CNA Classes & Programs in San Jose, California
Get Information from CNA Programs in San Jose and Nearby
Aspiring CNAs in San Jose can choose from 12 approved CNA programs located throughout this high-tech city at the heart of Silicon Valley. With its thriving population and advanced medical community, San Jose offers a strong foundation for those seeking reputable CNA classes close to home or work.
The city's CNA training landscape features online course options along with several accelerated pathways designed to help students complete requirements quickly—some in just four weeks—and pursue state certification efficiently. Select programs may also provide free tuition opportunities to further broaden access for motivated candidates interested in entering healthcare careers without significant upfront costs.
In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area, CNAs earn around $54,360 annually—a figure that stands out above statewide benchmarks—for those completing their education through local CNA courses.
Quick Facts About San Jose
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Population1,001,176Residents
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CNA Programs12State-approved Programs
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Median Income$136,010Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$26.13Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$54,360Median Annual Salary
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Facilities47CMS Healthcare Facilities19 Nursing Homes • 5 Hospitals • 23 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in San Jose and Nearby
Schools in San Jose 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 Jose
San Jose’s 12 CNA programs prepare candidates for California certification through classroom-based instruction as well as online classes and accelerated formats such as 4-week programs. Students benefit from flexible scheduling options designed to support readiness for registry placement while meeting regional healthcare demand, where trained CNAs remain vital across local facilities.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in San Jose through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in San Jose and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in San Jose offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
CAL ACE Nursing Academy
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Plum Tree Care Center
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Empress Care Center
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Silver Peak Accelerated Learning Program of California
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S.J. Institute of Nursing
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Reachpoint Nurse Education Center
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Golden Heart School of Nursing
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Evergreen Valley College
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Edward Medical Training Center
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Diamond School of Nursing
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Caring Hands School of Nursing
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Aprende Health Careers Institute
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CNA Employment Opportunities in San Jose
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$54,360Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$26.13Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs5,520CNA Positions
In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area, approximately 5,520 certified nursing assistants work across local hospitals, skilled nursing centers, and home health organizations. Demand remains steady thanks to an aging population and an array of top-tier medical providers located within Silicon Valley's boundaries. CNA jobs in San Jose are available in a range of healthcare settings.
CNA salary in San Jose reflects one of California's highest regional pay rates: In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area, CNAs earn around $54,360 annually or $26.13 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This regional median exceeds California's statewide median of $45,170 by a notable margin—an important consideration when evaluating compensation prospects locally versus elsewhere in the state.
CMS-certified employers range from O'Connor Hospital D/P SNF (24-bed county facility) and Lincoln Glen Skilled Nursing (59 beds) to A Grace Sub Acute & Skilled Care with over 160 beds serving complex patient needs. Local acute care institutions include Kaiser Foundation Hospital-San Jose and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center—both recognized names within northern California's hospital network—as well as psychiatric specialty provider San Jose Behavioral Health. Home health agencies such as Helenium Home Health, National Home Health Services, and Premier Home Health Providers round out key sources of employment opportunities throughout greater San Jose.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond San Jose? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Fremont, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Oakland, 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 Jose (19 facilities)
19 nursing homes in San Jose providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in San Jose (5 facilities)
5 hospitals in San Jose offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Kaiser Foundation Hospital-San Jose
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Regional Medical Center Of San Jose
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Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in San Jose (23 facilities)
23 home health agencies in San Jose providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Helenium Home Health, Inc.
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National Home Health Services, Inc
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Premier Home Health Providers Inc.
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Care Must
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South Springs Home Health Care
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in San Jose, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in San Jose, 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 Jose 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 Jose
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in San Jose?
Most CNA programs in San Jose 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 Jose?
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 Jose?
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 Jose?
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 Jose?
Yes, some schools in San Jose 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 Jose there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Fremont, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Oakland, 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 Jose?
CNAs in San Jose 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.