CNA Classes & Programs in San Francisco, California
Get Information from CNA Programs in San Francisco and Nearby
San Francisco offers 6 CNA programs designed for individuals interested in pursuing certified nursing assistant credentials within this renowned Bay Area city. Known for its vibrant urban environment and leading medical centers, San Francisco attracts those aiming for comprehensive healthcare education close to home.
CNA courses here include online options alongside traditional classroom instruction; select providers may also offer free CNA classes, helping reduce barriers to entry into this essential field of patient care. While there are currently no listed accelerated pathways among these offerings, flexible schedules remain available at some locations to accommodate working adults or busy students balancing multiple commitments.
In the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward region—which encompasses San Francisco—CNAs earn approximately $50,380 per year based on recent data from BLS OEWS (May 2023).
Quick Facts About San Francisco
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Population851,036Residents
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CNA Programs6State-approved Programs
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Median Income$136,689Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$24.22Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$50,380Median Annual Salary
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Facilities38CMS Healthcare Facilities18 Nursing Homes • 13 Hospitals • 7 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in San Francisco and Nearby
Schools in San Francisco 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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- Tuition costs & financial aid options
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- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in San Francisco
Available in San Francisco are 6 CNA classes that train students toward state registry placement through classroom-based instruction or flexible online learning formats; some also provide free training opportunities when available. Each program prepares graduates for California certification while supporting entry into a competitive job market, where skilled CNAs play key roles throughout regional healthcare systems.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in San Francisco through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in San Francisco but are offered in other cities throughout California.
Online programs: Some classes in San Francisco offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Unitek Training Healthcare
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Sequoias San Francisco Convalescent Hospital
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Northern California Nursing Academy
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Self Help Homecare And Hospice
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City College of San Francisco
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Arriba Juntos
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CNA Employment Opportunities in San Francisco
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$50,380Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$24.22Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs10,690CNA Positions
In the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward region, approximately 10,690 certified nursing assistants serve patients across diverse medical settings ranging from acute care hospitals to long-term residential facilities and specialized home health services. Employment remains consistent due to high patient volumes supported by numerous major health systems operating throughout this metropolitan area. CNA jobs in San Francisco are available in a variety of healthcare environments.
CNA salary in San Francisco benefits from regional wage trends: In this metro region—including Oakland and Hayward—CNAs earn around $50,380 annually or $24.22 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure notably exceeds California's statewide median salary of $45,170—reflecting both cost-of-living differences and strong competition among Bay Area employers seeking qualified staff members at all experience levels.
The city is served by CMS-certified providers such as Laguna Honda Hospital & Rehabilitation Center D/P SNF—a large facility with hundreds of beds—and St Anne's Home operated by Little Sisters of the Poor (46 beds). Notable acute care institutions include UCSF Medical Center—a nationally recognized teaching hospital—and Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San Francisco with its extensive inpatient services network. Sutter Care at Home stands out among leading home health agencies offering patient support throughout much of central San Francisco.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond San Francisco? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Daly City, Oakland, Sunnyvale, Vallejo, and Hayward, 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 Francisco (18 facilities)
18 nursing homes in San Francisco providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Laguna Honda Hospital & Rehabilitation Ctr D/P Snf
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in San Francisco (13 facilities)
13 hospitals in San Francisco offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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California Pacific Medical Center - Mission Bernal
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Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San Francisco
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San Francisco Va Medical Center
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in San Francisco (7 facilities)
7 home health agencies in San Francisco providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Health Link Home Health Agency
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Crossroads Home Health & Hospice
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Kaiser Foundation Hosp Home Health - San Francisco
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in San Francisco, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in San Francisco, 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 Francisco 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 Francisco
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in San Francisco?
Most CNA programs in San Francisco 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco?
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 Francisco?
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 Francisco?
Yes, some schools in San Francisco 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 Francisco there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Daly City, Oakland, Sunnyvale, Vallejo, and Hayward. 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 Francisco?
CNAs in San Francisco 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.