CNA Classes in San Jose, California

CNAs are in great demand in California, and you can become one in a few short weeks. With just 160 hours of training in San Jose, you can get certified and turn your life around for the better. The California Department of Health governs training and certification and requires all prospective nurse aides to obtain certification and placement on the registry before providing services at licensed nursing homes and long term care facilities. Apart from completing the training requirements, you’ll need to have a clean criminal record, pass a physical exam, and pass the state’s certification exam comprising of a written and skills test. Check out the list of state-accredited nurse aide training providers below and contact them to learn about specific requirements for entry.

Evergreen Valley College

Register early for entry into the nurse aide training program at Evergreen Valley College. The intensive training focuses on the tasks nurse aides perform under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Course topics include environmental safety, hygiene, feeding techniques, patient transfers, vital signs, basic nursing principles, bed making, range of motion, cultural awareness, patient rights, death and dying. The duration of the program is approximately 8 weeks. Students will meet Mondays through Wednesdays for the first three weeks for 4 hours daily. Week four classes will cover mandatory skills lab on Monday or Tuesday. The clinical session will begin in week five. Classes meet every Monday and three Thursdays. Graduates are eligible to take the state certification exam.

Admission criteria:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Social security number or Tax ID number
  • Must be able to pass a background check
  • Have current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers
  • Obtain health clearance including a physical exam and TB skin test
  • Background clearance is conducted in-house after admission to the program
  • Must be able to communicate clearly English

A grant will cover uniform, textbook, CPR, certification exam fee, and end-of-semester clinical gift. Students must cover the cost of health exam and TB test or chest x-ray.

Nurse Builders Academy

The nursing assistant program at Nurse Builders Academy includes theory and practical instruction to prepares students for state certification. Areas of study include the Role and Responsibilities of Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Skills, Observation and Charting, Patient Care Procedures, Body Mechanics, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Death and Dying, Residents Rights, Patient Care Procedures, Nutrition, Patient Care Procedures, Vital Signs, Emergency Procedures, and Rehabilitative Nursing.

Admission criteria:

  • Be 16 years or older
  • Submit a completed application for admission
  • Pass the entrance exam with a score of 70% or better
  • Demonstrate English and Math skills at the 5th-grade level or higher
  • Sign the Enrollment and Financial Agreement
  • Have a valid state ID and social security card
  • Pass a TB screen performed by a licensed physician
  • Complete a satisfactory live scan/fingerprinting criminal background screening

A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

CAL ACE Nursing Academy

CAL ACE Nursing Academy provides in-person and online nurse aide training options. The program includes classroom theory and hands-on training to prepare students for entry-level employment as a nurse aide. The curriculum will cover 164 hours of theory and practical instruction. Course topics include introduction to CNA, patient/resident rights, vital signs, nutrition, emergency procedures, communication, body mechanics, weights and measures, patient care skills, care procedures, resident abuse, basic leadership, death and dying, and much more. Students will learn from expert instructors who are committed to their success. The online option includes 100 percent delivery of the theoretical content online. Students will attend the clinical rotations in person at a long-term care facility. Graduates will be prepared for success on the state nurse aide exam delivered by Credentia. Classes meet Monday to Friday for 3 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Must be based in California
  • Must provide a valid Tax ID or Social Security Number
  • Must have a valid photo ID – driver’s license or passport
  • Must have current COVID-19 immunization
  • Must complete a satisfactory physical exam including a TB test

Tuition for the program is $1,588. The registration fee is $200.

  • Website: https://cna.school/
  • Address: 1535 Landess Ave Main Campus, Unit 103 Milpitas, CA 95035
  • Phone: (408) 256-0763

Aprende Health Careers Institute

Aprende Health Careers Institute offers flexible programs designed to help students prepare for a career as a nurse aide quickly and efficiently. The program is approved by the state and includes theory and practical instruction to prepare students for success in healthcare. Course topics include nutrition, vital signs, resident rights and independence, infection control, emergency procedures, body mechanics, personal care, body mechanics, and death and dying. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion and will have the confidence to succeed on the state nurse aide exam. The school offers three training options – a five-week morning program, a 7-week evening program, and an 11-week weekend program.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Must provide immunization cards
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must have a valid photo ID and social security card

Payment plans are available for all students.

Golden Heart School of Nursing

Golden Heart School of Nursing provides a nursing assistant program designed to train, refine, and guide compassionate nurse assistants. The curriculum covers 160 hours of on-campus classroom, hands-on skills, and clinical instruction. Students will complete 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical rotations. Course topics include personal care, communication and interpersonal relationship, weights and measures, infection control, vital signs, body mechanics, nutrition and feeding, positioning and turning, basic nursing care, emergency procedures, death and dying, and much more. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the nurse aide exam administered by Credentia. The duration of the program is 21 days for daytime students, 40 days for evening classes, and 21 days for the weekend class.

Admission criteria:

  • Must complete a CDPH form
  • Must have current COVID-19 vaccination
  • Must have a valid California driver’s license or state ID
  • Must provide a copy of social security card
  • Must obtain a negative TB test or skin test
  • Must complete the Live Scan form

The program cost of $1,900 includes the student ID and two free uniforms.

Bay Area CNA School

The state-approved nurse aide program at Bay Area CNA School prepares students for a career in healthcare. The program covers 160 hours of theory and hands-on instruction. Course modules include introduction to nurse assistant, communication and interpersonal skills, body mechanics, medical and surgical asepsis, patient care skills, vital signs, patient care procedures, emergency procedures, long-term care patient, death and dying, observation and charting, nutrition, and rehabilitative nursing. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply to take the nurse aide exam to become a certified nursing assistant. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available. The day class runs Monday through Friday for four weeks. The evening program runs Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 10 PM for 7 weeks. The weekend only program runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM to 3 PM for 10 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Must have a valid government-issued photo ID – driver’s license, state ID, or passport
  • Must obtain TB clearance – test report showing negative TB test
  • Covid vaccination is option. Students without vaccination will be required to do weekling COVID testing
  • Must complete ‘California Live Scan’ (Criminal Background Screening)

The program cost of $1600 includes tuition, books, scrubs, and supplies. Students must cover the cost for the Live Scan Fee and the state examination fee. An installment plan is available for all students.

  • Website: https://bayareacna.com/
  • Address: 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, STE 108, Dublin, CA 94568
  • Phone: (833) 833 2527

Crystal G

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.