CNA Training Programs in California

What are the admission requirements for individuals interested in acute care certified nurse aide programs in California? To be eligible for enrollment in an acute care CNA course you must first possess the knowledge and skills of a basic level nurse aide. The state of California makes a clear distinction between the two certifications. Individuals who are at least sixteen years old and complete a level one nurse aide course are allowed to continue their paraprofessional education by attending an acute care nursing assistant program. Did you know that according to state regulations, only certified nurse assistants may enroll in home health aide programs in California? A large number of students have long-term professional goals which start with becoming a nurse aide and gradually moving towards a nursing career. Professional career ladders are available to nurse aide students in California.

You have the option to complete a basic CNA training class and then attend a home health aide or an acute care nursing assistant course. Vocational nursing programs are the next logical step to enhance your career and earning potential. One of the private institutions committed to excellence in education and the success of its students is the Prime Career College. Following the educational tracks currently available at this vocational school, students have the option to move upwards in their nursing careers. Certified nursing assistant courses, home health aide classes, and vocational nurse programs are being offered to those interested in the health care field. Instruction focuses on achieving the knowledge and skills necessary to function as an effective, safe, and competent care giver.

Non-Facility Based CNA Schools in Stanislaus County

College of Medical Arts - Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation Center - Turlock
1111 East Tuolumne Road, Turlock, CA 95382
Phone: (866) 623-1183 Email: info@cmaschool.org
The CNA program is divided into 16 modules and training classes are offered throughout the year with flexible part time schedules. College of Medical Arts maintains a 15 to 1 student to teacher ratio in class and clinical settings and also offers Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA), Home Health Aide (HHA) and Vocational Nursing (LVN) programs.

Avalon Training Center - Newman
709 N Street, Newman, CA 95360
Phone: (209) 862-2862

Avalon Training Center CNA Training Course - Modesto
1900 Coffee Road, Modesto, California 95355
Phone: (209) 548-0318
Avalon Training Center also offers evening nursing assistant training classes.

Crescent Facility Training Center - Modesto
159 East Orangeburg, Modesto, CA 95350
Phone: (209) 526-2811

Modesto Junior College - West Campus
435 College Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350
Phone: (209) 573-6382

Oakdale Adult Education C.N.A. Class
200 Hinkley Avenue, Oakdale, California 95361
Phone: (209) 847-9609

Facility Based CNA Classes in Stanislaus County

Acacia Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center - Modesto
1611 Scenic Circle Drive, Modesto, California 95355
Phone: (209) 523-5667

Avalon Health Care of Modesto
515 East Orangeburg Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350
Phone: (209) 529-0516

Bel Air Lodge CNA Training Program - Turlock
180 Starr Avenue, Turlock, California 95380
Phone: (209) 632-1075

Brandel Manor Emanuel Hospital Nurse Assistant Program - Turlock
1801 North Olive Avenue, Turlock, California 95382
Phone: (209) 664-2900

Casa De Modesto Retirement Center Nurse Aide Training - Modesto
1745 Eldena Way, Modesto, CA 95350
Phone: (209) 529-4950

Country Villa Modesto Nursing Assistant Course
159 East Orangeburg Avenue, Modesto, California 95350
Phone: (209) 526-2811

Covenant Village Care Center - Turlock
2125 North Olive Avenue, Turlock, CA 95382
Phone: (209) 664-5300

Central California Rehabilitation Hospital - Modesto
730 17th Street, Modesto, California 95354
Phone: (209) 523-9006

Elness Convalescent Hospital CNA Program - Turlock
812 West Main Street, Turlock, CA 95381
Phone: (209) 667-2828

English Oaks Convalescent and Rehabilitation Hospital - Modesto
2633 West Rumble Road, Modesto, California 95350
Phone: (209) 577-1001

Evergreen Convalescent Hospital CNA Program - Modesto
2030 Evergreen Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350
Phone: (209) 577-1055

Garden City Healthcare Center Nurse Aide Training - Modesto
1310 West Granger Avenue, Modesto, California 95350
Phone: (209) 524-4817

Ha Le Aloha Convalescent Hospital - Ceres
1711 Richland Avenue, Ceres, CA 95307
Phone: (209) 537-4581

Hy-Lond Health Care Center - Modesto
1900 Coffee Road, Modesto, California 95355
Phone: (209) 526-1775

Kindred Hospital - Modesto
730 17th Street, Modesto, California 95354
Phone: (209) 523-9006

Oak Valley Care Center Nurse Aide Course - Oakdale
275 South Oak Drive, Oakdale, California 95361
Phone: (209) 848-4159

Riverbank Nursing Center C.N.A. Course
2649 West Topeka Street, Riverbank, California 95367
Phone: (209) 869-2569

Reno Convalescent Hospital - Modesto
1028 Reno Avenue, Modesto, California 95351
Phone: (209) 524-1146

Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation CNA Training Program
1111 East Tuolumne Road, Turlock, CA 95382
Phone: (209) 632-7577

Vintage Faire Convalescent Hospital Nurse Aide Program - Modesto
3620 B Dale Road, Modesto, California 95356
Phone: (209) 521-2094

CNA Training Programs in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, California

Nursing assistant programs prepare individuals for challenging the nurse aide certification exam and for entry level positions in health care environments. Each state has the authority to decide how many hours of training a nursing assistant course must consist of, as long as the minimum federal requirement of seventy-five hours is met. Students interested in attending CNA classes have a wide array of choices when it comes to selecting a training facility.

Nursing assistant courses are conducted at nursing homes, vocational schools, private schools, and community colleges. Program length, admission requirements, and cost of training vary depending on the policies of every training facility. Several states have implemented legislation which requires licensed long-term care facilities to reimburse CNA employees for the costs associated with training. An individual who has paid for nursing assistant training classes and who becomes employed by a nursing home within a year of obtaining certification, is eligible for financial reimbursement. Compared to other training programs in the health care field, nursing assistant classes are relatively short and inexpensive. Obtaining state certification as a CNA is the main requirement for securing a nurse aide job at a nursing home, hospital, rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility.

Nurse Aide Training Programs in California

California Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program Providers
Please select a California region from the maps below to find nurse aide training and competency evaluation program providers in your area.

CNA Programs in Northern California. CNA Programs in Southern California.

Select a county on the maps above or a county name from the list below to see a list of nurse aide training and competency evaluation program providers in your area.

CNA Training Schools and Programs

CNA classes, schools and programs by state.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions

Anna Maria on  July 20, 2012 at 09:06 PM
I worked as a CNA back in 1996 for four months and left the healthcare field. I am now considering coming back to the healthcare field. I feel OK working in the CNA position but I do want to further my education in nursing. What do you suggest?


Admin on July 23, 2012 at 08:55 PM
I would suggest looking into a registered nurse program offered at a community college in your area. These type of programs take two years to complete and are less expensive than four-years nursing programs offered by private schools or universities. You may also look into licensed vocational or practical nursing programs, which take less than two years to complete. If you decide to choose a registered nurse program keep in mind that you need to take pre-requisite courses as soon as possible and apply early. I would contact a program coordinator or counselor at a community college and discuss the situation with them.


Why is it so hard to get hired as a CNA? Everywhere that I apply they are asking for at least one year of experience in the field so what do I do next?

Can I enroll in an online CNA class if I don't have a high school diploma or GED?

Is it possible to take the CNA test without enrolling in a training class?

Where can I find free online practice tests for the nursing assistant exam?

Could you give some examples of questions I might be asked at a CNA job interview? I just got my CNA license, and I am going to be looking for a job.

CNA Resources

CNA Training Requirements

There is a wide disparity between CNA training requirements among the states. The difference lies in the mandatory number of total training hours necessary to complete state-approved CNA classes.


While according to federal law each nursing assistant course should contain a minimum of seventy-five (75) instruction and clinical hours, individual states have the liberty to mandate extra training requirements for certified nursing assistants. The majority of states exceed the threshold federal minimum requirements for nurse aide training programs because they are considered insufficient to result in an optimal and safe level of care for clients.


A review of nationwide state requirements for nurse assistant courses has found that the following states have mandated highest number of CNA program hours: Maine with a minimum of 90 hours of theory, 20 hours of laboratory skills and 70 hours of clinical instruction for a total of 180 hours; California with one hundred and sixty (160) training hours; Delaware and Oregon each requiring one hundred and fifty (150) hours; followed by the state of Alaska with one hundred and forty (140) hours; Virginia, Arizona, and West Virginia have a minimum of one hundred and twenty (120) training hours for state-approved classes.

CNA Training Programs

Nurse Aide Registries

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