Best CNA Programs in San Jose, CA: Top 10 Schools in 2025

Table of Contents[show]

Golden Heart School of Nursing
CAL ACE Nursing Academy
Bay Area CNA School
Evergreen Valley College
Mission College
Aprende Health Careers Institute
Caring Hands School of Nursing
Edward Medical Training Center
S.J. Institute of Nursing
Fuhsd Adult School
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play an important role in healthcare by helping patients with daily activities, all under the guidance of nurses and other medical professionals. As the U.S. population grows older and healthcare needs increase, CNAs are in higher demand than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for nursing assistants, including CNAs, is expected to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030. This is much faster than the average for most other jobs in the U.S. If you’re interested in joining this growing field, enrolling in a CNA program is a great first step. To help you get started, let’s take a look at the top 10 CNA programs in San Jose, California.

1. Golden Heart School of Nursing

5671 Santa Teresa Blvd #212, San Jose, CA 95123 (408) 677-8443

Golden Heart School of Nursing is a top CNA program in San Jose, dedicated to teaching compassionate patient care. Their 21-day Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) combines classroom lessons, hands-on skills labs, and clinical experience to prepare students for a rewarding healthcare career. With experienced instructors who truly care about your success, Golden Heart creates a supportive learning environment where students can grow and thrive. The program covers all key aspects of patient care while focusing on the school's core value of nurturing "Golden Hearts" to help students reach their full potential. From coursework to job placement support, Golden Heart is committed to guiding students every step of the way toward a successful career in healthcare.

Cost: $1900
Program Length: 21 days
Prerequisites: Clear background check and drug test, High school diploma or GED, TB test and health screening

2. CAL ACE Nursing Academy

1535 Landess Ave STE 103, Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 256-0763

CAL ACE Nursing Academy helps you start your healthcare career with top-quality CNA training. Located in San Jose, with classes available across Northern California, CAL ACE offers two great options: a flexible 6-week online course or an accelerated 4-week on-campus program. You can also earn NATP certification and Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

With experienced nurse instructors and small class sizes, you’ll get personalized attention. Plus, you'll gain hands-on experience at modern care facilities. CAL ACE ensures that you develop the skills and compassion needed to be an effective nursing assistant. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to pass the CNA exam, earn your credentials, and make a positive difference in patients' lives.

Cost: $1,948 (includes uniform, BLS, books, stethoscope, BP machine, cap, and gown).
Program Length: 4-6 weeks
Prerequisites: Clear background check, minimum age of 16, TB test

3. Bay Area CNA School

7567 Amador Valley Blvd #108, Dublin, CA 94568 (925) 744-5006

Bay Area CNA School offers affordable, hands-on training to help students become certified nursing assistants. With expert instructors, small classes, and modern skills labs, students get the experience they need to care for patients. Clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities give them real-world practice. Thanks to focused exam preparation, Bay Area CNA is known for its high CNA exam pass rates. Graduates leave the program confident and ready to step into the workforce, helping meet the growing need for skilled nursing assistants.

Cost: $1700-1800
Program Length: 4-11 weeks
Prerequisites: Clear background check, High school diploma/GED, Negative TB test

4. Evergreen Valley College

3095 Yerba Buena Rd, San Jose, CA 95135 (408) 274-7900

Evergreen Valley College’s CNA program prepares students for certification and a rewarding career in healthcare. The program includes 200 hours of classroom lectures, hands-on skills labs, and real-world clinical rotations. Students learn essential patient care skills through these experiences. After completing the state-approved coursework, graduates are fully prepared to provide high-quality care. The program is easy to join, with no separate application needed beyond college enrollment. It also offers affordable tuition. Taught by experienced healthcare professionals, Evergreen Valley College is the perfect choice for motivated students who want to quickly earn certification and start a fulfilling career in healthcare.

Cost: $796-891
Program Length: 6-8 weeks
Prerequisites: High school diploma/GED, Valid SSN/Tax ID, Clear background check, Health clearance

5. Mission College

3000 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054 (408) 855-5374

Mission College offers an accredited Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that prepares students for certification and rewarding careers in healthcare. The program includes 160 hours of classroom learning, hands-on skills practice, and clinical training at respected healthcare facilities. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients, including tasks like monitoring vital signs, assisting with feeding, providing bedside care, ensuring safety, and communicating professionally.

Mission College is known for its high exam pass rates, thanks to focused test preparation. The program also offers affordable tuition and supplies, all for under $1,000. With small class sizes and expert instructors, students receive personal attention and the support they need to succeed. Graduates of the program are ready to take on important roles in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to home care.

Cost: Less than $1,000
Program Length: 6-8 weeks
Prerequisites: High school diploma/GED, background check

6. Aprende Health Careers Institute

3286 S White Rd, San Jose, CA 95148 (877) 889-2424

Aprende Health Careers Institute helps students quickly train for high-demand healthcare jobs with flexible CNA certification programs that fit any schedule. You can choose from a fast-paced 5-week full-time program, an 8-week evening course, or a focused 11-weekend option. Each program is designed to help you learn quickly and efficiently.

Experienced nursing instructors lead small groups in hands-on skills labs and real-world clinical settings, giving you the practical experience needed to pass your certification exams. With over 15 years of experience and more than 10,000 CNA graduates, Aprende is dedicated to helping you build the skills you need for a successful career in healthcare.

Cost: $1750
Program Length: 5 weeks to 11 weekends
Prerequisites: Clear background check, High school diploma/GED, Ability to pass physical exam

7. Caring Hands School of Nursing

6155 Almaden Expy #130, San Jose, CA 95120 (831) 809-1439

Caring Hands School of Nursing trains compassionate nursing assistants for certification and a successful career in healthcare. In just 4-6 weeks, students take part in hands-on courses led by experienced instructors who work closely with small groups. They learn essential skills such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with mobility, supporting medical procedures, and practicing professionalism. The program combines online lessons with in-person training, giving students the chance to practice their skills and gain real-world experience through clinical rotations.

Caring Hands is known for its easy enrollment process, affordable tuition (under $2,100, including all materials), job search support, and high exam pass rates. The school helps graduates confidently enter the growing healthcare field, where they can make a meaningful impact on patient care.

Cost: $2000 + $100 non-refundable registration fee
Program Length: 4-6 weeks
Prerequisites: 16+ years of age, Gov-issued photo ID, Clear background check, Physical exam, Negative TB test

8. Edward Medical Training Center

1913 O'Toole Way, San Jose, CA 95131 (408)661-8774

Led by experienced medical professional Frank Onu, Edward Medical Training Center helps students build practical skills through CNA certification and allied health programs. The program combines expert classroom teaching with hands-on practice and clinical experience, focusing on essential care skills like taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, performing treatments, and improving communication. This prepares students to pass important exams and become confident in their roles. With small class sizes, job search tools, and dedicated staff support, Edward Medical Training Center ensures that aspiring nursing assistants can quickly enter the growing healthcare field and secure rewarding jobs.

Cost: Not provided
Program Length: Not provided
Prerequisites: Not provided

9. S.J. Institute of Nursing

1590 Oakland Rd Suite D201, San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 705-7648

S.J. Institute of Nursing offers a hands-on, California-approved CNA program that combines classroom learning with over 100 clinical hours to help students master key nursing skills. Led by experienced professionals, the program covers essential tasks like patient monitoring, assisting with mobility, documenting care, and maintaining professional conduct. Students also receive focused exam preparation to help them pass the certification test with confidence.

The program features small class sizes, so students get personal attention. With flexible schedules ranging from 4 to 13 weeks, students can choose full- or part-time options to fit their lives. Enrollment is easy, and tuition is affordable. S.J. Institute prepares nursing assistants to succeed in a variety of healthcare settings, helping them secure fulfilling jobs that make a real difference in patient care.

Cost: Not provided
Program Length: 4-13 weeks
Prerequisites: Not provided

10. Fuhsd Adult School

589 W Fremont Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 522-2700

Fuhsd Adult School offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to prepare students for state certification and a rewarding career in healthcare. The program combines classroom lessons with hands-on training. It covers key skills such as patient monitoring, hygiene assistance, helping with medical procedures, and communication. Students receive focused test preparation to help them pass the state exam, all at affordable rates. Fuhsd also emphasizes important qualities like integrity, personal responsibility, teamwork, and professional appearance. These traits are highly valued by employers in the healthcare field.

Cost: $650
Program Length: Not provided
Prerequisites: Not provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for CNA classes in San Jose?

To get started with a CNA program, you typically need to be at least 16-18 years old. You also need a high school diploma or GED, a background check, proof of health and immunization, a valid ID, and basic English proficiency through coursework or tests.

What should I look for when choosing a CNA program?

When picking a CNA program, it’s important to consider factors like cost, how long the program lasts, and whether it’s offered online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. You should also check if the program includes hands-on clinical training. Review the qualifications of the instructors and the program’s exam pass rates. Don’t forget to look at career placement support, schedule flexibility, course content, class sizes, and financial aid options.

Why is state approval important for CNA programs?

State approval is key because it ensures the program meets the necessary guidelines and hours required to sit for the state certification exam. This means the program is up to standard and will give you the training you need to succeed.

How much do CNA programs usually cost in San Jose?

CNA programs in San Jose generally cost between $800 and $2,500, depending on the school and program format. Keep in mind that there may be extra costs for textbooks, uniforms, and exam fees. Public community colleges are usually the most affordable option.

How long does it take to complete a CNA program?

CNA programs in San Jose can take anywhere from 4 to 18 weeks if you're attending full-time. Some accelerated programs can be completed in just 4 weeks. Part-time options, meeting in the evenings or on weekends, might take up to 18 weeks. The total number of hours required ranges from 120 to 200.

What’s the job outlook and average salary for CNAs in San Jose?

The job outlook for CNAs in San Jose is excellent. This is due to the growing demand for healthcare workers and an aging population. On average, CNAs in the area earn between $43,867 and $53,364 per year. Top earners can make over $64,917 annually.

Final Thoughts

With healthcare needs on the rise, becoming a CNA offers stable, rewarding work in San Jose and beyond. There are plenty of great training programs available locally to fit any budget or schedule. By choosing a state-approved program with experienced instructors, you’ll gain the skills needed to provide quality care and jumpstart a fulfilling nursing career. So why wait? Check out your options and start your CNA journey today!