Complete Guide to CNA Training & Classes in Long Beach, CA

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.

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.

Night, Evening, and Weekend CNA Classes in Long Beach

A daytime fast-track cohort and an evening or weekend cohort cover the same 160 California training hours, but they suit very different schedules. How those hours are split tells you what a "night class" in Long Beach actually involves.

What "Night Class" Actually Means

California requires 160 hours: at least 60 classroom theory hours and 100 supervised clinical hours. In an evening or weekend cohort, the night label usually describes the theory portion. Clinical hours still take place at an approved facility under supervision, and schedules do not guarantee those shifts fall at night or on weekends, so confirm placement times before you enroll. The state allows a program to front-load all 60 theory hours, but no single order of theory and clinical is required.

Long Beach-Area Schedules

• Los Angeles Skills Academy, Long Beach: an evening cohort meets 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. starting Dec. 21, 2026. The published end date currently falls before the start date, so confirm it with admissions. A weekend cohort runs Jan. 9 to Mar. 28, 2027, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. across about 12 weeks.
• Long Beach City College: Tuesday lecture at 3.5 hours per week for 16 weeks, with Tuesday afternoon skills labs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. in weeks 1 to 4 and 15 to 16. Clinical days begin at 6:45 a.m., making this an afternoon option rather than a documented night cohort.¹
• Long Beach School for Adults: 60 lecture and 100 clinical hours, in person, over about six weeks. Daily times are not published.
• Hellen's School for CNA: the next class starts Nov. 9, 2026. Ask for meeting days and times.

Questions to Ask Admissions

Ask about waitlists for evening cohorts, whether any theory can be completed online, exactly when and where clinicals are scheduled, and how the certification exam is scheduled after completion. If you commute from Lakewood or Signal Hill, check class end times against traffic and childcare.

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

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.

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. The list highlights local campuses and programs with strong clinical preparation.

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.

1. How long does it take to become a CNA in Long Beach?

   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.

2. How much do CNA classes cost in Long Beach?

   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.

3. Are there online CNA classes in Long Beach?

   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.

4. Is free CNA training available?

   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.

5. What are the job placement rates for CNA graduates?

   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.

6. How do I find state-approved CNA programs in Long Beach?

   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.

Related Articles