CNA Classes in San Diego: Online & On-Campus
Learn about top state-approved CNA programs in San Diego, what you’ll learn, and how to gain certification in California.
Whether offered by a local community college, vocational school, career and technical education center, or hospital, CNA programs in San Diego offer a quick and cost-effective option for entering the nursing profession.
In as little as a month, you can gain the qualifications needed to seek certification and join the in-demand healthcare field. Even better, many CNA programs in San Diego offer some of their classes online, allowing for maximum flexibility.
If this sounds like the right path for you, this guide is a great place to begin your search for a quality CNA program in San Diego. We highlight several top-rated San Diego colleges, provide a full list of state approved programs, review topics covered, examine typical costs, and explain how much you can earn as a CNA in San Diego.
List of State Approved CNA Classes in San Diego
| School | City | Phone Number | Online Classes Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| School | City | Phone Number | Online Classes Offered |
Source: California Department of Public Health: The Healthcare Workforce Branch (HWB), Healthcare Professional Certification and Training Section (HPCTS); Latest Data Available as of Feb. 2022
FAQs About CNA Classes in San Diego
What skills do you learn in CNA classes in San Diego?
CNA courses cover many important topics involving providing basic nursing care. At San Diego College of Continuing Education, for instance, the 250-260 hour CNA program covers concepts like body mechanics and nutrition, patient rights and independence, resident care skills and procedures, and emergency procedures and prevention of catastrophe. Meanwhile, the California Medical College curriculum consists of 170 hours spent on topics such as nursing assistant administrative practices, ethics codes and HIPAA compliance, human body systems and development, and monitoring vital signs. Any program approved by the California Department of Public Health should cover all required information.
How much do CNA classes cost in San Diego?
The cost of CNA classes in San Diego varies based on the type of school. Nonprofit institutions, for example, tend to cost less than for-profit schools. Some colleges, such as the San Diego College of Continuing Education, provide their CNA program for free, but students must purchase textbooks, scrubs, and other required materials. Unlike degrees or certificate programs, most CNA classes are charged as a one-time payment rather than per credit. We look at the costs of three San Diego options below to give you an idea of what you can expect.
San Diego College of Continuing Education
CNA Program
Total Credits: 250-260 hours
Free, but students spend $400 on related expenses
Where can I get help paying for my CNA classes in San Diego?
If you need help paying for your CNA classes, you’ve got options. Many colleges and vocational schools in San Diego provide scholarships and grants to help cut costs. If you attend a properly accredited and state-approved CNA program, you may qualify for a federal student loan. There are also external CNA scholarships available from professional associations, foundations, and nursing facilities. Make sure you understand how to take charge of your financial aid, as it can make a difference in whether or not you can afford a CNA program.
How long do CNA classes in San Diego take to finish?
The amount of time you spend enrolled in a CNA class in San Diego depends on several factors. As evidenced by the programs highlighted throughout this guide, both standard and accelerated timelines exist. Some programs can take a full semester to complete, while many summer options take only six weeks. San Diego Medical College provides a state-approved option lasting just 27 days. If you’re juggling work and classes simultaneously, a more extended program may better fit your schedule. Consider a shorter summer program if you want to complete requirements and earn your state certification as soon as possible.
Inside Look at Online CNA Classes in San Diego
As of now, few online CNA classes exist in San Diego. Most still incorporate significant campus participation, but some are starting to provide more hybrid options. You may need to complete required clinical classes at school, but didactic classes might be available digitally. Given the extended role COVID-19 has played, more schools are considering how to deliver at least some components online.
For example, the online CNA course at San Diego Medical College requires students to complete two weeks of online theory classes followed by a one-week break for COVID-19 testing. Once you receive a negative result, you complete two weeks of in-person clinical classes. Most of these options include synchronous online classes where you need to log in at specific times to meet with instructors and fellow students.
Common Questions About Online CNA Classes in San Diego
Will taking CNA classes online in San Diego impact my ability to get certified or licensed?
As long as you attend an accredited program that’s been approved by the California Department of Public Health, completing requirements online will have no bearing on your ability to receive certification. That said, you should ask about the pass rate of graduates for any program you consider.
Do employers care if I take some of my CNA classes online?
Employers care about whether you passed your CNA certification exams and attended a properly accredited and approved program. Your certification does not specify whether you took your classes in-person or online.
Are online CNA classes more affordable than campus programs in San Diego?
While online CNA classes may not be less expensive than their campus-based counterparts, you may avoid some costs because of online learning. For example, you’d save money on driving to and from campus, paying for campus-based fees, eating out, and buying parking passes.
Can I complete my San Diego CNA training faster by taking classwork online?
The answer to this question depends on your schedule. While some online CNA classes in San Diego take less time than in-person options, you need to consider if you can balance an accelerated program with existing responsibilities. That being said, you will at least save driving time by learning at home rather than going to a classroom, which may make it easier for you to meet requirements more quickly.
How to Become a CNA in San Diego
Because every state sets its own rules for CNA certification, it’s important to make sure you understand them before starting the process. The California Department of Public Health lays out certification requirements. At this time, these include:
- Attend a CNA training program approved by the state
- Upon enrolling in the training program, submit your Initial Application
- Pass the Competency Evaluation Examination
- Submit evidence of a criminal record clearance
- Submit the Request for Live Scan Service form
- Allow for at least 30 days for the department to receive your exam scores
EduMed also provides a California CNA page that lays out step-by-step details on what it takes to become a CNA in San Diego.
Earnings Outlook: How Much Does a CNA Make in San Diego?
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in San Diego and Carlsbad enjoy competitive earnings, with a 10th percentile salary exceeding the state average. Across California, CNAs earn between $37,800 and $59,490 annually. In San Diego, this range adjusts to $38,130 and $57,780 per year. Interestingly, this means those in the bottom 10th percentile fare better in San Diego than in the entire state, although the same cannot be said for those in the 90th percentile or even those earning the median salary. Typically, entry-level nurses earn in the 10th percentile, while those in the 90th percentile are usually further along in their careers. The median salary in San Diego is lower ($44,250 annually) than the state's median ($44,170). These salary trends suggest that San Diego may be an excellent place to start a career. Once individuals gain work experience and refine their CNA skills, they might consider applying for jobs in other parts of California to maximize their earnings.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $37,800 | $45,170 | $59,490 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | $38,130 | $44,250 | $57,780 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
