CNA Classes & Programs in San Rafael, California
1 state-approved CNA program in San Rafael, including online, evening and weekend options. Free and 4-week programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in San Rafael
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $50,380
- $24.22 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 10,690
- in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward region
- Healthcare facilities
- 8
- 7 nursing homes and 1 hospital
- Population
- 60,891
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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San Rafael is home to 1 CNA program designed to prepare individuals for entry-level healthcare roles. With its location in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area, aspiring CNAs benefit from access to reputable healthcare employers and a supportive professional environment. Those interested in flexible education will also find online training options available in San Rafael, broadening opportunities for students with different schedules.
Local CNA classes provide the foundational knowledge and clinical skills needed for California state certification. Graduates are positioned to pursue positions in hospitals or skilled nursing settings, and the presence of multiple healthcare facilities in San Rafael contributes to a favorable job outlook. The city’s CNA training programs are structured to meet both certification requirements and local employer expectations.
In the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward region, CNAs earn around $50,380 annually, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This is above the statewide figure of approximately $45,170.
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Browse CNA Classes in San Rafael
San Rafael provides 1 CNA training program that enables students to qualify for California CNA certification. This program prepares participants with essential skills needed for patient care and supports career readiness. Online classes are available for added flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. Graduates are positioned for employment in local healthcare settings where CNAs are needed to support daily operations and deliver quality care.
Program Types in San Rafael
| Type | In San Rafael | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in San Rafael | See other California cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in San Rafael | See other California cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | SisuCare ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | SisuCare ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in San Rafael
SisuCare
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- San Rafael, 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.
CNA Programs Near San Rafael
Looking for more options near San Rafael?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major California cities
- Los Angeles41 programs
- San Diego20 programs
- San Jose12 programs
- San Francisco6 programs
- Fresno14 programs
- Sacramento18 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in San Rafael
| 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 CNAs are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). The demand for certified nursing assistants remains steady across hospitals and long-term care settings in this metropolitan area. Completing an approved CNA program and earning state certification prepares candidates for these essential roles.
The CNA salary in San Rafael is best understood by looking at regional data. In the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $50,380 or $24.22 per hour, based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures. This is above the California statewide median of $45,170, reflecting higher living costs and demand in the region.
Healthcare facilities in San Rafael offer a range of employment opportunities for CNAs. Notable local employers include Smith Ranch Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center with 80 beds and Pine Ridge Care Center with a capacity of 101 beds—both recognized as significant nursing homes serving the community. Kaiser Foundation Hospital also provides acute care services as a major healthcare provider in the city. These CMS-certified facilities contribute to local job options for newly certified nursing assistants.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in San Rafael (7 facilities)
7 nursing homes in San Rafael 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Smith Ranch Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Cente1550 Silveira Parkway(415) 499-1000Map | 80 | 2.7 |
| Pine Ridge Care Center45 Professional Center Pkwy(415) 479-3610Map | 101 | 2.6 |
| Professional Post Acute Center81 Professional Center Parkway(415) 479-5161Map | 99 | 2.5 |
| Northgate Postacute Care40 Professional Center Parkway(415) 479-1230Map | 52 | 2.5 |
| San Rafael Healthcare & Wellness Center, Lp1601 5Th Avenue(415) 456-7170Map | 54 | 2.3 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in San Rafael (1 facility)
1 hospital in San Rafael offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Kaiser Foundation HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 99 Montecillo Rd(415) 444-2000Map | 4/5 |
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 Rafael? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Petaluma, Greenbrae, Rohnert Park, Novato, and San Pablo, 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 Rafael, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in San Rafael, 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 Rafael 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 Rafael.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in San Rafael
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in San Rafael?
Most CNA programs in San Rafael 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 Rafael?
Contact the program in San Rafael directly for its current cost. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in San Rafael?
No program in San Rafael is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other California cities. 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 Rafael?
Yes. SisuCare offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in San Rafael?
No 4-week program is listed in San Rafael. 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 Rafael there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Petaluma, Greenbrae, Rohnert Park, Novato and San Pablo. 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 Rafael?
CNAs in San Rafael are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 7 nursing homes and 1 hospital in San Rafael. 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.