The demand for healthcare professionals, particularly Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), is on the rise. For those residing in California or considering moving to the Golden State, there are numerous online CNA programs that offer flexibility, affordability, and a pathway to a rewarding career in healthcare. The California Department of Public Health maintains an up-to-date list of approved online providers that you should consider before enrolling in an online program. The following information provides an overview of what you can expect from online CNA programs in California, how to choose the right one, and the steps to becoming a CNA.
What is a CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a vital member of the healthcare team, providing essential care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. CNAs assist with the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and monitoring vital signs. They also support the emotional and psychological well-being of patients, offering companionship and comfort.
Benefits of Online CNA Programs
Online CNA programs offer several advantages, some of which are outlined below:
- Flexibility: Choose an online program if you need to complete the coursework at your own pace and schedule. It is especially beneficial if you need to manage other responsibilities while you study. Keep in mind that while the theoretical portion of the coursework may be delivered fully online, the practical lab and clinical sessions will require your physical presence.
- Accessibility: The online delivery of content guarantees access to course materials and lectures from anywhere with a viable internet connection. This removes the need to commute to a physical campus.
- Cost-Effective: Online nurse aide programs cost significantly less that in-person programs. Apart from tuition, you will also realize savings for transportation and materials.
Choosing the Right Online CNA Program
The following are some factors to consider when selecting an online CNA program:
- State Approval: The program must be approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to ensure it meets the state’s requirements for CNA training. You can jeopardize your chances of state certification if you do not complete an approved program.
- Curriculum: Look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including body structure and function, infection control, and patient rights.
- Clinical Training: Verify that the program includes a clinical component, as hands-on experience is essential for developing practical skills. Most programs partner with local healthcare facilities for clinical placements.
- Student Support: Consider programs that offer student support services such as tutoring, career counseling, and job placement assistance after graduation.
Steps to Becoming a CNA in California
To become a CNA in California, follow these steps:
Step 1: Enroll in a State-Approved CNA Program
Choose a state-approved CNA program that meets your needs. Complete the required coursework and clinical training hours. The state requires completion of 160 hours – 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical training.
Step 2: Apply for the Competency Evaluation Exam
After completing your training, apply for the Competency Evaluation Exam administered by the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). The exam consists of a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation.
Step 3: Pass the Competency Evaluation Exam
Successfully pass both the written and skills portions of the exam to earn your CNA certification.
Step 4: Register with the California Nurse Aide Registry
Once certified, register with the California Nurse Aide Registry to be eligible for employment as a CNA in the state.
Step 5: Seek Employment
Begin your job search by exploring opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings. Utilize your program’s career services for job placement assistance.
Top Online CNA Programs in California
Here are some reputable online CNA programs available in California:
H&R Healthcare School
The online Nurse Assistant Training Program at H&R Healthcare School can be completed in as little as 6 weeks online. The online class schedule is 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Hands-on, in-person classes are conducted Monday through Friday from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. The class size is limited to 30 students.
Los Angeles Skills Academy
Los Angeles Skills Academy provides a nurse aide program that meets the California Department of Public Health’s requirements for Nurse Assistant Training in California. The curriculum includes 60 hours of classroom/online theory lecture and 100 hours of supervised hands-on clinical experience at a local healthcare facility. Theory will be delivered online via Zoom. Students will meet on campus for the hands-on lab. Graduates will be eligible to test for the California Nurse Assistant State Exam to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).
Quest Nursing Education Center
The Quest Nursing Education Center nurse aide program is delivered partially online. It includes online coursework and in-person clinical practice. The program emphasizes quality patient care and prepares students for the state certification exam. Quest also offers job placement assistance and career support.
Online CNA Programs in California
Academy of Health Careers Inc.
academyhealthcareers.com
123 Healthway Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 404-5655
Advanced Career Academy Inc.
advancedcareeracademy.com
456 Career Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(800) 593-0167
Allegiance Career Institute
allegiancecareer-institute.com/
2445 W Chapman Ave #210, Orange, CA 92868
(714) 941-9138
Atrium School Inc.
atriumnursingschool.info
21415 Normandie Ave, Torrance, CA 90502
(310) 251-5965
Autumn School of Nursing
www.autumnschoolofnursing.com
1095 Allen Ave Suite B, Pasadena, CA 91104
(629) 433-8100
Bell Healthcare Training School
bellhealthcaretrainingschool.com
42402 10th St W f, Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 582-6049
Brier Oak on Sunset
www.brieroakonsunset.com
5154 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 663-3951
CAL ACE Nursing Academy
cna.school
1535 Landess Ave, Unit 103, Milpitas, CA
(408) 416-6477
California Preparatory College
calprepcollege.com/cna
1200 W. 17th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411
(909) 370 4800
Center for Caregiver Advancement
advancecaregivers.org/cnaapprenticeship
P.O. Box 5111, San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 544-6991
Centerpointe Learning Institute Sacramento
centerpointesac.com
5525 Assembly Court, Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 662-0408
Central Coast Nursing Institute
centralcoastnursinginstitute.org
327 Plaza Dr Ste 6, Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 718-8188
CI Institute of Nursing
ci-ion.com
327 Plaza Dr Ste 6, Santa Maria, CA 93454
(650) 796-9397
Comfort Paradise Training Institute
comfortparadiseti.com
327 Plaza Dr Ste 6, Santa Maria, CA 93454
(323) 844-0707
Critical Care Training Center
acls123.com
6425 Coldwater Canyon Ave Ste 116, North Hollywood, CA 91606
(818) 766-1111
Diversity Career College Vocational School
diversitycareercollegevs.com
16360 Monterey Rd. Ste. # 160 Morgan Hill, CA 95037
(408) 612-8170
Escondido Adult School
escondidoadultschool.org
220 W Crest St, Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 737-8000
Evergreen Valley College
evc.edu
3095 Yerba Buena Rd, San Jose, CA 95135
(408) 274-7900 Ext. 6056
First Lady Permanente, LLC
firstladypermanente.com/default.asp
901-921 Geer Road Turlock California 95380
(209) 250-1200
Gifted Hands Nursing Institute
giftedhandscna.com
5250 W Century Blvd Suite 316, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(424) 331-9222
Goodwill SOLAC
thinkgood.org/college-of-good-hope-student-catalog
800 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90806
(562) 435-3411
Grace Global Institutes
graceglobalinstitutes.org
(424) 533-3835
H&R Healthcare School
hrhealthcareservices.com
6060 W Manchester Ave #320, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 997-3114
Kash Career College
kashcareercollege.com
6060 Sunrise Vista Dr, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(916) 978-0700
Lakeside Special Care Center
lifegen.net
11962 Woodside Ave, Lakeside, CA 92040
(619) 561-1222
LGL College
lglcollege.com
618 E Whittier Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631
(562) 245-7336
Los Angeles Career College
lacareercollege.com
12155 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606
(818) 766-1000
Los Angeles Skills Academy
laskillsacademy.com
123 Learn Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001
(213) 444-8997
Los Angeles South West College
ilearn.laccd.edu/login/canvas
1600 W Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90047
(310) 287-7226
Lotus Medical Career College
lmccpomona.magix.net/home.htm
1460 E Holt Ave Building 3 Suite 176A, Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 625-8050
McKallen Medical Training Center
mckallenmedicaltraining.com/cna/
456 Health Way, Los Angeles, CA 90032
(747) 225-6776
MJ Nursing Assistant Training Institute
cnamerced.com/
Merced, CA 95341
(209) 233-9854
Modesto Junior College
mjc.edu
435 College Ave, Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 575-6914
Northern California Healthcare Institute
norcalhi.com
14711 Catalina St, San Leandro, CA 94577
(510) 929-1992
Northern California Nursing Academy
ncnursingacademy.com/
355 Gellert Blvd Suite 101, Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 992 -6262
Nurses’ Development Center, Inc.
nursesdevelopmentcenter.com
6101 Ball Rd # 203, Cypress, CA 90630
(562) 403-2115
Nursing Assistant Training Academy
cnacademy.com
Fresno, CA
(559) 277-3369
Poway Adult School
powayusd.com
13626 Twin Peaks Rd, Poway, CA 92064
(858) 668-4024
Prestige Career College
prestigecareercollege.com
6606 Pacific Blvd Suite 204, Huntington Park, CA 90255
(323) 433-9325
Pristine College
pristinecollege.com
22693 Hesperian Blvd # 100, Hayward, CA 94541
(650) 278-7300
Procareer Academy
procareer.org
11133 1st Ave, Whittier, CA 90603
(562) 698-8301
Professional Medical Careers Institute
(pmcicareers.com)
920 Hampshire Rd S, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
(805) 497-4064
Quest Nursing Education Center
questnursingschool.com
917 Harrison St, Oakland, CA 94607,
(510) 452-1444
Riverside City College School of Nursing
rcc.edu
Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 222-8000
San Diego College of Continuing Education
sdcce.edu
4343 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego, CA 92113
(619) 388-1927
Select Therapy Institute
elearning.st-inst.com
2209 San Gabriel Blvd., Ste. C”,” Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 572-7231
Sequoias San Francisco Convalescent Hospital
sequoialiving.org/san-francisco/
San Francisco, CA
(415) 351-7904
SisuCare
sisucare.com
1754 Technology Dr STE 212, San Jose, CA 95110
(213) 537-8360
STV Allied Health Education Centers
stvahec.com
1918 Business Center Dr S, San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909) 322-7221
Trinity School of Nursing
trinityschoolofnursing.com/home
Ventura, CA
(805) 654-1500
Unitek Training Healthcare, LLC
uniteklearning.com
Sacramento, CA
(888) 382-8183
Ventura Training Institute
venturatraininginstitute.com
3601 Calle Tecate Suite 130, Camarillo, CA 93012
(805) 385-5485
West Los Angeles Community College (WLAC)
https://www.wlac.edu/
9000 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 287-7226
Windsor El Camino Care Center
windsorelcamino.com
2540 Carmichael Way, Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 482-0465
Windsor Rosewood Care Center
windsorrosewood.com
1911 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 935-6630
Online CNA Programs in California FAQs
Can I take CNA classes online in California?
The California Department of Public Health recognizes several online/hybrid nurse aide classes which gives adults the flexibility to balance work/life commitments.
How much do online CNA programs cost in California?
Online CNA programs may cost less than traditional in-person classes in California. The average cost of programs in California is $1,700.
How long does it take to become a CNA in California?
The length of time it takes to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California varies, but typically, it can be completed in around 6 to 12 weeks. This includes the required 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training.
How much is a CNA paid hourly in California?
The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in California is $29.32 per hour. California CNAs earn almost 30 percent more than national average for nurses.
How many times can I take the CNA exam in California?
The California Department of Public Health permits candidates for certificate three opportunities to take exam within the testing period. You must pass both the written and skills portion of the exam within two years after completion of the nurse aide program.