San Diego College of Continuing Education
1901 Main Street
Nurse Assistant Training Program
- Duration:
- 250-330 hours over 8-16 weeks
- Phone:
- (619) 388-1910
CNA Classes in San Diego, CA
7 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in San Diego. Tuition ranges from $2,200. California requires 160 hours of training and uses D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) for the competency exam.
Programs in San Diego
7
Tuition Range
$2,200
State Required Hours
160 hours
Exam Vendor
D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors)
All CNA Programs in San Diego
San Diego College of Continuing Education - West City Campus
3249 Fordham Street
Nurse Assistant Training Program
- Duration:
- 8-16 weeks (250-330 hours)
- Phone:
- (619) 388-1873
Pacific Health Educational Center
9466 Black Mountain Road, Suite 260
Certified Nurse Assistant
- Duration:
- 22 class days
- Cost:
- $2,200
- Phone:
- (858) 397-2597
Dalrada Career Institute
8787 Complex Drive, Suite B100
Certified Nursing Assistant Program
- Duration:
- 20 days (160 hours)
- Phone:
- (858) 278-9800
California Medical College
7851 Mission Center Court, Suite 326
Nurse Assistant Training Program
- Duration:
- 170 hours
- Phone:
- (858) 357-8800
San Diego Medical College
6780 Miramar Road, Suite 204
Certified Nurse Assistant
- Duration:
- 23 days
- Phone:
- (619) 942-8274
LearnMore
4265 Fairmount Avenue, Suite 130
Nurse Assistant Training Program
- Duration:
- 160 hours
- Phone:
- (833) 532-7673
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in San Diego
How many CNA training programs are available in San Diego, CA?
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Our directory lists 7 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in San Diego, CA. All programs must meet California's minimum of 160 hours and prepare graduates to sit for the D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) competency exam.
How much does CNA training cost in San Diego?
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Published tuition for CNA programs in San Diego ranges from $2,200. Pacific Health Educational Center lists the lowest tuition at $2,200. Total out-of-pocket cost also includes the state exam fee (Varies by vendor; typically around $135–$155 for both portions), background check, and uniforms.
What is the fastest CNA program in San Diego?
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Dalrada Career Institute offers the shortest published program in San Diego at 20 days (160 hours). California requires 160 hours of state-approved training, so any accelerated program must compress the required hours into a shorter calendar window through full-time scheduling. Call (858) 278-9800 for current cohort start dates.
How do I become a CNA in San Diego, CA?
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To work as a CNA in San Diego, you must meet a California-approved training program of at least 160 hours, pass the D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) competency exam (Two-part exam: written (or oral) knowledge test plus a hands-on skills evaluation, based on the California Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook), and clear a Live Scan fingerprinting (Request for Live Scan Service, BCIA 8016) submitted to the California DOJ and FBI before certification is issued. Most candidates complete the full process in 8–14 weeks (training averages 6–10 weeks, then 2–4 weeks for exam and registry).
Are there free CNA classes in San Diego?
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No San Diego program on our directory currently advertises free tuition, but many California nursing facilities pay for CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Ask local long-term care employers about employer-sponsored training programs, and check the American Red Cross and Job Corps for additional pathways.
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