CNA Classes & Programs in San Francisco, California
6 state-approved CNA programs in San Francisco, including free, online, evening and weekend options. 4-week programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in San Francisco
- Programs
- 6
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $50,380
- $24.22 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 10,690
- in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward region
- Healthcare facilities
- 38
- 18 nursing homes, 13 hospitals and 7 home health agencies
- Population
- 851,036
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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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.
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).
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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.
Program Types in San Francisco
| Type | In San Francisco | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in San Francisco | See other California cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 6 CNA programs in San Francisco
Lowest published cost first.
Self Help Homecare And Hospice
CostFreeHours160Weeks6
- Address
- 825A Kearney Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (415) 677-7650
Self‑Help for the Elderly offers a 6‑week 160‑hour CNA/HHA training funded by San Francisco OEWD in partnership with Nightingale Healthcare Professionals. The program includes practicum experience and advertises 100 percent job placement after certification.
Visit websiteUnitek Training Healthcare
CostFreeHours–Weeks6
- Address
- San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (888) 382-8183
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Employer-sponsored Nursing Assistant Training Program with online synchronous theory plus in-person labs and clinicals. Full-time day or evening option runs 6 weeks, with a 15-week weekend track; partner facilities cover tuition and required fees.
Visit websiteNorthern California Nursing Academy
Cost$2,170Hours160Weeks6
- Address
- San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (650) 992 -6262
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Online/hybrid Nurse Assistant program with weekday, evening, and weekend options; cohorts run about 6–15 weeks. Total cost 2170 includes registration, tuition, CPR/BLS, materials, uniforms, technology fee, and NNAAP exam fee; job assistance provided.
Visit websiteArriba Juntos
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1850 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (415) 487-3240
Nonprofit workforce organization offering CNA/CHHA training with CPR and continuing education options. Services include case management and support to help graduates enter healthcare roles.
Visit websiteCity College of San Francisco
Cost–Hours210Weeks–
- Address
- 1860 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (415) 561-1909
CCSF’s one-semester Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program provides short-term intensive training for entry-level roles in acute, convalescent, and home care settings. Coursework includes lecture and lab with clinical experience at affiliated facilities.
Visit websiteSequoias San Francisco Convalescent Hospital
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 351-7904
Sequoia Living operates an in‑house CNA training initiative where trainees are hired as paid employees during the program and are encouraged to apply for roles at its Bay Area communities. Program details and schedules are provided by the organization.
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
All California cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in San Francisco
| Median annual pay | $50,380 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $24.22 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 10,690 |
| Salary region | San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in San Francisco (18 facilities)
18 nursing homes in San Francisco 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Laguna Honda Hospital & Rehabilitation Ctr D/P Snf375 Laguna Honda Blvd.(415) 759-2300Map | 769 | 4.2 |
| St. Anne'S Home300 Lake Street(415) 751-6510Map | 46 | 3.9 |
| San Francisco Towers1661 Pine Street(415) 200-1583Map | 27 | 3.3 |
| Sequoias San Francisco Convalescent Hospital1400 Geary Blvd(415) 922-9700Map | 50 | 3.1 |
| Chinese Hospital D/P Snf845 Jackson Street(415) 982-2400Map | 23 | 3.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in San Francisco (13 facilities)
13 hospitals in San Francisco offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ucsf Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 505 Parnassus Ave, Box 0296(415) 476-1000Map | 5/5 |
| California Pacific Medical Center - Mission BernalAcute Care Hospitals · 3555 Cesar Chavez(415) 600-6000Map | 4/5 |
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San FranciscoAcute Care Hospitals · 2425 Geary Blvd(415) 833-2000Map | 4/5 |
| San Francisco Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 4150 Clement Street(415) 221-4810Map | 4/5 |
| St Mary'S Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 450 Stanyan St(415) 668-1000Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in San Francisco (7 facilities)
7 home health agencies in San Francisco 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 |
|---|---|
| Health Link Home Health Agency550 Bryant Street, Suite 2A(415) 664-5500Map | 5.0/5 |
| Palmeira Home Health625 2Nd Street(844) 472-5634Map | 5.0/5 |
| Crossroads Home Health & Hospice1109 Vicente Street, Suite 103(415) 682-2111Map | 3.5/5 |
| Kaiser Foundation Hosp Home Health - San Francisco4131 Geary Blvd, 4Th Floor(415) 833-2000Map | 3.5/5 |
| Sutter Care At Home2340 Clay Street, Suite 2A(415) 749-4200Map | 3.0/5 |
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 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in San Francisco.
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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. The shortest published length here is 6 weeks, at Self Help Homecare And Hospice.
How much does CNA training cost in San Francisco?
Northern California Nursing Academy lists a price of $2,170. Ask the other programs in San Francisco for theirs. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in San Francisco?
Yes. 2 programs in San Francisco are free or employer-paid: Self Help Homecare And Hospice and Unitek Training Healthcare. 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 San Francisco?
Yes. 3 programs in San Francisco offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in San Francisco?
No 4-week program is listed in San Francisco. 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 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. CMS lists 18 nursing homes, 13 hospitals and 7 home health agencies in San Francisco. 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.