CNA Classes & Programs in San Diego, California
Get Information from CNA Programs in San Diego and Nearby
In San Diego, 20 state-approved CNA classes are available to individuals preparing for careers as Certified Nursing Assistants. This coastal city’s vibrant healthcare community provides aspiring CNAs with numerous options to begin their journey toward certification while enjoying life in Southern California’s second-largest metropolis.
Prospective students will find San Diego’s CNA programs offer online learning choices along with free CNA classes and several accelerated paths to completion. With flexibility built into many courses—including some designed as 4-week programs—students can select a training option that fits their schedule while gaining essential clinical experience required by employers in hospitals or skilled nursing settings.
In the San Diego-Carlsbad region, CNAs earn around $44,250 per year—slightly below California’s statewide median salary—providing a realistic outlook on earning potential after completing local CNA programs.
Quick Facts About San Diego
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Population1,383,987Residents
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CNA Programs20State-approved Programs
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Median Income$98,657Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$21.28Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$44,250Median Annual Salary
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Facilities74CMS Healthcare Facilities21 Nursing Homes • 9 Hospitals • 44 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in San Diego and Nearby
Schools in San Diego 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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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in San Diego
San Diego provides 20 CNA training programs that prepare students for California certification through a mix of traditional classroom instruction, online options, accelerated 4-week classes, and free training choices. Each program is designed to qualify graduates for registry placement while supporting skill development needed by local employers, where CNAs are needed throughout San Diego’s growing healthcare sector.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in San Diego through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in San Diego and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in San Diego offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
SisuCare
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San Diego College of Continuing Education
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Procareer Academy
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Poway Adult School
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The Shores Post-Acute
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University Care Center
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Western Medical Training Center
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Southwestern College
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San Diego Medical College
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San Ysidro Adult School
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San Diego College of Continuing Education
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Pacific Health Educational Center
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National City Adult School
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Learnmore
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Infinity Cpr
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Fast Track Medical Training Center
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Edutrack
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Dalrada Career Institute
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Dalrada Career Institute
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All In One School of Nursing - San Diego
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CNA Employment Opportunities in San Diego
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$44,250Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$21.28Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs9,820CNA Positions
In the San Diego-Carlsbad region, approximately 9,820 certified nursing assistants work across diverse healthcare environments such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. The steady demand for CNAs reflects ongoing needs within acute care hospitals as well as long-term care providers throughout this metropolitan area. CNA jobs in San Diego are available in a variety of settings.
CNA salary in San Diego aligns with regional norms: In the San Diego-Carlsbad metro area, CNAs earn around $44,250 annually or $21.28 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This figure is just below California’s statewide median of $45,170 but still represents typical earning potential for entry-level healthcare careers in the region.
CMS-certified facilities supporting employment include Helen Bernardy Center D/P SNF—a specialized pediatric facility—and Ridgeview Skilled Nursing Facility with nearly 50 beds serving adults needing rehabilitation or long-term care. Hospitals like UC San Diego Health Hillcrest - Hillcrest Medical Center and Sharp Memorial Hospital stand out as major acute care providers in the region. Leading home health agencies such as Advantage Health Systems and Grandcare San Diego further expand job prospects across various patient-care settings within San Diego County.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond San Diego? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, El Cajon, and Vista, 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 San Diego (21 facilities)
21 nursing homes in San Diego providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in San Diego (9 facilities)
9 hospitals in San Diego offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest - Hillcrest Med Ctr
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Va San Diego Healthcare System
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Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San Diego
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in San Diego (44 facilities)
44 home health agencies in San Diego providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Advantage Health Systems
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Grandcare San Diego Llc
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Lorian Health
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Shield Home Health
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Silver Tree Home Health Inc
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in San Diego, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in San Diego, 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 San Diego 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 San Diego
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in San Diego?
Most CNA programs in San Diego 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego?
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 San Diego?
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 San Diego?
Yes, some schools in San Diego 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 San Diego there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, El Cajon, and Vista. 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 San Diego?
CNAs in San Diego 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.