San Diego, CA

San Diego College of Continuing Education

Nurse Assistant Training Program

Location

San Diego, CA

Duration

250-330 hours over 8-16 weeks

State Required Hours

160 hours

Address

1901 Main Street

San Diego, CA 92113

About This Program

San Diego College of Continuing Education offers a tuition-free Nursing Assistant program approved by the California Department of Public Health at its César E. Chávez Campus. Students complete classroom instruction in patient care fundamentals plus hands-on clinical rotations at skilled nursing sites across El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, San Diego, and Santee. Graduates qualify to sit for the California State CNA Certification Examination.

Location & Directions

1901 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113

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 San Diego College of Continuing Education include?

San Diego College of Continuing Education offers a tuition-free Nursing Assistant program approved by the California Department of Public Health at its César E. The program is located at 1901 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (619) 388-1910 or visit https://sdcce.edu/job-training/health-career-training/nursing-assistant.

How much does San Diego College of Continuing Education cost?

San Diego College of Continuing Education has not published a flat tuition figure on this directory; pricing for the nurse assistant training program depends on residency, financial aid, and any employer sponsorships. Call (619) 388-1910 or visit the program website at https://sdcce.edu/job-training/health-career-training/nursing-assistant 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 San Diego College of Continuing Education?

The nurse assistant training program at San Diego College of Continuing Education is structured as 250-330 hours over 8-16 weeks. California requires 160 hours of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (619) 388-1910 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.

How do I apply or contact San Diego College of Continuing Education?

Call San Diego College of Continuing Education directly at (619) 388-1910 or visit https://sdcce.edu/job-training/health-career-training/nursing-assistant. The program is located at 1901 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113. 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 San Diego College of Continuing Education?

Before enrolling at San Diego College of Continuing Education, 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 San Diego?

Yes. In addition to San Diego College of Continuing Education in San Diego, our directory includes CNA training programs in Los Angeles, Redding, San Francisco. 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.