CNA Classes & Programs in Santa Monica, California
Get Information from CNA Programs in Santa Monica and Nearby
Santa Monica offers 6 CNA programs for those seeking to enter the healthcare field. Located within the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area, this coastal city provides aspiring nursing assistants with access to diverse educational options. Whether you are new to healthcare or looking to expand your skill set, local CNA classes are designed to help candidates prepare for state certification and employment in a variety of clinical settings.
In Santa Monica, prospective students can choose from online courses and accelerated training options. These CNA programs are structured to equip learners with essential patient care skills and knowledge required by California regulations. With both traditional and flexible learning formats available, individuals have opportunities to fit education into their schedules while getting ready for a rewarding career as a certified nursing assistant.
In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region, CNAs earn around $44,690 annually. Graduates of Santa Monica CNA training programs may find employment in area hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies serving the local population.
Quick Facts About Santa Monica
-
Population92,168Residents
-
CNA Programs6State-approved Programs
-
Median Income$106,797Median Annual Income
-
CNA Hourly Rate$21.49Median Hourly Rate
-
CNA Yearly Salary$44,690Median Annual Salary
-
Facilities15CMS Healthcare Facilities12 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 1 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Santa Monica and Nearby
Schools in Santa Monica and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
You'll receive information about:
- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
✓ Free Service • ✓ No Obligations • ✓ Compare Multiple Programs • ✓ Accredited Schools Only
Browse CNA Classes in Santa Monica
Students in Santa Monica can choose from 6 CNA programs that prepare them for California CNA certification, including online courses and accelerated training options. These programs qualify participants for state registry placement and provide practical experience along with job readiness support. Graduates are well-positioned for healthcare careers throughout the area, benefitting from flexible schedules and focused preparation for certification success.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Santa Monica, but free classes are available in other cities throughout California.
Accelerated programs: available in Santa Monica and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Santa Monica offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
West Los Angeles Community College (WLAC)
Program Details
McKallen Medical
Program Details
Los Angeles Skills Academy
Program Details
H&R Healthcare School
Program Details
Daisy Medical Institute
Program Details
Comfort Paradise Training Institute
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Santa Monica
CNA Salary Information
-
Annual Salary$44,690Median Yearly Pay
-
Hourly Rate$21.49Median Per Hour
-
Available Jobs41,860CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Santa Monica are part of a dynamic healthcare market within the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region, where approximately 41,860 certified nursing assistants are employed across various healthcare settings. This metropolitan area consistently supports strong demand for CNAs due to its population size and concentration of medical facilities. Those completing local CNA programs often find steady job prospects within hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies in Santa Monica and neighboring communities.
CNA salary in Santa Monica reflects regional compensation patterns. In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $44,690 (about $21.49 per hour) according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This median wage is slightly below the statewide median of $45,170 for California CNAs but aligns with the area's cost of living and employment volume.
Healthcare employers in Santa Monica include a range of CMS-certified facilities such as Brentwood Health Care Center (59 beds), Sunset Park Healthcare (44 beds), Ocean Park Healthcare (41 beds), and Beachwood Post-Acute & Rehab (227 beds), one of the larger nursing facilities in the area. Hospitals like Saint John's Health Center and Santa Monica - UCLA Medical Center & Orthopaedic Hospital also provide significant employment opportunities for CNAs. Home health agencies such as Helping Hands Home Health Center, Inc. further expand career options for newly certified assistants.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Santa Monica? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Reseda, Northridge, Culver City, La Mirada, and Newbury Park, 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 Santa Monica (12 facilities)
12 nursing homes in Santa Monica providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Santa Monica (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Santa Monica offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
Santa Monica - Ucla Med Ctr & Orthopaedic Hospital
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Santa Monica (1 facilities)
1 home health agency in Santa Monica providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Helping Hands Home Health Center, Inc
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Santa Monica, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Santa Monica?
Most CNA programs in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?
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 Santa Monica?
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 Santa Monica?
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 Santa Monica?
Yes, some schools in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Reseda, Northridge, Culver City, La Mirada, and Newbury Park. 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 Santa Monica?
CNAs in Santa Monica 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.