CNA Classes & Programs in Riverside, California
15 state-approved CNA programs in Riverside, including free, online, 4-week, evening and weekend options.
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CNA training in Riverside
- Programs
- 15
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $43,410
- $20.87 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 8,930
- in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario region
- Healthcare facilities
- 37
- 18 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 15 home health agencies
- Population
- 316,076
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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.
Get Info from CNA Schools in Riverside
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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.
Program Types in Riverside
| Type | In Riverside | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Center for Caregiver Advancement ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 6 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 8 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 6 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 15 CNA programs in Riverside
Center for Caregiver Advancement
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- Riverside, CA
- Phone
- (650) 544-6991
Paid, no-cost CNA Registered Apprenticeship with hybrid training, stipends, and mentoring. Apprentices are promoted to CNA roles with a guaranteed wage increase upon certification.
Visit websiteHappy Hands Health Care
Cost$1,650Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 10557 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (951) 977-8122
Happy Hands Healthcare runs a fast‑paced 5‑week CNA program with 11 days of classroom theory and 12 days of clinical; state testing is offered on site. Registration includes books, stethoscope, BP cuff, and two uniforms.
Visit websiteMahoney School of Healthcare
Cost$1,700Hours160Weeks5
- Address
- 4954 Arlington Avenue Suite D, Riverside, CA 92504
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (310) 738-0731
Mahoney’s CNA program provides 160 hours (60 theory, 100 clinical) of training over about 5–6 weeks to prepare students for entry-level patient care roles. The listed program cost is 1700.
Visit websiteMcKallen Medical
Cost$1,750Hours160Weeks7
- Address
- Riverside, CA
- Phone
- (747) 225-6776
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Hybrid CNA program combining live online theory with in-person skills labs and 100 clinical hours; tuition includes uniform, CPR/BLS, and clinical placement. Evening and weekend cohorts run about 7 weeks.
Visit websiteCalifornia Healthcare Skills Center
Cost$2,100Hours168Weeks–
- Address
- 18710 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92508
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (951) 776-8092
- Schedule
- Weekend classes
Weekday and weekend CNA training in Riverside covering classroom theory and clinical practice; WIOA funding available for eligible students.
Visit websiteTrinity Health Academy
Cost$2,325Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4135 Chicago Avenue, Suite 140, Riverside, CA 92507
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (951) 677-7767
- Schedule
- Weekend classes
Trinity Health Academy’s CNA program offers a 30‑day daytime schedule (8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Mon–Thu) and also lists online and weekend cohort options, with job placement assistance available.
Visit websiteBest American Healthcare University
Cost$2,499Hours160Weeks3
- Address
- 6700 Indiana Avenue Suite 255, Riverside, CA 92506
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (951) 394-8881
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
CDPH‑approved CNA program available in classroom and online-hybrid formats with 60 hours online theory and 100 in-person clinical hours; accelerated options as short as 3 weeks. Listed tuition is 2499 including uniform, textbook, and state exam, with day, evening, and weekend schedules.
Visit websiteAllegiance Career Institute
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- Riverside, CA
- Phone
- (714) 941-9138
Allegiance Career Institute is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteDestiny Career Academy
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 6820 Indiana Avenue Suite 250, Riverside, CA 92506
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (951) 682-4322
Destiny Career Academy offers a CDPH-approved 32-day Nursing Assistant Training program with testing review and free tutoring. The school advertises job placement assistance for graduates.
Visit websiteInland Christian Academy of Nursing
Cost–Hours160Weeks6
- Address
- 3233 Arlington Avenue, Suite 203, Riverside, CA 92506
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (951) 347-1308
ICAN is a faith-based vocational school offering a fast-paced 6-week CNA course with hands-on training. The school notes job placement support for graduates.
Visit websiteMission Career College
Cost–Hours160Weeks5
- Address
- 3750 Santa Fe Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (951) 688-7411
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
State‑approved 160‑hour Nurse Assistant program with 60 hours of classroom/lab and 100 hours of supervised clinical training. Riverside offers both a 5‑week daytime option and a 7‑week evening/weekend option.
Visit websiteRiverside City College
Cost–Hours160Weeks16
- Address
- Riverside, CA
- Phone
- (951) 222-8000
RCC’s Nursing Assistant Training Program provides 160 hours (60 lecture, 100 lab/clinical) over a full-time 16-week term and follows the state-mandated curriculum. The information sheet details technology requirements, fees, and clinical placements in Riverside and Moreno Valley.
Visit websiteRiverside City College
Cost–Hours180Weeks16
- Address
- 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (951) 222-8353
The Nursing Assistant Training Program is a full-time, 16-week course with 72 hours of lecture and 108 hours of lab/clinical. Clinicals are held at sites in Riverside and Moreno Valley.
Visit websiteRiverside County Office of Education/Cte
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2100 East Alessandro Blvd, Riverside, CA 92508
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (951) 826-6131
RCOE School of Career Education’s Patient Care Technician program includes PCT 101, a Nursing Assistant course that exceeds the 160-hour CDPH minimum and prepares students for entry-level CNA roles. Federal financial aid is available for the Patient Care Technician program at the Alessandro campus.
Visit websiteSisuCare
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- Riverside, CA
- Phone
- (213) 537-8360
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Online-hybrid CNA program offering self-paced or instructor-led online theory with in-person clinical training at partner facilities near the student (clinical training commonly 103 hours). Flexible cohorts and an employer network support job connections after completion.
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 15 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 Riverside
| 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.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Riverside (18 facilities)
18 nursing homes in Riverside 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside Heights Healthcare Center, Llc8951 Granite Hill Drive(951) 685-7474Map | 70 | 2.7 |
| Extended Care Hospital Of Riverside8171 Magnolia Avenue(951) 687-3842Map | 99 | 2.7 |
| Villa Health Care Center8965 Magnolia Avenue(951) 689-5788Map | 59 | 2.7 |
| Palm Terrace Care Center11162 Palm Terrace Lane(951) 687-7330Map | 71 | 2.7 |
| Valencia Gardens Health Care Center4301 Caroline Court(951) 683-7111Map | 50 | 2.7 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Riverside (4 facilities)
4 hospitals in Riverside offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital, RiversideAcute Care Hospitals · 10800 Magnolia Avenue(833) 574-2273Map | 5/5 |
| Riverside Community HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 4445 Magnolia Avenue(951) 788-3000Map | 3/5 |
| Parkview Community Hospital Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 3865 Jackson Street(951) 688-2211Map | 2/5 |
| Pacific Grove HospitalPsychiatric · 5900 Brockton Ave(951) 900-7681Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Riverside (15 facilities)
15 home health agencies in Riverside 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 |
|---|---|
| Advantage Health Systems4100 Latham Street, Ste D(951) 686-0003Map | 5.0/5 |
| Hope Professional Services, Inc11731 Sterling Avenue, Unit C(951) 351-9901Map | 5.0/5 |
| Affinity Home Health Care Services, Inc6960 Magnolia Ave, Suite 201(951) 785-1287Map | 4.5/5 |
| A-Quest Health Care, Inc6560 Van Buren Blvd, Suite #H | 4.0/5 |
| Lorian Health7888 Mission Grove Pkwy S, Ste 140(877) 567-4265Map | 3.5/5 |
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 Riverside? Explore CNA programs and jobs in San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Corona, and Rialto, 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 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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Riverside.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at Best American Healthcare University.
How much does CNA training cost in Riverside?
CNA programs in Riverside cost between $1,650 and $2,499, depending on the school. One program is free or employer-paid. The lowest-priced paid option is Happy Hands Health Care at $1,650. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Riverside?
Yes. Center for Caregiver Advancement 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 Riverside?
Yes. 8 programs in Riverside offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Riverside?
Yes. 6 programs in Riverside are accelerated. 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 Riverside there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Corona and Rialto. 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. CMS lists 18 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 15 home health agencies in Riverside. 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.