Certified nursing assistant training ยท Sacramento, CA
CNA Classes in Sacramento, CA
CNA classes in Sacramento include public college courses, adult school training and private programs with local clinical practice. Compare the published schedules and costs below, then check each school's admission dates before you pay.
Required trainingAt least 160 hours: 60 theory and 100 supervised clinical
State certificateCalifornia Department of Public Health (CDPH)
TestingCompetency evaluation after approved training
Public tuition exampleARC NURSE 100: $322, plus other costs
Sacramento CNA programs and published costs
These schools publish current cohorts, upcoming classes or open enrollment, with admission limits noted below. The check line links to the CDPH training roster used to verify each provider.
AH 311 Medical Language for Healthcare Providers may be taken as a prerequisite or co-requisite; submit the CNA application with proof of completion or current enrollment.
Applicants must be at least 18; a high school diploma is not required. Background and drug screening, health clearance and a negative TB test are required.
The school publishes its address as 4433 Florin; CDPH lists 4433 Florin Road, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95823. On-campus Headmaster/TMU testing costs $140 separately.
Generally serves eligible low-income students ages 16-24, including adults ages 18-24; academic, background and state certification requirements apply.
Selection is random among eligible applicants who attend orientation; accepted students must complete health, background, drug-screening and CPR requirements.
Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center Sacramento, CA
Charles A. Jones schedules daytime nurse assistant theory and clinical training, with health screening and background checks required before enrollment.
The Intentional Group teaches classroom sessions at Greater Sacramento Urban League and names Sacramento and Carmichael facilities for clinical rotations.
Follow CDPH's initial application instructions for the CNA application and Live Scan documents. The state reviews criminal history as part of certification.
After training, arrange the competency evaluation through your school and a CDPH-listed testing vendor. Use the verification link on CDPH's CNA page to check your certificate status.
Nursing assistant jobs and pay around Sacramento
The BLS May 2025 OEWS figures report 5,650 nursing assistant jobs (SOC 31-1131) in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro area. Median pay was $22.84 per hour and $47,510 per year. The area covers more than Sacramento city, so these figures are a regional reference when you compare tuition and travel costs.
BLS describes the median as the point where half of workers earn more and half earn less. The employment figure counts jobs, not current vacancies. When you review an offer, ask about the starting rate, scheduled hours, benefits and any extra pay for nights or weekends.
CNA tuition and help paying
American River College publishes $322 tuition for NURSE 100, before other admission costs. Sierra College lists $299 tuition for its 6.5-unit course. Charles A. Jones lists a $1,200 program cost plus supplies and fees. Ask for a written bill covering health checks, uniforms, fingerprinting and testing.
For funding, ask the college aid office whether your course fits an eligible program before counting on FAFSA or Pell assistance. Los Rios says Workforce Pell is not available at its colleges. Contact a Sacramento Works Job Center about WIOA eligibility and training assistance before registering. Eligible veterans can check the exact program through the VA's GI Bill resources. Job Corps provides no-cost training for eligible students; ask other schools about employer sponsorship or their published payment plans.
The state training minimum is 160 hours, including 100 hours of supervised clinical practice. Calendar length depends on the school. Prevail Academy publishes a four-week format, while American River College posts a 15-week spring 2027 course. Compare clinical hours as well as lecture times before arranging work or child care.
Can I complete CNA training entirely online?
Local hybrid options still require hands-on attendance. CDPH's online provider roster identifies approved providers and clinical cities. SisuCare pairs online theory with in-person clinical training in Carmichael. Before choosing that format, get the clinical address, start date and attendance schedule in writing so you can plan the trip.
Which exam follows CNA training in California?
You must complete a competency evaluation after approved training, according to CDPH's initial application guide. The state testing page lists Headmaster, Credentia and a Regional Testing Center. Your school should explain the vendor and booking steps for your class. Check the current test fees directly before making a payment.
Do Sacramento CNA schools require a high school diploma?
School admission rules differ. Charles A. Jones says a high school diploma is not required for its nurse assistant program, but applicants must be at least 18. ARC allows its medical language course as a prerequisite or co-requisite. Read the requirements for your chosen program instead of assuming one school's rules apply everywhere.
Does finishing a CNA course give me the state certificate?
Course completion is one step. CDPH also requires a criminal record check and the competency evaluation. Keep copies of your application, fingerprint documents and training records. After testing, follow the state's processing instructions and check the certificate verification link on CDPH's CNA page before telling an employer you hold California certification.