If you’re looking for a rewarding career in the medical field, then becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is an excellent opportunity to consider. The demand for CNAs continues to grow in California and especially around San Jose and Santa Clara—making these areas prime locations for job searching. To qualify as a CNA in this area, all you need is an accredited class certification followed by passing the required California examination. Make sure to look into it soon—because with such high demands, starting on your path of success ASAP can be invaluable! If you’re in the San Jose area, we’ve assembled a list of the top CNA classes to help you find a program that meets your needs.
Highlights
- There are an estimated 5,520 CNAs are working in the San Jose – Sunnyvale – Santa Clara metro area. With 12 local hospitals and dozens of senior living centers and assisted living facilities there are plenty of job opportunities for CNAs.
- Top paid CNAs can earn $55,580-$71,210 per year or more, which according to the latest May of 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data is one of the highest average salaries for CNAs across the country.
- With several 2 and 4 week CNA programs available in the San Jose area, you can be on your path of entering the CNA workforce very quickly.
- The average cost of CNA programs in the SanJose area can be in the $500 to $875 range
CNA Requirements in San Jose
Class requirements for becoming a CNA in San Jose are the same as CNA requirements of the state of California. Candidates must go through both hours of classroom training as well as clinical experiential training. Total hours time is broken down into:
160 total hours
- 60 hours of classroom time
- 100 hours of clinical time
Additional requirements for being a certified CNA in California include:
- Graduating from high school or having a GED or equivalent education
- Being at least 16 years old
- Having a criminal background clearance
- Having up-to-date immunization records
- Having negative TB/drug tests
- Having a physical exam report prepared by a physician
Top CNA Classes in San Jose
Want to know the best CNA programs available in San Jose? Look no further! We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. Check out the details on the area’s best CNA schools below.
1. Golden Heart School of Nursing
Golden Heart School of Nursing is a renowned institution in San Jose, offering a 21-day Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) or Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program. With a commitment to providing excellent patient care, the school blends in-campus classes, hands-on skills training, and clinical experience to create a comprehensive learning experience.
Instructors at Golden Heart School of Nursing are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. The school fosters a welcoming and supportive environment where compassion is the foundation and touching hearts is the goal. Join Golden Heart School of Nursing to become a skilled and compassionate nurse assistant.
Price: $1,600
Address: 5671 Santa Teresa Blvd. Street 212
San Jose, CA 95123
Phone: 408.710.3759
URL: https://www.goldenheartnursing.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Morning, weekend, and evening classes available.
2. Edward Medical Training Center
Edward Medical Training Center in San Jose offers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes to prepare individuals for a career in the healthcare industry. CNAs play a crucial role in providing basic care to patients and assisting them in daily activities. The job requires compassion and people skills, as well as a strong understanding of medical technology, like billing software, health information software, and medical record charting software.
CNAs report to registered nurses or licensed practical/vocational nurses and communicate patient concerns and issues. The training program consists of both theoretical and practical components, and successful graduates can sit for the state licensing exam. CNA jobs can be challenging but offer a rewarding experience for those who have a passion for helping others.
Price: Contact the school for current fees.
Address: 1913 O’Toole Way
San Jose, CA 95131
Phone: 408.661.8774
URL: n/a
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Career guidance available for students.
3. Evergreen Valley College **Low-Cost CNA Program
Evergreen Valley College in San Jose offers a comprehensive Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide course that provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The course is approved by the California Department of Public Health and focuses on basic nursing care, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, client rights and safety. The program combines 60 hours of lecture and 100 hours of clinical for the nurse assistant component and 20 hours of lecture and 20 hours of clinical for the home health aide component. To pass the program, students must achieve a grade of 70% or higher.
Enrollment in the course is based on open enrollment, with no application process required. However, registered students must attend a mandatory orientation session held 2 weeks before the start of the course. Course requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a valid Social Security number or Taxpayer ID number, and a background check. Health clearance, including a physical exam and TB skin testing, is also required.
Price: $850
Address: 3095 Yerba Buena Rd.
San Jose, CA 95135
Phone: 408.274.7900
URL: https://www.evc.edu/programs-academics/academic-resources/nursing-allied-health/certified-nursing-assistanthome-health
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: 90+% state certification passing rate for students.
4. CAL ACE Nursing Academy **Hybrid-Online CNA Classes Available
CAL ACE Nursing Academy is the top choice for individuals seeking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Their CNA courses are crafted to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the medical field. The program encompasses essential subjects such as human anatomy and physiology, personal care, medical terminology, and provides hands-on clinical experience.
Upon completion of the program, students will be well-prepared to take the CNA exam and attain their certification. The dedicated team at CAL ACE Nursing Academy is committed to supporting students in reaching their goals and achieving success in their careers.
Price: $1,798 – BLS certification, ID, uniform, and digital book included.
Address: 1535 Landess Ave Main Campus Unit 103
Milpitas, CA 95035
Phone: 408.901.0080
URL: https://cna.school/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Hybrid-online CNA classes available. Practice tests are also available for state exam prep.
5. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross offers Nurse Assistant Training programs throughout the United States to prepare individuals for a career as a licensed or certified nursing assistant (CNA). The training program is designed to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded education, divided into three parts: theory, lab, and clinical.
In the theory component, students will learn about the fundamental concepts of patient care, such as responsibilities, legal issues, ethics, anatomy, physiology, safety, and more. The lab component provides hands-on experience with personal care and vital sign measurement. The clinical component offers real-world experience, with students working under the supervision of a licensed nurse in a long-term care facility.
Price: $1,500
Address: 2731 N First St.
San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: 877.727.6771
URL: https://www.redcross.org/local/california/northern-california-coastal/about-us/locations/silicon-valley.html
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Day, evening, and weekend classes are available.
6. Southwestern College **Affordable CNA Classes
Southwestern College offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed for students seeking a career in the medical field. The program prepares students to take the state exam and earn their CNA certification, which is a highly recommended and required step for entrance into advanced nursing programs.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the skills and knowledge needed to provide basic patient care, gather patient data, communicate effectively, and meet the state requirements for nurse assistant certification. The program includes both theoretical and practical components, with a lab portion that focuses on hands-on skills training.
The CNA program at Southwestern College is 8.5 units, consisting of both lecture and lab components. Class, skills lab, and clinical work take place over either 9 weeks (for spring or summer enrollment) or 18 weeks (for fall enrollment).
Price: $850
Address: 900 Otay Lakes Rd
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619.421.6700
URL: https://www.swccd.edu/programs-and-academics/career-education/health/certified-nursing-assistant/index.aspx
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: CNA renewal and reactivation courses available.
7. Bay Area CNA **Accelerated 4-Week CNA Classes w/ Job Placement
Bay Area CNA offers a 4-week comprehensive nursing assistant training program to prepare individuals for a successful career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The program provides students with hands-on experience and comprehensive instruction in patient care, communication, and other essential skills needed to succeed in the medical field.
The Bay Area CNA staff is dedicated to ensuring students receive all the training necessary to pass the CNA certification test and to secure employment in a wide range of health care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, and home care agencies.
The program consists of 22 days of intensive training, including classroom learning, hands-on instruction, and actual experience in a health care facility. Upon completion of the program, students receive personal job placement assistance, with the unique advantage of a job guarantee – if a student is not placed within 2 months of completing the program, they will receive a full refund of their tuition fees.
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. Aprende Health Careers Institute
Aprende Healthcare Institute in San Jose offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant course for aspiring CNAs. The program is structured in 18 steps and includes both theoretical and practical components.
In the theoretical component, students will attend 60 hours of theory sessions, complete exams for each module, and gain a deeper understanding of patient rights, communication and interpersonal skills, body mechanics, medical and surgical asepsis, patient care skills and procedures, vital signs, nutrition, emergency procedures, long-term care, rehabilitative nursing, observation and charting, death and dying, patient abuse, and basic leadership skills for nursing assistants.
The practical component consists of 100 hours of clinical skills, which will be conducted either in a skilled nursing facility or in a classroom setting. This hands-on experience will give students the opportunity to put their learning into practice, working under the supervision of a licensed professional nurse. The program is approved by the state, and students will be required to pass both the theoretical and practical components to receive their certification.
Price: $1,800
Address: 3286 S. White Rd.
San Jose, CA 95135
Phone: 877.889.2424
URL: https://www.aprendehci.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Program can be completed in only six weeks.
9. Empress Care Center **Free CNA Classes in San Jose
Empress Care Center in San Jose offers a train-to-hire program for CNAs where you can agree to work at their facilities in exchange for tuition reimbursement. Contact the facility to learn more about these opportunities. For those that get hired there are attractive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance along with vacation and holiday pay.
Price: $0
Address: 1299 S. Bascom Ave.
San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: 408.287.0616
URL: https://www.empresscare.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Tuition reimbursement and train-to-hire.
10. South Bay School of Nursing
The South Bay School of Nursing in San Jose offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed for individuals seeking a career in the healthcare field. This program is designed to provide hands-on training and knowledge needed to become a licensed CNA, preparing students for the State certification exam.
The CNA program includes both theoretical and practical components, allowing students to learn the fundamentals of patient care, legal and ethical issues, anatomy and physiology, safety and more, in the classroom and apply them through hands-on training and real-world experience.
Price: $1,700 – 2,500
Address: 1580 Old Oakland Rd c106
San Jose, CA 95131
Phone: 408.564.7242
URL: n/a
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Flexible hours with weekend courses available.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in San Jose?
The average salary for nursing assistants in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area is $55,580 annually or $26.72 per hour according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That is higher than the California state average of $47,070 per year and $22.63 per hour and is significantly higher than the latest recorded national average of $39,610 annually.
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in San Jose?
The cost of CNA courses in the San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara area varies depending on the school or program you choose. Generally, courses cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 depending on the length of the course and if it includes books, equipment, or other learning materials. It is important to do research beforehand to make sure you are getting a good price for quality training. Some schools may offer financial aid options to help cover the cost of tuition, so be sure to ask if that is an option. Additionally, you should check with potential employers as they may provide a tuition reimbursement program for CNA graduates.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in San Jose
There are approximately 94,450 CNAs working in Texas and 4,940 of them work in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area. As demand for care and workers expands at long term care, nursing homes and assisted living facilities grows, job opportunities for CNAs will increase.. What types of organizations are employing CNAs in San Jose? You can view the data below:
| Industry Type | San Jose Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 1,770 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,452 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 529 |
| Home Health Care Services | 314 |
| Employment Services | 146 |
| Individual and Family Services | 136 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 98 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 97 |
| Offices of Physicians | 66 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 60 |
Helpful Links
- CNA pay statistics by state
- CNA practice test
- California Nurse Aide Registries
- California CNA Classes
Other California CNA Course Links