511Map | 66 | 2.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Palo Alto (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Palo Alto offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Palo Alto Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 3801 Miranda Avenue(650) 493-5000Map | 5/5 |
| Lucile Salter Packard Children'S Hsp At StanfordChildrens · 725 Welch Road(650) 497-8000Map | – |
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 Palo Alto? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Cupertino, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Burlingame, and San Lorenzo, 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 Palo Alto, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Palo Alto?
Most CNA programs in Palo Alto can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 6 weeks, at Unitek Training Healthcare.
How much does CNA training cost in Palo Alto?
CI Institute of Nursing lists a price of $1,500. 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 Palo Alto?
Yes. Unitek Training Healthcare 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 Palo Alto?
Yes. 2 programs in Palo Alto offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Palo Alto?
No 4-week program is listed in Palo Alto. 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 Palo Alto there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Cupertino, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Burlingame and San Lorenzo. 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 Palo Alto?
CNAs in Palo Alto are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes and 2 hospitals in Palo Alto. 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.