CNA classes in San Francisco can be found at many different community colleges and private facilities. Most CNA classes offer their students the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to successfully provide basic care to patients in a variety of settings. CNA classes may include topics such as patient safety and comfort, vital sign readings, medical terminology, communication techniques, infection control measures, personal care procedures, and more. CNA classes can be taken either as a full-time or part-time program, depending on the institution and students’ individual needs. CNA classes usually last for about six to eight weeks and are often offered in multiple sessions throughout the year. After completing CNA classes in San Francisco, students may be eligible to take the CNA certification exam to get listed on the CNA registry in California.
Highlights
- There are an estimated 10,220 CNAs working in San Francisco. With over 35 local hospitals and hundreds of senior living centers and assisted living facilities, there are plenty of job opportunities for CNAs.
- The highest paid CNAs in San Francisco can earn $68,940 per year or more.
- There are many options for CNA classes in the San Francisco-Oakland area. Aspiring CNAs can take CNA classes at traditional community colleges, or take faster track programs such as 4-week CNA courses
- There are dozens of CNA programs in San Francisco County and the San Francisco and Oakland area to choose from and meet your specific needs, cost, and timeline
CNA Requirements in San Francisco
CNA requirements for becoming a CNA in the state of California are stringent compared to other states, but candidates are very well prepared to enter the healthcare workforce. Potential CNAs take both hours of classroom training as well as clinic time. Total hours time is broken down into:
160 total hours
o 60 hours of classroom time
6 hours must be dedicated to education on mental disorders
o 100 hours of clinical time
Additional basic requirements for being a certified CNA in California include:
- The prospective candidate must have graduated from high school
- They must be at least 16 years old
- They must have a criminal background clearance
- They must have up-to-date immunization records
- They must have negative TB/drug tests
- They must have a physical exam report prepared by a physician
Top CNA Classes Near San Francisco
Discover the best Certified Nurse Assistant programs in the San Francisco area without breaking a sweat. Our team has meticulously researched and curated a list of top-notch facilities, complete with in-depth information about each. Browse our list of top CNA programs in San Francisco to find the perfect fit for your career aspirations and take the first step towards a rewarding healthcare career.
1. Providence Vocational School
At Providence Vocational School, aspiring nurse assistants can receive top-quality education to launch their careers in the healthcare industry. The 160-hour program combines 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training to provide students with a well-rounded education. Upon completion of the program, students will have a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of a nurse assistant and will be able to demonstrate competence in performing patient care procedures.
Those who meet the requirements will be eligible to take the Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation Program or State Examination, and successful candidates will receive a Nurse Assistant Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services.
Price: $1,500
Address: 189 School St.
Daly City, CA 94014
Phone: 650.991.2309
URL: https://www.providencevocationalschool.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Easy access to public transportation.
2. Oxman College
Oxman College’s CNA program offers comprehensive training for those interested in entering the healthcare field. The course curriculum, approved by the California Department of Health Services, focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills to provide basic patient care, including feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming and moving patients. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be prepared to work in long-term care facilities, acute hospitals or rehabilitation facilities, providing safe, effective and caring service to residents under the direction of nursing staff.
Price: $4,500
Address: 318 Westlake Center
Daly City, CA 94015
Phone: 800.249.5661
URL: https://www.oxmancollege.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Scholarships available to qualified candidates.
3. Arriba Juntos **Free CNA Classes in San Francisco
At Arriba Juntos, the Certified Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide (CNA/CHHA) training program provides students with the knowledge and skills to offer health services to patients in various settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, and private homes. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are equipped to take the Nursing Assistant State Certification exam and further advance their careers. In addition, Arriba Juntos offers Continuing Education Units (CEU) classes to meet the requirements for Certified Nursing Assistant license renewal.
Price: $0
Address: 3120 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415.401.4931
URL: http://www.arribajuntos.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: ESL courses also available.
4. Northern California Nursing Academy
The Northern California Nursing Academy offers a comprehensive CNA program that prepares students to deliver quality care to residents in nursing care facilities. Through the program, students will acquire knowledge and hands-on experience in important areas such as Body Mechanics, Assistance in Daily Living, Medical/Surgical Asepsis, and Nutrition.
Clinical Training is conducted at partner facilities including Pacific Heights Transitional Care, The Avenues Transitional Care, and Linda Mar Rehabilitation Center. Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Exam, which leads to California Nursing Assistant Certification. The CA Certification Exam is conveniently held on campus.
The academy provides job assistance to all graduates, helping them secure employment in various settings such as long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and agencies. The program lasts for 2-3 months.
Price: $2,025 – covers registration, materials, supplies, uniform, CPR training and tuition.
Address: 355 Gellert Blvd Suite 101
Daly City, CA 94015
Phone: 650.992.6262
URL: https://ncnursingacademy.com/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: No entrance exam required.
5. Quest Nursing Education Center **Accelerated four-week CNA course
The program consists of 100 hours of clinical time and 60 hours of theory classroom time, which can be taken in-person or online. After completion, students are eligible to take the proficiency exam and, upon passing, receive certification from the California Department of Public Health.
To be eligible for the program, students must meet certain requirements including being at least 16 years old, legally able to work in the US, having a valid social security card and picture ID, and being able to speak, read, and write English. A physical health exam and criminal background check are also required.
The Nursing Assistant program runs for 23 days and takes place from Monday to Friday from 7am to 3:30pm. Clinical training may be held in cities such as San Leandro, Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, El Cerrito, and other cities in Alameda County.
To graduate from the Nursing Assistant Program, students must achieve an overall course theory grade of at least 75%, pass the clinical portion of the program, complete all necessary coursework, and comply with all institution procedures and regulations. The last date to enroll in the program is the first day of class if space is available.
Price: $1,562
Address: 917 Harrison St.
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 510.452.1444
URL: https://questnursingschool.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Classes available to be finished in 4-6 weeks.
6. City College of San Francisco
City College of San Francisco offers a short-term intensive training program for those interested in entering the nursing field. The Home Health Aide/Nurse Assistant program prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care and convalescent facilities, home care agencies, and out-patient clinics.
Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment and will be eligible to take the State Certification Exam for Nursing Assistant. The program, which lasts one semester, provides students with the basic skills necessary to care for patients in various healthcare environments.
Price: Call the school for updated credit hour fees.
Address: 50 Frida Kahlo Way
San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone: 415.239.3000
URL: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/home-health-aidenurse-assistant
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Program completed in one semester.
7. Bay Area CNA **Accelerated 4-Week CNA Classes w/ Job Placement
Bay Area CNA offers a 4-week comprehensive nursing assistant program to prepare individuals for CNA certification and a successful career in healthcare. The program includes 22 days of intensive training with hands-on experience, job placement assistance, and a unique job guarantee. The staff is dedicated to ensuring students receive the necessary training to succeed in a variety of healthcare settings.
Price: $1,500 – includes books, scrubs, and supplies.
Address: 7567 Amador Valley Blvd. Suite 108
Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: 833.833.2527
URL: https://bayareacna.com/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Program can be completed in as little as 22 days.
8. Homebridge
Homebridge offers a 20-week OTJCNA program in conjunction with City College of San Francisco to help participants achieve their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. The program provides the training and support needed to pursue career advancement in the medical field. During the 20 weeks, trainees attend 4-hour classroom sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, and gain hands-on experience by working in a long-term care facility. Participants are paid for their time in both classroom and clinical training.
All fees for the CNA exam and retakes are covered by Homebridge, and the training is conducted in-person following CDC guidelines.
Price: $0
Address: 1035 Market St L-1
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415.255.2079
URL: https://www.homebridgeca.org/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Training is paid.
9. Northern California Healthcare Institute **Hybrid Online CNA Classes Available
The Northern California Healthcare Institute provides comprehensive training to prepare nursing assistants for the California Nursing Assistant exam. With 65 hours of lectures and 100 hours of hands-on clinical training, students receive real-life experience in patient care, including ADLs, patient procedures and skills, patient rights, rehabilitative nursing, emergency procedures, abuse prevention, and interpersonal skills such as vital signs and documentations.
Clinical training is held in approved skilled nursing facilities and supervised by licensed nurses, with class sizes limited to 15 students for a personalized learning experience. Observing medical and surgical asepsis and infection control, as well as proper body mechanics, is also part of the training curriculum. Clinical training is conducted concurrently with classroom instruction.
Price: $1,999
Address: 303 West Joaquin Avenue Suite 110
San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510.929.1992
URL: https://www.norcalhi.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Online course options.
10. Pass Institute
The Pass Institute offers an Online Nurse Assistant Training Program that combines 60 hours of online learning and 100 hours of hands-on clinical training in an approved skilled nursing facility. The program prepares students to take the State Competency Evaluation Exam and become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health and covers topics like patient care, interpersonal skills, and infection control. Admissions require being 16 years of age, a valid Social Security card, and basic technology and supplies like a computer or mobile device, internet access, textbooks, and a nursing uniform.
Price: $2,090
Address: 5111 Lone Tree Way
Antioch, CA 94531
Phone: 925.754.2879
URL: https://passinstitute.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Supplemental online CNA courses available.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in San Francisco?
The average salary for nursing assistants in San Francisco is $52,280 per year or $25.13 per hour according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That is higher than the state average of $43,570 per year and $20.95 per hour and is much higher than the U.S. average of $36,220 annually.
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in San Francisco?
The cost of CNA courses in San Francisco typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,100, depending on the school or program you choose. Nearly all programs in San Francisco offered financial aid assistance packages. Potential CNAs should also research employers to see if class tuition reimbursement programs are available where they are hoping to work after receiving certification.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in San Francisco
As of the most recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics report, they are approximately 94,450 CNAs working in California and 10,220 of them work in the San Francisco area. With a growing demand for elderly care and staff members at long-term care, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities comes an increase in job opportunities for CNAs. What types of organizations are employing CNAs in San Francisco? You can view the data below:
| Industry Type | San Francisco Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 3,662 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 3,004 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 1,095 |
| Home Health Care Services | 650 |
| Employment Services | 302 |
| Individual and Family Services | 282 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 203 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 201 |
| Offices of Physicians | 136 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 125 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 110 |
| Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities | 92 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 92 |
Helpful Links
- CNA pay statistics by state
- CNA practice test
- California Nurse Aide Registries
- California CNA Classes