Compare accredited CNA programs in Anaheim, including costs, class schedules, and job placement, to start your career in healthcare.
With a projected 13 percent job growth by 2030, Anaheim's healthcare sector is actively hiring CNAs. Training can take as few as four weeks, and many local schools offer evening or hybrid schedules. State regulations require 100 clinical hours, which hybrid programs let you begin online. State-approved programs, certification steps, and employer information are all in one place. Jump straight to the program list →
Anaheim's healthcare job market is one of the most active in Orange County for certified nursing assistants, with major hospitals and nursing facilities competing for trained aides. CNAs here step into roles that are the backbone of daily patient care, and employers are hiring across every shift and setting.
Anaheim and the surrounding area are home to several hospitals that consistently list CNA openings. Kaiser Permanente Orange County-Anaheim Medical Center is a leading employer, offering CNAs positions in med-surg, telemetry, and specialty units. AHMC Anaheim Regional Medical Center and West Anaheim Medical Center (part of Prime Healthcare) also hire nursing assistants for bedside support. Anaheim Global Medical Center, operated by KPC Health, is another key site, and CNAs have strong representation there through a union contract covering roughly 1,600 nurses across KPC's Orange County hospitals.1
Skilled nursing and senior care settings fuel steady CNA demand. Facilities like Sun Mar Nursing Center, Park Anaheim Healthcare Center, Coventry Court Health Center, and Leisure Court Nursing Center frequently advertise for full-time, part-time, and per-diem aides. Other notable names include West Anaheim Extended Care, Anaheim Crest Nursing Center, Harbor Villa Care Center, and La Palma Nursing Center. In these settings, CNAs assist residents with daily living activities, mobility, and personal care, forming the primary hands-on caregiving workforce.2
Job postings in mid-2026 show a mix of shift work, including nights from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and days from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., indicating around-the-clock staffing needs. The per-diem model is especially common in post-acute sites, giving new CNAs flexibility to pick up hours while gaining experience working as a CNA. California's healthcare minimum wage rose to $25 per hour in 20263, which directly lifts pay floors for entry-level aides and signals long-term investment in the workforce. Union activity also points to a stable career path; the recent vote by KPC Health nurses to join the California Nurses Association highlights organized efforts to improve working conditions.1 As of late July 2026, the typical CNA salary in Anaheim is around $21.01 per hour4, with most aides earning between $17.12 and $23.65 per hour4, figures that the $25 minimum will push upward for many workers. Detailed salary trends and job growth projections are unpacked in the next section.
You can approach CNA certification in California two ways: enroll in a fast-tracked program that gets you through the 160 required hours in four to six weeks, or spread the training across a longer part-time or evening schedule. Either route leads to the same destination, a spot on the California Nurse Aide Registry, but the timeline shapes how you balance work, family, and study.
California only recognizes training completed through a program approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Community colleges, Red Cross chapters, ROP centers, and skilled nursing facilities around Anaheim all offer CDPH approved CNA programs. If a program is not on the CDPH-approved list, the hours will not count toward certification, so verify approval before you pay tuition.
The state requires a minimum of 160 total training hours, broken into:
After finishing training, you sit for the state competency exam, which has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration.1 You must pass both. If you fail one part, you can retake just that portion, though most candidates are given a limited number of attempts before needing to retrain.
California requires Live Scan fingerprinting and a criminal background check through the Department of Justice and the FBI.1 Most programs walk you through Live Scan during enrollment. Certain convictions can disqualify applicants, so if you have concerns, request a criminal record review from CDPH before investing in tuition.
Once you pass the exam and clear your background check, CDPH adds you to the California Nurse Aide Registry.1 That listing is what employers verify when they hire you.
Certification lasts two years. To renew, you need 48 hours of continuing education (24 hours per year) and proof of at least 8 paid hours of nursing-related work each year.2 Miss the renewal window and you may have to retest.
Understanding the local job market and earning potential is key when you're planning your CNA career. The table below shows wage and employment figures for nursing assistants in the Anaheim-area metro and several other California metros for comparison. These numbers come from the latest available data and reflect the broader Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region where most Anaheim CNAs work.
| Area | Total Employment | Mean Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 39,910 | $47,900 | $44,870 | $46,140 | $48,460 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 9,040 | $45,300 | $40,640 | $44,950 | $47,050 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 9,790 | $47,990 | $45,300 | $46,600 | $49,010 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 10,750 | $57,400 | $49,460 | $53,990 | $58,810 |
A fully online CNA program does not exist in California because state regulations require every student to complete 100 hours of supervised clinical practice inside an approved healthcare facility. What many schools offer instead are hybrid CNA programs: you take the theory portion (60 hours) through online lectures, then attend in-person sessions for hands-on skills and clinical rotations.
For Anaheim students, hybrid means you spend the first phase of training on your computer, learning anatomy, infection control, and patient rights through live or recorded sessions. The second phase puts you in a lab and a real care setting, practicing bed baths, vital signs, and transfers under an instructor's eye. California does not count online clinical hours toward the certification requirement,1 so the state-approved programs blend distance learning for theory with mandatory in-person labs and clinicals.
Several schools within commuting range deliver the lecture portion online. Here are a few with published schedules:
Within Anaheim city limits, Center for Caregiver Advancement and Nurses' Development Center, Inc. both list hybrid CNA programs, though their current schedules weren't published at the time of research.
The appeal is obvious: you save commute time during the theory phase, often keep a day job, and study from home. Evening Zoom classes fit second-shift workers or parents. The downside is that online learning demands self-discipline and reliable internet access. You also miss the immediate, in-person feedback that a traditional classroom offers during the theory stage. For some students, the abrupt switch from virtual lectures to hands-on clinicals can feel jarring, but the state mandate for in-person clinical hours ensures you still graduate with verified bedside skills.
Below are the top CNA programs serving Anaheim students, ranked by affordability, student success, and accessibility. These schools pair classroom training with clinical hours so you can work toward California certification.
Pasadena, CA · under $5,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Budget-conscious first-time healthcare students
Pasadena City College's CNA pathway is a compact occupational skills certificate built around one six-unit course. It combines nursing concepts with hands-on clinical practice and requires CPR certification, a 10th-grade education, and minimum age 16. The college reports a graduation rate near 48% and a net price after aid of about $3,864, making it an affordable entry point for Anaheim-area students.
Whittier, CA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Working adults needing frequent class starts
Rio Hondo College offers a state-approved CNA sequence that blends 72 hours of classroom theory with 135 hours of supervised clinical practice. The certificate totals 6.5 units and prepares students for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam. With a reported graduation rate of 25% and a net price after aid around $14,379, it is a structured option for students who plan to continue into acute care or home health aide pathways.
Glendora, CA · $4,000/yr (est. net price)
Best for: Small-cohort learners seeking intensive skills
Citrus College runs a Nurse Assistant Program that qualifies graduates for California's nurse assistant certification exam. The program estimates tuition around $341 before uniforms and supplies, and admits 15-30 students per semester on a first-come, first-served basis. It reports a graduation rate near 41% and a net price after aid of about $4,135.
Long Beach, CA · $2,000 – $13,000/yr (est.)
Long Beach City College's Nursing Assistant certificate sits within its Vocational Nursing program and uses a 2,600-square-foot skills lab that replicates hospital settings. Students can pursue the certificate alongside an associate degree in Vocational Nursing, with transfer pathways to four-year institutions. The college reports a graduation rate near 30% and a net price after aid of about $6,202.
San Bernardino, CA · ~$30,000/yr (est.)
Summit College is a private, state-approved training provider with more than 30 years of experience in career education. Its CNA program is approved by the California Department of Public Health and supported by institutional accreditation from ACCET. The college reports a net price after aid of about $29,926; graduation rate data is not separately published.
Riverside, CA · ~$20,000/yr (est.)
Riverside County Office of Education's School of Career Education offers both a hybrid Patient Care Technician pathway and a campus-based CNA program. The hybrid option spans 20 weeks and costs $10,200, while the CNA option exceeds the state-mandated 160 training hours. Graduation rate data is not published; the net price after aid is around $19,842.
Los Angeles, CA · ~$33,000/yr (est.)
University of Southern California's CNA certificate is a 15-16 week pipeline program designed for high school juniors and seniors. It offers concurrent enrollment, 6-8 week medical facility internships, and a pathway to state certification. USC reports a graduation rate near 92% and a net price after aid of about $32,740.
Walnut, CA · $1,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Mt. San Antonio College offers a short-term noncredit CNA certificate focused on immediate job readiness. Hands-on skills labs lead to the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam, with elective options in acute CNA and home health aide. The college reports a graduation rate near 45% and a net price after aid of about $6,490.
El Monte, CA
Regan Career Institute provides a fast-paced CNA program that can be completed in 5 to 10 weeks, including a 100-hour clinical externship. Flexible daytime, evening, and weekend scheduling supports working students, and the program is approved by the California Department of Public Health. Net price and graduation rate data are not published for this program.
Torrance, CA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
El Camino College offers a noncredit CNA course that covers patient rights, safe environments, body mechanics, vital signs, and emergency protocols. Completion qualifies students for the California Nurse Assistant Competency Exam and supports entry into skilled nursing and healthcare settings. The college reports a graduation rate near 42% and a net price after aid of about $5,968.
California is projected to see a 13 percent growth in CNA jobs by 2030, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. This growth is tied to an expanding care workforce expected to reach 1.2 million jobs statewide, making now an excellent time to enter this high demand field.
Here are answers to common questions about CNA training programs in the Anaheim area. Find details on scheduling, costs, exam requirements, and more to help you prepare for a career in healthcare.
Yes, many Anaheim-area programs offer online theory coursework, but California requires in-person clinical training. Approved providers combine 60 hours of online or classroom theory1 with hands-on clinical practice at a skilled nursing facility. Always verify that the online portion is approved by the California Department of Public Health, and use cna online resources.
CNA training programs typically take 3 to 8 weeks2, depending on schedule and format. Full-time, accelerated courses can be completed in as few as 3-4 weeks, while part-time evening or weekend programs may extend to 7 or 8 weeks. Most programs include 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical practice1.
The California Department of Public Health does not publish a specific percentage for the NNAAP competency exam. Test-takers must pass both a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration. Individual training programs may set internal passing thresholds for course completion, such as 75%3, but this is not the official state exam standard.
Total program costs vary widely, from $500 to $10,2001, with many full programs ranging $1,700 to $2,995. Some schools offer payment plans or include textbooks, uniforms, and exam fees. Always confirm what is covered in the tuition and ask about any additional lab or registration charges.
Absolutely. Several providers offer flexibility for working adults. For example, Coast Health Career College runs evening sessions Tuesday through Thursday, 4pm to 8pm, plus three Saturdays. Other schools, like those offered in cna training irvine, schedule weekend-only classes, weekday evenings, or hybrid formats to accommodate different needs.
Check the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website for the official list of approved CNA training providers. Only programs on this list qualify graduates to take the NNAAP competency exam and become certified. Avoid any school not listed, as its training will not count toward state certification requirements.
Below are state-approved CNA training options within roughly 35 miles of Anaheim. Details come from each school's published materials. Where a data point isn't included, it means the school hasn't publicly listed it. Always confirm current tuition, start dates, and prerequisites directly with the school before enrolling.
Coast Health Career College - Location: 1741 W. Katella Avenue, Suite 201, Anaheim, CA 92804 - Total program cost: $1,700 - Length: 7 weeks - State approval: Approved by the California Department of Public Health1 - Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, TB skin test, physical exam, fingerprinting, and background check - Best for: Students who want a short, low-cost program close to central Anaheim2
North Orange County Regional Occupational Program (NOCROP) - Location: 1800 W. Ball Road, Anaheim, CA 92804 - Schedule: Evening program (office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday) - Classroom hours: 67 - Clinical hours: 101 - State approval: Approved by CDPH1 - Additional cost: NNAAP state exam fee around $130, with additional fees for retakes - Contact: (714) 502-5904 - Best for: Working adults who need after-hours classes and a publicly operated training option
VSK Healthcare Learning Institute - Location: 631 South Brookhurst Street, Suite 210-211, Anaheim, CA 92804 - State approval: Approved by CDPH1 - Note: VSK hosts classroom instruction for the CSULB CNA program (see below)
California Career Institute - Location: 1240 S State College Blvd #135, Anaheim, CA 92806 - Tuition, schedule, and clinical placement details are not published online. Contact the school directly for a current program packet
LA Skills Academy - Total program cost: $1,990 - State approval: Approved by CDPH1 - Minimum age: 16 - Prerequisites (completed after registration): Valid ITIN or SSN, physical exam, TB test, flu shot, and COVID vaccine or approved medical exemption - Best for: Younger students (16+) looking for an affordable, state-approved entry point
CSULB CNA Program (California State University, Long Beach) - Classroom instruction: Held at VSK Healthcare Learning Institute in Anaheim (631 S. Brookhurst St., Suite 210) - Clinical site: Courtyard Care Center, 1880 Dawson Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755 - State approval: Approved by CDPH1 - Minimum age: 18 - Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, documentation of good health, current immunizations, background check, and completion of a California-approved training program - Best for: Anaheim students seeking CNA training in Long Beach with local classroom access
Platt College - State approval: Approved by CDPH1 - Platt operates campuses in the greater Orange County/Los Angeles region. Tuition and schedule vary by campus, request the current program sheet from admissions
Program pages don't always list every fee, and schedules shift term to term. When you contact any of the schools above, ask for:
Getting these answers in writing helps you compare programs on the same terms and avoid surprises once you've already paid a deposit.
