Key Points
- Los Angeles-Long Beach employs more CNAs than almost any California region.
- California requires 100 clinical hours, six times the federal minimum.
- CNA program costs vary by over $2,000 depending on funding type.
Complete Guide to CNA Training & Classes in Long Beach, CA
Compare accredited programs, schedules, and costs to launch your nursing career in Long Beach.
The Los Angeles-Long Beach metro area employs one of the largest concentrations of nursing assistants in California, and facilities across the region are actively hiring as the population ages. Long Beach itself sits at the center of this demand, surrounded by hospitals, skilled nursing centers, and home health agencies that need trained CNAs year-round.
Several approved training programs operate in and around the city, ranging from community college courses to private vocational schools, with options for daytime, evening, and hybrid schedules. Costs, clinical site quality, and time to completion vary widely, so choosing the right fit takes some legwork.
Why Become a CNA in Long Beach?
The Strong Healthcare Job Market in Long Beach
Long Beach, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles County, is a hub for healthcare services. The region is home to major hospitals, a dense network of skilled nursing facilities, and countless home health agencies. This concentration creates a steady demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Whether you prefer the fast pace of a hospital or the personal connection of long-term care, Long Beach offers a setting that matches your interests. Job postings consistently show that CNAs are needed across all shifts, morning, afternoon, and overnight, and many employers welcome newly certified graduates.
Where CNAs Are Hired: Major Employers
You will find CNA positions in a wide range of settings. The pay varies by facility type, but overall wages are competitive for the region.
- Hospitals: MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center frequently hires CNAs. Nearby, Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood pays around $25.70 per hour, and Memorial Hospital of Gardena offers ranges from about $21 to $31 per hour.
- Skilled nursing and post-acute care: Facilities like Marlora Post-Acute Rehabilitation Hospital and Long Beach Healthcare Center typically pay $20 to $23 per hour. Sunnyside Nursing and Post-Acute Care in Torrance falls into a similar range.
- Home health and community care: Interim HealthCare in Long Beach provides sign-on bonuses, while agencies like Excell Home Care offer $19 to $22 per hour. Some specialized employers, like Project New Hope, pay up to $26 per hour.
- Per-diem opportunities: Many organizations offer flexible, per-diem shifts, letting you control your schedule while earning competitive wages.
Job Security and Growing Demand
The need for nursing assistants in Long Beach and the broader Los Angeles metro area is strong and projected to keep rising. An aging population and expanding healthcare services fuel this demand. Because CNAs provide essential daily care, bathing, feeding, mobility assistance, they are always needed across hospitals, nursing homes, and home care. Employers here are known to hire new graduates, making CNA training a reliable entry point into a stable career. The variety of shifts and settings also means you can find a role that fits your lifestyle.
Career Ladders: From CNA to LVN or RN
Becoming a CNA is often the first step on a longer healthcare career path. Many nurses in California began as CNAs, gaining valuable bedside experience before advancing. Once you have your CNA certification and some work experience, you can apply to Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs, which build on your foundational skills. From there, bridge programs can lead to a Registered Nurse (RN) license. This step-by-step progression makes CNA training a smart investment, not just for a job, but for a lasting profession with upward mobility.
The Los Angeles-Long Beach metro area employs more nursing assistants than almost any other region in California, and demand keeps climbing as the population ages. California projects CNA jobs to grow around 8% over the next decade, faster than many other entry-level roles, which means starting your training now positions you well for steady openings across hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
Online and Hybrid CNA Programs for Long Beach Students
Balancing work, family, and school often pushes prospective CNAs toward online or hybrid training options, yet California state requirements mandate hands-on clinical hours that cannot be completed remotely. Understanding how to find programs that blend online flexibility with required in-person skills training is the first step toward making this balancing act work.
Start with the CDPH Approved Program List
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains an official directory of approved CNA classes in California. This list is the most reliable starting point for Long Beach students because only CDPH-approved programs lead to state certification. Visit the CDPH website, locate the nurse aide training section, and filter or search for programs in Los Angeles County. Once you have a shortlist, contact each school directly to ask whether they offer any online or hybrid lecture components. Program formats change frequently, so a quick phone call or email to admissions can confirm what is currently available.
Check Community Colleges and Vocational Schools
Local community colleges and vocational institutions often update their course delivery methods to meet student demand. Some schools now offer hybrid formats where you complete theory modules, quizzes, and reading assignments online before attending condensed in-person lab sessions and clinical rotations. Look at the continuing education or health sciences pages of nearby colleges, and review program descriptions carefully. Organizations like the American Red Cross also operate CNA training in many regions and may offer blended scheduling, so visiting their websites or calling local chapters can reveal additional options.
Use Professional Associations for Guidance
Professional groups such as the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) and California's CNA registry resources can point you toward reputable CNA programs and clarify what to expect from hybrid training. These organizations sometimes publish guides or FAQs that explain how online coursework integrates with clinical requirements, helping you set realistic expectations before you enroll.
Confirm Details Before You Commit
Because schools revise their formats regularly, always call the admissions office before registering. Ask specifically about the number of online versus in-person hours, where clinical rotations take place, and whether evening or weekend sessions are available. Getting these details in writing helps you plan your schedule and ensures the program truly fits your lifestyle.
In-Person CNA Programs in and Near Long Beach
In-person CNA training means you attend classes and skills labs at a physical campus, then complete supervised clinical hours at a healthcare facility, typically a skilled nursing center. Long Beach and the surrounding communities of Signal Hill, Lakewood, Bellflower, and Compton offer several California Department of Public Health-approved programs, each with its own timeline, cost, and schedule format. Here is a curated look at active options as of 2026.
Hellen School for CNA
This compact, four-week program on Orange Avenue in Long Beach is designed for students who want to move from enrollment to certification quickly. Classes follow a full-time day schedule, keeping the overall training window short.
- Location: 2047 Orange Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806
- Length: 4 weeks
- How to apply: Text or email the school to request a program flyer and reserve your spot. Contact (714) 507-8270 or [email protected].
Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County
Goodwill's CNA training program stands out for its affordability and flexibility. The program runs 312 total hours and is offered in both full-time and part-time formats, with timelines ranging from roughly 11 to 18 weeks depending on which track you choose. At $750 total, it is one of the most budget-friendly options in the region.
- Location: 800 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90806
- Length: 11 to 18 weeks (312 hours)
- How to apply: Call 562-435-3411, ext. 247, to schedule an orientation and eligibility screening.
Grace Global Institutes
Grace Global Institutes pairs online theory coursework with in-person clinical rotations at Pacific Care Nursing Center in Long Beach (3355 Pacific Place). The five-week, 160-hour program follows a full-time day schedule and may appeal to students who prefer completing lectures from home before heading to the clinical site.
- Clinical site: Pacific Care Nursing Center, Long Beach
- Length: 5 weeks (160 hours)
- How to apply: Call the program director at 424-533-3835 for enrollment details.
Long Beach School for Adults (Los Angeles Skills Academy)
Hosted through the Long Beach School for Adults campus on Bort Street, this six-week program is administered by Los Angeles Skills Academy. Total program cost is $1,990 with a $250 application fee.1 Students can call admissions or begin enrollment online.
- Location: 171 W. Bort St., Long Beach, CA 90805
- Length: 6 weeks
- How to apply: Call (213) 444-8997 or enroll through the school's website.
CSULB Certified Nursing Assistant Program
California State University, Long Beach offers a CNA program through its continuing education division. The schedule leans heavily on weekends, with Saturday and Sunday sessions during fall and spring and a Wednesday-through-Sunday format in the summer. This weekend-heavy design can work well for students who hold weekday jobs or attend other classes during the week.
- How to apply: Visit the CSULB CPACE (College of Professional and Continuing Education) website for current session dates and enrollment steps.
Choosing the Right Fit
When comparing these programs, consider more than just price. Consider how each schedule aligns with your current work or family responsibilities, whether the program includes state exam preparation, and how close the clinical site is to your home. Some programs, like Goodwill's, include career services that can help with job placement after you pass the certification exam. Others, like the CSULB option, carry the credibility of a well-known university on your resume.
If you are juggling a tight budget, Goodwill's $750 program is hard to beat. If speed matters most, Hellen School's four-week track gets you to the finish line fastest. And if you need weekend availability, the CSULB program was built with working students in mind.
cnaclasses.org can help you compare schedules, costs, and program details side by side so you can make a confident choice.
CNA Program Costs and Financial Aid in Long Beach
Paying for a private CNA program out of pocket or locking in a no-cost training grant can swing your total cost by over $2,000. Before you choose, get clear on the real dollars attached to each option.
Tuition and Fees at a Glance
Most CNA programs in Long Beach quote a base tuition, but rarely is that the total you will pay. Be ready for extra outlays that can add several hundred dollars to your bill.
- Application or registration fee: $250 is common at schools like the Long Beach School for Adults (LBSA/LASA) CNA program and Hellen School for CNA.
- Textbooks and supplies: Plan for $100-$200 for required books, manuals, and handouts.5
- Uniforms and gear: Scrubs, a watch with a second hand, and closed-toe shoes typically run $50-$100.5
- Background check and drug screening: Most schools require these, costing roughly $70-$100.5
- State certification exam: The California CNA exam fee is around $120-$130, unless your school folds it in.5
Some schools bundle certain items into the listed tuition. Always ask for a line-item breakdown so you are not caught off guard.
Financial Aid and Funding Sources
You do not have to shoulder the full cost alone. Several funding channels exist specifically for healthcare career training.
- WIOA grants: The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) can cover 100% of training fees if you are low-income, unemployed, or a dislocated worker. Contact the local America's Job Center of California in Long Beach or Los Angeles County to check eligibility and start the application process.5
- Employer sponsorship: Some healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement or direct sponsorship. If you already work at a hospital or nursing facility, ask your HR department; many will pay for your CNA training in exchange for a work commitment post-certification.5
- Free programs: ThinkGood, operated by Goodwill, offers a completely free CNA program for qualifying low-income adults. You must be 18 or older and pass a background check. Space is limited, so apply early.4
- Payment plans: Many private schools allow you to split tuition into monthly installments, making the upfront cost easier to manage.5
Comparing Costs Across Named Long Beach Programs
Here is how several local CNA programs stack up in 2026, based on currently available information.
- LBSA/LASA Fast-Track CNA Program: Total cost around $2,240 plus a $250 application fee. The program lasts about one month and accepts students as young as 16. Background check required.1
- Hellen School for CNA: Tuition is $2,120, with a $250 application fee and a separate $120 exam fee. This is also a one-month program, open to students age 16 and older. Background check required.23
- Goodwill ThinkGood CNA Program: Entirely free for low-income adults (18+). You still pay for your own background check and exam, but the training itself costs nothing.4
- Workforce Training Program (Long Beach): A three-month course priced at $750. This lower-cost option is often funded through workforce development agencies and may have income or employment status requirements.5
When you compare these figures, the spread is significant. The cheapest path is clearly the free program, if you qualify. Even the $750 workforce option saves you over $1,000 compared to private school tuition. But be mindful of schedule and timeline, as the less expensive programs may take longer or have more restrictive eligibility criteria.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Does the program fit my schedule (day, evening, weekend)?
CNA training requires consistent attendance for clinical hours; a schedule clash with work or family can derail progress.
Is the school CDPH-approved and in good standing?
Only CDPH-approved programs qualify you for the state exam. Unapproved schools waste time and money, so verify approval status.
What is my total out-of-pocket cost after financial aid?
Check for hidden fees like scrubs, textbooks, and exam registration. Ask for a complete cost breakdown to avoid surprises.
How soon after training can I schedule the state exam?
Processing delays can stall certification for weeks. Confirm the program's timeline so you can plan your job search without gaps.
How to Become a CNA in California: Certification Requirements
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in California means meeting a specific set of state requirements before you can legally work in the role. The California Department of Public Health oversees the entire certification process, from training approval to exam administration. Long Beach students follow the same statewide pathway: complete an approved training program, pass a background check, meet health requirements, and pass the state competency exam.
Age, Education, and Health Prerequisites
You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a California Nurse Assistant Training Program. Most programs also require a high school diploma or GED, though some will admit students currently enrolled in high school. Before clinical rotations begin, every student must complete a series of health screenings: a tuberculosis (TB) test, up-to-date immunizations (including MMR, Tdap, varicella, and hepatitis B), and sometimes a general physical exam. These requirements protect both you and the patients you will care for during training. Schools typically provide a checklist of required documentation during orientation, and many Long Beach-area urgent care clinics and pharmacies offer these services at reasonable cost.
Mandatory 160 Hours of Training
California requires every CNA candidate to complete at least 160 hours of training through a CDPH-approved Nurse Assistant Training Program. The curriculum breaks into 60 hours of classroom theory (covering anatomy, infection control, patient rights, and basic nursing skills) and 100 hours of hands-on clinical experience in a skilled nursing facility. You cannot substitute online coursework for the clinical component; state law mandates that all 100 clinical hours take place under direct supervision in a licensed nursing home or hospital. Most full-time programs in Long Beach finish in four to eight weeks, while evening and weekend options stretch over three to six months.
Background Check and Common Disqualifiers
Every applicant must undergo a LiveScan fingerprint background check, which California uses to screen for criminal convictions that would disqualify you from certification. Common disqualifiers include felony convictions for abuse or neglect of a dependent adult or child, violent crimes, and certain drug offenses. Misdemeanor convictions do not automatically bar certification, but the CDPH reviews each case individually. If you have concerns about your criminal history, request a Live Scan Exemption Review before enrolling in a program; this saves time and tuition money if the state determines you are ineligible. The background check fee is separate from program tuition and typically costs around 50 to 80 dollars.
The State Competency Exam
After completing your training, you have two years to pass the California CNA Competency Examination. The exam has two parts: a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration. The written portion contains 60 multiple-choice questions covering all areas of the curriculum, and you need a score of at least 70 to 75 percent to pass. The skills exam requires you to perform five randomly selected nursing tasks in front of a state-approved evaluator, drawn from a list of about 25 core skills (handwashing, taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, providing personal care, and more). You must pass both parts to earn certification. California allows three attempts within the two-year window; if you do not pass after three tries, you must retake the entire 160-hour training program. Most testing centers in the Long Beach area are operated by Prometric or Pearson VUE, and you schedule your exam date online through the CDPH Nurse Assistant Certification Portal after your program submits your eligibility paperwork.
In California, the clinical training requirement for CNAs is 100 hours, compared to the federal minimum of just 16 hours. That is more than six times the national baseline. For Long Beach students, this means graduating with substantially more hands-on patient care experience than CNAs in many other states. This intensive preparation sets you apart in the job market, where employers consistently value candidates with demonstrated clinical skills. Knowing you have that level of training can give you the confidence to excel from day one on the job.
Top-Ranked CNA Programs for Long Beach Students
Below are the top CNA programs serving Long Beach students, ranked by IPEDS completion data, accreditation status, and program fit. Each school offers a state-approved pathway to certification, with several providing flexible schedules, affordable tuition, and strong clinical partnerships. Use this ranking to compare value, training quality, and convenience.
Factors considered
- Accreditation status
- Program completion data
- Affordability and net price
- Graduation rates
- Clinical training opportunities
Data sources
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
Long Beach City College
#1Long Beach, CA · $2,000 – $13,000/yr
Best for: Local students needing simulation-based training
Long Beach City College offers a Nursing Assistant concentration through its Vocational Nursing program, featuring a 2,600-square-foot simulation lab with modern medical equipment. As Long Beach's own community college, it provides accessible training for local residents, with a graduation rate of 30% and an average net price near $6,200. The program builds a foundation for entry-level healthcare roles and career advancement.
- 2,600 square-foot simulation skills lab
- Part of a premier California nursing program
- Modern medical equipment for training
- Multiple certificate pathways available
- Career ladder opportunities to LVN/RN
Pasadena City College
#2Pasadena, CA · $0 – $5,000/yr
Best for: Compassionate caregivers seeking pass/fail grading
Pasadena City College's CNA program is an Occupational Skills Certificate requiring a single 6-unit course, with pass/no pass grading that reduces academic pressure. The curriculum emphasizes safe, compassionate care for long-term care settings and cultural diversity. Located about 25 miles from Long Beach, the college reports a graduation rate of 48% and an effective net price around $3,864.
- 6-unit, pass/no pass grading course
- Random selection for qualified applicants
- Requires CPR certification and physical exam
- Prepares for California state CNA exam
- Occupational Skills Certificate
- Eligible for CDPH certification
- Focuses on long-term care settings
- Emphasizes cultural diversity in care
Citrus College
#3Glendora, CA · $4,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Budget-conscious learners needing first-come admission
Citrus College offers a budget-friendly Nurse Assistant Program with estimated costs around $341 plus supplies. Admission is first-come, first-served, and the program prepares graduates for the state certification exam. The college has a graduation rate of 41% and a net price of approximately $4,135, making it a low-cost option for students willing to commute from Long Beach.
- First-come, first-served enrollment
- Cost approximately $341 plus supplies
- Requires physical exam and TB test
- 15-30 students accepted each semester
- Prepares for state competency exam
- Department approval required for enrollment
- Mandatory orientation session
Rio Hondo College
#4Whittier, CA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Rio Hondo College's CNA program combines 72 hours of theory with 135 clinical training hours, meeting Title 22 regulations. Admission is by random selection, and multiple sessions are offered each year. The college has a graduation rate of 25% and an effective net price near $14,379, with strong graduate median earnings of $44,950.
- 72 theory hours + 135 clinical hours
- Meets California Title 22 regulations
- Random selection admission process
- Requires state ID, CPR, vaccinations
- Prepares for National Nurse Aide Assessment
- Focuses on geriatric and long-term care
- Total 6.5 units for completion
- Multiple sessions offered annually
Regan Career Institute
#5El Monte, CA
Regan Career Institute provides a fast-track CNA program that can be completed in 5 to 10 weeks, including 100 hours of clinical externship. Flexible scheduling with daytime, evening, and weekend classes caters to busy students. The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health and emphasizes quick workforce entry.
- 5-10 week fast-track completion
- 100-hour clinical externship included
- ABHES accredited institution
- California Department of Public Health approved
- Daytime, evening, and weekend schedules
- Prepares for state competency exam
- Open to students aged 16 and up
University of Southern California
#6Los Angeles, CA · $33,000/yr
USC's CNA program serves as a pipeline for high school juniors and seniors, offering concurrent enrollment to earn both high school and college credits. The 15- to 16-week program includes 6- to 8-week clinical internships at medical facilities and requires a 3.0 GPA. USC reports a 92% graduation rate and a net price around $32,740, with strong post-graduation earnings potential.
- 15-16 week program for high school students
- Concurrent high school and college credit
- 6-8 week clinical internships
- Requires 3.0 GPA and counselor recommendation
- Partnership with West LA College
- Leads to state CNA certification
California Career Institute
#7Anaheim, CA
California Career Institute in Anaheim offers a 7-week CNA program designed for rapid workforce entry. The campus-based training focuses on practical patient care skills and includes career services support. Data on graduation rates and net price are not publicly available, but the program highlights hands-on learning and financial aid options.
- 7-week accelerated program
- Campus-based in Anaheim, CA
- Focuses on practical patient care skills
- Career services and financial aid available
- Prepares for state CNA certification
- No prior healthcare experience required
Mt San Antonio College
#8Walnut, CA · $1,000 – $10,000/yr
Mt. San Antonio College's CNA program is a short-term noncredit certificate that prepares students for the national NNAAP exam. It includes a hands-on skills lab and optional elective add-ons like Acute CNA and Home Health Aide. The college has a graduation rate of 45% and an effective net price around $6,490, with median graduate earnings of $46,283.
- Noncredit, short-term certificate
- Hands-on skills lab training
- Elective add-ons: Acute CNA, Home Health Aide
- Prepares for national NNAAP exam
- Foundation for advanced healthcare programs
- Certificate of Completion #36872
Santa Ana College
#9Santa Ana, CA · $1,000 – $11,000/yr
Santa Ana College offers a free 13-week CNA program, one of the most affordable options in the region. The program includes state exam preparation and reports over 800 annual job openings in Orange County. With a graduation rate of 31% and a net price of about $3,133, it provides low-cost access to healthcare training.
- Free 13-week program (no tuition)
- Includes state exam preparation
- Background check and health screenings required
- BLS/CPR certification needed
- 800+ annual job openings in Orange County
- CDPH approved curriculum
West Los Angeles College
#10Culver City, CA · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
West Los Angeles College provides a 12-week CNA program with evening classes in fall and spring, plus a daytime summer option. The curriculum includes 72 theory hours and 128 clinical hours at local nursing facilities. It has a graduation rate of 28% and a net price around $9,634, offering flexibility for working students.
- 12-week program; evening or summer schedules
- 72 theory hours + 128 clinical hours
- Weekend clinical rotations
- First-come, first-served admission
- Malpractice insurance required
- Drug screening and background check mandatory
- Affordable cost with financial aid options
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Long Beach
We've gathered answers to the questions prospective CNA students in Long Beach ask most often. Use this guide to plan your training and certification journey.
Program length varies by school and schedule. Many full-time programs can be completed in a few weeks, while part-time or evening options may take longer. Check directly with schools like Long Beach City College or the American Red Cross for their specific timelines.
Costs differ widely depending on the institution and included materials. Some programs may total a few hundred dollars, while others can exceed one thousand. Contact individual schools for current pricing, and explore how to pay for nursing school with financial aid or payment plans.
Some programs offer hybrid formats where coursework is completed online, but all CNA training requires hands-on clinical hours that must be done in person. Confirm with programs directly to understand their online and in-person components.
Free or low-cost options may be available through workforce development initiatives. Explore programs offered by the California Employment Development Department or local nonprofit organizations that support job seekers entering healthcare fields.
Job placement rates are not centrally published for every program. Ask admissions representatives at the schools you are considering for their recent graduate outcomes. For broader employment trends, you can review industry data on BLS.gov or consult our guide to landing your first CNA job and reports from the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains a list of approved CNA training programs. Visit cdph.ca.gov and search for CNA program approvals to find current listings for the Long Beach area, or explore CNA classes in Los Angeles for nearby options.
