CNA Classes & Programs in Santa Fe, New Mexico
2 state-approved CNA programs in Santa Fe, including weekend options. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other New Mexico cities.
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CNA training in Santa Fe
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,870
- $19.17 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 280
- in the Santa Fe region
- Healthcare facilities
- 7
- 2 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 89,019
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
What brings you here?
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Santa Fe is home to 2 CNA programs designed to prepare future certified nursing assistants according to New Mexico requirements. As the capital city known for its cultural heritage and growing population, Santa Fe provides accessible education pathways into healthcare careers through these approved classes tailored for aspiring CNAs.
The available CNA courses emphasize hands-on learning that prepares students both academically and clinically for certification success. No online or free option is listed among Santa Fe’s programs, and each program prepares trainees for the competency standards that employers across the city, including hospitals and long-term care facilities, look for.
CNA salaries here have a median of $39,870 annually based on regional data—one of the higher medians among cities in New Mexico—which may appeal to those seeking rewarding entry-level opportunities locally.
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Browse CNA Classes in Santa Fe
Santa Fe’s 2 CNA programs prepare students thoroughly for New Mexico certification and direct patient care roles across various settings. Both training programs focus on qualifying graduates for placement on the state registry while building essential skills needed by local employers. With career opportunities throughout Santa Fe where trained CNAs are valued members of healthcare teams, these classes support successful entry into this field.
Program Types in Santa Fe
| Type | In Santa Fe | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Santa Fe | See other New Mexico cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Santa Fe | See other New Mexico cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Santa Fe | See other New Mexico cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Santa Fe Community College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Santa Fe
Lowest published cost first.
CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 455 St. Michael's Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (505) 913-3361
CHRISTUS St. Vincent offers hospital-based training for nursing assistants, including an in‑house Advanced CNA pathway that develops expanded bedside skills for acute care settings. Programs are delivered within the medical center to build workforce pipelines into patient care roles.
Visit websiteSanta Fe Community College
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87508
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (505) 428-1000
- Schedule
- Weekend classes
SFCC offers a one‑semester Nursing Assistant Certificate that prepares students for entry‑level caregiving in hospitals, long‑term care, and home health. Instruction includes classroom, skills lab, and clinical experiences offered in day and some weekend formats.
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.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major New Mexico cities
All New Mexico cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Santa Fe
| Median annual pay | $39,870 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $19.17 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 280 |
| Salary region | Santa Fe |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
Within Santa Fe, approximately 280 certified nursing assistants work across diverse care environments including acute care hospitals and skilled nursing centers serving residents of all ages. CNA jobs in Santa Fe are available in a variety of healthcare settings, illustrating consistent demand within Santa Fe’s vibrant medical community.
CNA salary in Santa Fe stands at around $39,870 per year (or $19.17 per hour), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data specific to this region. This median wage surpasses those found in several other New Mexico cities and is well above the statewide figure of $35,400—providing valuable perspective when considering career prospects locally versus elsewhere in the state.
The Santa Fe area features key CMS-certified facilities such as Casa Real—a large facility with nearly 120 beds—and Santa Fe Care Center with over 90 residents served daily; Christus St Vincent Regional Medical Center—a major nonprofit hospital recognized regionally; Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center; Professional Home Health Care; and Presbyterian Home Healthcare Of Northern NM. These organizations represent leading employment destinations for new CNAs entering Santa Fe’s workforce.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Santa Fe (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Santa Fe 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Casa Real1650 Galisteo Street(505) 984-8313Map | 118 | 1.8 |
| Santa Fe Care Center635 Harkle Road(505) 982-2574Map | 120 | 1.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Santa Fe (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Santa Fe offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Christus St Vincent Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 455 St Michael'S Drive(505) 913-3361Map | 5/5 |
| Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 4801 Beckner Road(505) 772-1234Map | 3/5 |
| Santa Fe Phs Indian HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1700 Cerrillos Road(505) 946-9282Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Santa Fe (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Santa Fe providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Professional Home Health Care, Inc10 Calle Medico(505) 982-8581Map | 4.5/5 |
| Presbyterian Home Healthcare Of Northern Nm1400 Chama Ave(505) 309-4786Map | 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 Santa Fe? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Espanola, Ranchos de Taos, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Las Vegas, or browse the New Mexico 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 Fe, NM
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Santa Fe, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by New Mexico. These include completing a New Mexico Health Care Authority-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the state knowledge and skills competency examinations administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and being placed on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training in a nursing facility
- Completion of 16 hours of introductory instruction before any direct resident contact
- Minimum age of 16 to test (some programs require 18), plus a criminal background check and a health screening (TB test, immunizations)
- Passing the knowledge exam (60 questions, 60 minutes, 74% to pass; available in English and Spanish, with an audio option) and the manual skills exam (three or four tasks, 30 minutes, all critical steps plus 80% of noncritical steps)
- Up to three attempts per component within 24 months of completing training
- Placement on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry, with certification administered by the Health Care Authority (not the Board of Nursing)
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, and other healthcare settings throughout Santa Fe and across New Mexico. Certification is renewed every two years, and to renew you must have worked at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related work in an eligible healthcare setting during the preceding 24 months; New Mexico's HCA guidance also calls for 12 hours of in-service or continuing education each year (24 per renewal cycle), typically provided through the CNA's employer. Renewal runs through the TMU portal and may be submitted from 30 days before through 30 days after expiration, with a $25 fee plus New Mexico gross receipts tax. The Headmaster competency exams cost $40 for the written knowledge test (or $45 for audio) plus $100 for the skills test.
Already certified in another state? New Mexico offers certification by reciprocity for nursing assistants who hold a current certification in good standing on another state's registry. Approved applicants are placed on the New Mexico registry without repeating training or retaking the competency exam, and New Mexico charges no reciprocity fee. Applications are submitted through Headmaster's TMU system. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in New Mexico guide.
For complete details on training, testing, certification, and renewal, see our full CNA License & Registration in New Mexico 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 Fe.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Santa Fe
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Santa Fe?
Most CNA programs in Santa Fe 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 Fe?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Santa Fe directly for their current costs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Santa Fe?
No program in Santa Fe is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other New Mexico 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 Fe?
No program in Santa Fe is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other New Mexico cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Santa Fe?
No 4-week program is listed in Santa Fe. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other New Mexico cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Santa Fe there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Espanola, Ranchos de Taos, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Las Vegas. You can also look at the New Mexico state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the New Mexico CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in New Mexico, you must be added to the official state registry. See our New Mexico CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Santa Fe?
CNAs in Santa Fe are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Santa Fe. 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.