Oakland, CA
Merritt College
Certified Nurse Assistant
Location
Oakland, CA
State Required Hours
160 hours
- Address
12500 Campus Drive
Oakland, CA 94619
- Phone
- (510) 531-4911
- Website
- https://merritt.edu
About This Program
Merritt College is a Peralta Community College District campus perched in the Oakland hills above the Mills College/Seminary neighborhood, offering healthcare pathway programs ranging from 6 weeks to 23 months. The Nursing Assistant program prepares students for the California State Certification Exam through community-college-rate tuition combined with classroom instruction and clinical experience. As a CDPH-aligned program it covers the 160-hour state requirement (60 theory + 100 clinical) and feeds into Merritt’s well-regarded Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) ladder, accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates are positioned to sit for the NNAAP exam and pursue further nursing credentials at the same campus.
Location & Directions
12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619
Becoming a CNA in California
If you are planning to become a CNA in California, expect a longer runway than in most states. The 160-hour training requirement means full-time programs typically run 6 to 10 weeks before you can even sit for the competency exam — and you should add another 2 to 4 weeks for Live Scan fingerprinting and exam scheduling. The good news is that many California Regional Occupational Programs (ROPs), adult schools, and community colleges offer the full 160 hours for free or at very low cost to California residents under the California Promise Grant, so the financial investment is often modest even when the time commitment is not.
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
160 hours
Exam Vendor
D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors)
Time to Cert
8–14 weeks (training averages 6–10 weeks, then 2–4 weeks for exam and registry)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CNA program at Merritt College include?
Merritt College is a Peralta Community College District campus perched in the Oakland hills above the Mills College/Seminary neighborhood, offering healthcare pathway programs ranging from 6 weeks to 23 months. The program is located at 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (510) 531-4911 or visit https://merritt.edu.
How much does Merritt College cost?
Merritt College has not published a flat tuition figure on this directory; pricing for the certified nurse assistant depends on residency, financial aid, and any employer sponsorships. Call (510) 531-4911 or visit the program website at https://merritt.edu to request the current fee schedule. For reference, total CNA training costs in California generally fall in the range of $0 (employer-sponsored or ROP) to ~$2,000 (private training).
How long is the program at Merritt College?
Merritt College has not published a fixed length for this directory. Programs in California must meet the state minimum of 160 hours, so plan accordingly. Call (510) 531-4911 or check the program website at https://merritt.edu to confirm the program length, start dates, and full-time vs part-time schedule options.
How do I apply or contact Merritt College?
Call Merritt College directly at (510) 531-4911 or visit https://merritt.edu. The program is located at 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.
What California CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at Merritt College?
Before enrolling at Merritt College, make sure you meet California's minimum age (16), education requirements, and background-check rules. California requires 160 hours of state-approved training and uses D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 8–14 weeks (training averages 6–10 weeks, then 2–4 weeks for exam and registry). See the full California CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.
Are there other CNA programs near Oakland?
Yes. In addition to Merritt College in Oakland, our directory includes CNA training programs in Los Angeles, Redding, San Diego, San Francisco, Fresno, and other California cities. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all California CNA classes for the full list.
Other CNA Programs in Oakland
Quest Nursing Education Center
Certified Nurse Assistant · 4-6 weeks (160 hours: 60 classroom + 100 clinical) · $2,500
Golden Hearts School of Nursing
Certified Nurse Assistant · Approximately 4 weeks / 20 days · $1,750
Oakland Adult & Career Education
Certified Nurse Assistant
Lifeline Healthcare Consultants
Certified Nurse Assistant
Around the Clock Educational Center
Certified Nurse Assistant