CNA Classes & Programs in Sonora, California
3 state-approved CNA programs in Sonora, including free and online options. 4-week programs are offered in other California cities.
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CNA training in Sonora
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $45,170
- $21.72 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 105,750
- across California
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 4,963
- 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.
Sonora offers 3 CNA programs that provide essential preparation for individuals pursuing careers as certified nursing assistants within this Sierra foothills community of California. These programs deliver focused instruction designed to meet state requirements while equipping students with practical skills relevant to today’s healthcare roles.
Nursing homes such as Adventist Health Sonora - D/P SNF and Golden Sonora Care Center are among several major healthcare employers serving Sonora residents alongside an acute care hospital and a nonprofit home health agency operating locally. Statewide in California, CNAs earn around $45,170 annually according to recent wage data—since Sonora-specific salaries are unavailable at this time—so these figures serve as helpful benchmarks when considering future earnings post-certification from local CNA classes or courses here.
This range of local CNA programs ensures students can access high-quality training that prepares them effectively for certification exams and subsequent employment across Sonora's main medical facilities upon graduation.
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Browse CNA Classes in Sonora
Students in Sonora can choose from 3 CNA programs that prepare candidates for California certification and successful placement on the state registry through focused instruction and practical learning experiences. Options include online classes and a free program, allowing students to build clinical skills necessary for roles where career opportunities exist across Sonora’s active healthcare sector.
Program Types in Sonora
| Type | In Sonora | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Columbia College ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Sonora | See other California cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Modesto Junior College ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Sonora | See other California cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Sonora
Lowest published cost first.
Columbia College
CostFreeHours–Weeks16
- Address
- 11600 Columbia College Drive, Sonora, CA 95370
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (209) 588-5100
Columbia College’s Nursing Assistant program runs 16 weeks and offers fully covered tuition and supplies, with both credit and noncredit options. Students complete required classroom and clinical training to prepare for entry-level roles.
Visit websiteModesto Junior College
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 430 North Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (209) 575-6931
Modesto Junior College is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteModesto Junior College
Cost–Hours160Weeks7
- Address
- Sonora, CA
- Phone
- (209) 575-6914
One-semester Nurse Assistant course with 60 hours of online/classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical experience. The online option is a 7-week program offered each semester.
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 3 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major California cities
- Los Angeles41 programs
- San Diego20 programs
- San Jose12 programs
- San Francisco6 programs
- Fresno14 programs
- Sacramento18 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Sonora
| Median annual pay | $45,170 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $21.72 |
| CNA jobs across California | 105,750 |
| Salary region | California (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Sonora remain consistently important due to steady demand from hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other care providers operating locally within Tuolumne County’s largest city. While there are no precise employment counts specific to Sonora available at this time, certified nursing assistants play crucial roles supporting patient care throughout these diverse environments year-round.
Statewide in California, CNAs generally receive around $45,170 annually or $21.72 hourly wages based on current industry reports (BLS OEWS, May 2023). City-specific salary information remains unavailable, so these statewide numbers serve as helpful references when planning a career path.
Main local employers include Adventist Health Sonora - D/P SNF (a nonprofit facility with 68 beds), Golden Sonora Care Center (CMS-certified with 210 beds), Adventist Health Sonora hospital—which provides acute care services—and Adventist Health Home Care Services offering nonprofit support at patients’ residences within the area.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Sonora (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Sonora providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Adventist Health Sonora - D/P Snf179 South Fairview Lane(209) 536-5100Map | 68 | 2.9 |
| Golden Sonora Care Center19929 Greenley Road(209) 533-2500Map | 210 | 2.5 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Sonora (1 facility)
1 hospital in Sonora offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Adventist Health SonoraAcute Care Hospitals · 1000 Greenley Road(209) 536-5000Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Sonora (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Sonora providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Adventist Health Home Care Services20100 Cedar Road North(209) 536-5700Map | 4.0/5 |
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 Sonora? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Oakdale, Tracy, Hilmar, Stockton, and Modesto, 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 Sonora, CA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Sonora, 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 Sonora 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 Sonora.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Sonora
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Sonora?
Most CNA programs in Sonora can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 7 weeks, at Modesto Junior College.
How much does CNA training cost in Sonora?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Sonora directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Sonora?
Yes. Columbia College offers free or employer-paid CNA training. 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 Sonora?
Yes. Modesto Junior College offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Sonora?
No 4-week program is listed in Sonora. 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 Sonora there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Oakdale, Tracy, Hilmar, Stockton and Modesto. 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 Sonora?
CNAs in Sonora are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Sonora. 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.