CNA Classes & Programs in Riverside, California
Get Information from CNA Programs in Riverside and Nearby
In Riverside, 15 state-approved CNA training programs are available for those looking to start careers as certified nursing assistants within Southern California’s busy Inland Empire region. Riverside serves as both a county seat and a key medical hub offering varied educational pathways toward state certification through its diverse program selection.
The city’s offerings include online, accelerated courses that can be completed quickly—making it possible for motivated individuals to enter the workforce efficiently—as well as traditional learning formats tailored for different needs. Students benefit from hands-on experience while preparing for success on California’s licensing exam through these reputable Riverside-based CNA classes.
In the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metro area—including Riverside—CNAs typically earn around $43,410 per year according to recent data reports.
Quick Facts About Riverside
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Population316,076Residents
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CNA Programs15State-approved Programs
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Median Income$83,448Median 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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Facilities37CMS Healthcare Facilities18 Nursing Homes • 4 Hospitals • 15 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Riverside and Nearby
Schools in Riverside 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 Riverside
Riverside offers 15 CNA training programs featuring online options alongside accelerated courses designed for quick completion—all structured toward qualifying graduates for California certification and registry placement. These varied CNA classes help students gain critical skills while meeting regional healthcare demand where employment opportunities exist throughout Riverside’s many clinical settings.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Riverside through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Riverside and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Riverside offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
SisuCare
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Riverside City College
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McKallen Medical
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Center for Caregiver Advancement
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Allegiance Career Institute
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Trinity Health Academy
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Riverside County Office of Education/Cte
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Riverside City College
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Mission Career College
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Mahoney School of Healthcare
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Inland Christian Academy of Nursing
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Happy Hands Health Care
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Destiny Career Academy
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California Healthcare Skills Center
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Best American Healthcare University
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Riverside
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
The Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metro area employs approximately 8,930 certified nursing assistants according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) statistics. Healthcare employers throughout this populous region consistently recruit new CNAs as patient needs grow within hospitals, long-term care centers, and community-based services alike.
The CNA salary in Riverside aligns closely with regional benchmarks: In this metro area, CNAs earn about $43,410 per year or $20.87 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023). While this figure sits slightly below California’s statewide median ($45,170), it reflects typical starting wages offered by area employers hiring new graduates from approved training programs.
CNA jobs in Riverside may be found at facilities such as Riverside Heights Healthcare Center (over 70 beds), Extended Care Hospital Of Riverside (99-bed capacity), Kaiser Foundation Hospital–Riverside (acute-care hospital), Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center (proprietary hospital provider), Advantage Health Systems (top-rated proprietary home health agency), and Lorian Health. These organizations contribute valuable employment opportunities across CMS-certified service lines within the city limits.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Riverside? Explore CNA programs and jobs in San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rialto, and Fullerton, 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 Riverside (18 facilities)
18 nursing homes in Riverside providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Riverside (4 facilities)
4 hospitals in Riverside offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Riverside
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Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Riverside (15 facilities)
15 home health agencies in Riverside providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Advantage Health Systems
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Hope Professional Services, Inc
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Affinity Home Health Care Services, Inc
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A-Quest Health Care, Inc
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Lorian Health
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Riverside, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Riverside, 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 Riverside 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 Riverside
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Riverside?
Most CNA programs in Riverside 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 Riverside?
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 Riverside?
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 Riverside?
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 Riverside?
Yes, some schools in Riverside 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 Riverside there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rialto, and Fullerton. 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 Riverside?
CNAs in Riverside 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.