CNA Classes & Programs in San Marcos, Texas
4 state-approved CNA programs in San Marcos, including free, online, 4-week, evening and weekend options.
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CNA training in San Marcos
- Programs
- 4
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,790
- $18.00 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 5,130
- in the Austin-Round Rock region
- Healthcare facilities
- 5
- 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 67,143
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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San Marcos features 4 CNA programs for individuals interested in becoming certified nursing assistants in Central Texas. The city offers accessible entry into healthcare careers through a mix of program types designed to fit various needs—including accelerated and free CNA classes—helping new students start their journey efficiently.
Prospective students will find options such as accelerated 4-week classes and free training programs, both aimed at preparing candidates for Texas state certification and hands-on roles within local healthcare organizations. The range of program features enables flexibility and supports different learning preferences, focusing on readiness for real-world patient care work.
Within the Austin-Round Rock region that includes San Marcos, CNAs earn a median salary of $36,790 per year—above the statewide median of $35,110—reflecting competitive compensation in this part of Texas.
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Browse CNA Classes in San Marcos
San Marcos provides 4 CNA training programs that prepare students for Texas certification and job readiness. Options include accelerated 4-week classes, free training opportunities, and one online program, all designed to reduce barriers to entry. These CNA classes focus on developing practical skills needed by employers and offer routes to state registry placement with career opportunities available throughout San Marcos.
Program Types in San Marcos
| Type | In San Marcos | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Williams Career School of Excellence ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 4 CNA programs in San Marcos
Lowest published cost first.
Gary Job Corps Community
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2800 Airport HWY 21, San Marcos, TX 78666
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (512) 396-6568
Gary Job Corps offers a no-cost Certified Nurse Assistant training program with hands-on instruction, credentials, and support services. Eligible students receive housing, meals, supplies and career transition support during training.
Visit websiteWilliams Career School of Excellence
CostFreeHours106Weeks–
- Address
- 300 CM Allen Parkway #218, San Marcos, TX 78666
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (512) 618-5433
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
WCSE’s Nurse Aide program is a 106 hour hybrid course with day, evening, and weekend class options, designed to build core patient care skills. A Dwyer partner sponsorship may cover tuition for eligible students.
Visit websiteCareer Academy of Training
Cost–Hours103Weeks3
- Address
- 101 Uhland Rd. Suite 106, San Marcos, TX 78666
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (512) 596-8855
- Schedule
- Evening classes
NATCEP nurse aide program with 63 hours of classroom/lab and 40 hours of clinicals, typically completed in 3 to 6 weeks. Evening and day cohorts are offered.
Visit websiteCareer Academy of Training- San Marcos High
Cost–Hours103Weeks3
- Address
- 2601 Rattler Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (512) 596-8855
Nurse Aide Training consists of 63 hours of classroom and lab plus 40 hours of clinical in a nursing facility. Classes run 3 to 6 weeks depending on daily hours.
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
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All Texas cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in San Marcos
| Median annual pay | $36,790 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.00 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 5,130 |
| Salary region | Austin-Round Rock |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Austin-Round Rock region, about 5,130 CNAs work across a variety of care settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. Local employment prospects remain steady due to ongoing demand for direct care staff in both residential and acute care environments throughout this central Texas corridor.
The CNA salary in San Marcos reflects regional earnings; in the Austin-Round Rock area, CNAs earn a median of $36,790 per year or approximately $17.69 an hour, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This surpasses the Texas statewide median salary of $35,110 annually, which may appeal to prospective nursing assistants considering local careers.
CNA jobs in San Marcos are supported by several CMS-certified employers: Hays Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (116 beds), Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos, Halcyon Home, and Cypress Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (government hospital district). These facilities provide stable employment pathways for certified assistants in San Marcos.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in San Marcos (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in San Marcos providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hays Nursing And Rehabilitation Center1900 Medical Pkwy(512) 396-1888Map | 116 | 1.8 |
| Cypress Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center1351 Sadler(512) 805-5000Map | 174 | 1.8 |
| San Marcos Rehabilitation And Healthcare Center1600 N I H 35(512) 353-5026Map | 129 | 1.7 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in San Marcos (1 facility)
1 hospital in San Marcos offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-San MarcosAcute Care Hospitals · 1301 Wonder World Drive(512) 353-8979Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in San Marcos (1 facility)
1 home health agency in San Marcos providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Halcyon Home125 Mccarty Lane(512) 815-9009Map | – |
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 Marcos? Explore CNA programs and jobs in New Braunfels, Lockhart, Kyle, San Antonio, and Bastrop, or browse the Texas 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 Marcos, TX
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in San Marcos, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Texas. These include completing an HHSC-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, and being listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 100 total hours of training (60 classroom and 40 clinical hours in a licensed nursing facility)
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both parts of the NNAAP exam within 24 months of completing training (up to three attempts per section)
- Background check per Texas Health & Safety Code §250.006
- Placement on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by HHSC)
Once certified, you can work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities throughout San Marcos and the surrounding area.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity through TULIP (Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal) to transfer your certification without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Texas guide.
For full details on testing, certification, renewal requirements, and maintaining active status, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Texas 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 Marcos.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in San Marcos
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in San Marcos?
Most CNA programs in San Marcos can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at Career Academy of Training.
How much does CNA training cost in San Marcos?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in San Marcos directly for their current costs. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in San Marcos?
Yes. 2 programs in San Marcos are free or employer-paid: Gary Job Corps Community and Williams Career School of Excellence. 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 San Marcos?
Yes. Williams Career School of Excellence 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 Marcos?
Yes. 2 programs in San Marcos 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 San Marcos there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as New Braunfels, Lockhart, Kyle, San Antonio and Bastrop. You can also look at the Texas state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Texas CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Texas, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Texas CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in San Marcos?
CNAs in San Marcos are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in San Marcos. 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.