CNA Classes & Programs in Santa Monica, California
6 state-approved CNA programs in Santa Monica, including online, 4-week, evening and weekend options. Free programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in Santa Monica
- Programs
- 6
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $44,690
- $21.49 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 41,860
- in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region
- Healthcare facilities
- 15
- 12 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 92,168
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Santa Monica
| Type | In Santa Monica | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Santa Monica | See other California cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 6 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 4 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 Santa Monica
Lowest published cost first.
Comfort Paradise Training Institute
Cost$1,650Hours160Weeks5
- Address
- Santa Monica, CA
- Phone
- (323) 844-0707
160-hour CNA program completed in 5 weeks with Zoom lectures on Monday and Tuesday and in-person clinicals Wednesday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM in Los Angeles. Training emphasizes core nursing skills and hands-on patient care.
Visit websiteMcKallen Medical
Cost$1,750Hours160Weeks7
- Address
- Santa Monica, CA
- Phone
- (747) 225-6776
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Hybrid CNA program combining live online theory with in-person skills labs and 100 clinical hours; tuition includes uniform, CPR/BLS, and clinical placement. Evening and weekend cohorts run about 7 weeks.
Visit websiteLos Angeles Skills Academy
Cost$1,990Hours160Weeks4
- Address
- Santa Monica, CA
- Phone
- (213) 444-8997
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Los Angeles Skills Academy’s CNA program consists of 60 hours of online/classroom theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical training at partnered skilled nursing facilities. Multiple schedules are offered including fast track cohorts and evening or weekend options.
Visit websiteDaisy Medical Institute
Cost$2,400Hours–Weeks6
- Address
- Santa Monica, CA
- Phone
- (833) 404-2888
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Private CNA program with in-person day, evening, weekend, and online options; cohorts range from 6–12 weeks in person and about 14 weeks online. Program materials list itemized fees and payment plan details.
Visit websiteH&R Healthcare School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- Santa Monica, CA
- Phone
- (310) 997-3114
H&R Healthcare School is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteWest Los Angeles Community College (WLAC)
Cost–Hours200Weeks12
- Address
- Santa Monica, CA
- Phone
- (310) 287-7226
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
WLAC’s CNA course (Nursing 399A) includes 72 hours of theory and 128 hours of clinical in 12-week evening cohorts during fall/spring and a 9-week daytime summer option. Weekend clinical rotations are held at local nursing facilities.
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.
Not sure which of the 6 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
- Reseda1 program
- Northridge2 programs
- Panorama City2 programs
- Sherman Oaks2 programs
- Canoga Park2 programs
Major California cities
- Los Angeles41 programs
- San Diego20 programs
- San Jose12 programs
- San Francisco6 programs
- Fresno14 programs
- Sacramento18 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Santa Monica
| Median annual pay | $44,690 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $21.49 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 41,860 |
| Salary region | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Santa Monica (12 facilities)
12 nursing homes in Santa Monica 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Brentwood Health Care Center1321 Franklin Street(310) 828-5596Map | 59 | 3.5 |
| Sunset Park Healthcare2250 29Th Street(310) 450-7694Map | 44 | 3.1 |
| Ocean Park Healthcare2828 Pico Boulevard(310) 450-7694Map | 41 | 2.9 |
| Fireside Health Care Center947 3Rd Street(310) 393-0475Map | 66 | 2.8 |
| Beachwood Post-Acute & Rehab1340 15Th Street(310) 451-9700Map | 227 | 2.8 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Santa Monica (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Santa Monica offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Saint John'S Health CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 2121 Santa Monica Blvd(310) 829-5511Map | 4/5 |
| Santa Monica - Ucla Med Ctr & Orthopaedic HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1250 16Th Street(310) 825-9111Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Santa Monica (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Santa Monica providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Helping Hands Home Health Center, Inc2116 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 248(818) 465-4245Map | – |
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 Santa Monica? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Reseda, Northridge, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, and Canoga 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Santa Monica.
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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. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Los Angeles Skills Academy.
How much does CNA training cost in Santa Monica?
CNA programs in Santa Monica cost between $1,650 and $2,400, depending on the school. The lowest-priced paid option is Comfort Paradise Training Institute at $1,650. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Santa Monica?
No program in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?
Yes. 6 programs in Santa Monica offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Santa Monica?
Yes. 3 programs in Santa Monica are accelerated. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 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, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks and Canoga 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. CMS lists 12 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 1 home health agency in Santa Monica. 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.