CNAs are healthcare professionals that work under the supervision of a nurse, they provide basic care and assist patients with daily activities. Becoming a CNA in Orange County requires completing an accredited training program, passing a background check, and passing a competency exam. Our list of the best CNA classes in Irvine makes it easy for aspiring CNAs to find the right program. All programs are accredited by the state of California, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers patient care, safety, and communication.
Highlights
- You can find free CNA classes in and around Irvine – some offer job placement opportunities in exchange for tuition reimbursement!
- Some programs can be completed in as little as four weeks
- CNAs in Irvine make an average of $18.60 per hour, 16% higher than the national average for CNAs
CNA Requirements in Irvine
The state of California has some baseline requirements that CNAs must meet before they can be considered for a CNA position. Those are:
- Be a minimum of 16 years old
- Have proof of immunization
- Pass a criminal background check
If you meet those requirements you’ll have a few more hurdles to clear before you can work as a CNA.
- Enroll and pass a state-approved CNA program with a minimum of 100 hours of supervised clinical training and 60 hours of classroom instruction
- Pass the state of California’s CNA exam
- Register for a listing on the California CNA registry
Top CNA Classes in Orange County
Why do all the research yourself? Let us help you find the best CNA classes in Irvine to kickstart your new career!
Best CNA Program
Angeles Institute
Angeles Institute offers an accelerated 5.5 Week Program for prospective nursing assistants. The tuition covers books, supplies and uniforms giving students 100% transparency with their financial obligations. Financial aid is available to those who qualify so that education can be accessible to everyone. Angeles also provides a dedicated Student Affairs Team to support individual student needs such as tutoring, group study coordination, child care, transportation, and counseling services.
The Nursing Assistant Program includes 86 theory hours teaching how to safely perform personal care skills and recognize the psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of clients. There are 190 total hours required to complete the program including 104 clinical hours which require a 76% cumulative score or greater to pass.
Price: $1,983
Address: 17100 Pioneer Blvd, #170
Artesia, CA 90701
Phone: 562.531.4100
URL: https://www.angelesinstitute.edu/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Financial coordinators available to assist with FAFSA applications
Best Accelerated CNA Classes in Irvine
Premier Health Institute
Premier Health Institute offers the finest Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program in Southern California. This 17-day program provides students with both classroom training and a clinical externship, equipping them with the qualifications needed to pursue a career in this fast-growing field. Furthermore, qualified students may be eligible for a scholarship for tuition and job placement assistance.
The instructors at Premier Health Institute have years of experience in clinics, surgical centers, hospitals, assisted living memory care homes, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice. They are renowned for having been published in textbooks and for lecturing around the country and internationally. Students will benefit from this wealth of knowledge and experience that is passed on during their training.
Price: $2,000 tuition does not include state exam fee.
Address: 2081 Business Center Drive Suite 215
Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: 949.500.8115
URL: https://www.premierhealthinstitute.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Discounts are available for early registration.
Low-Cost CNA Classes in Orange County
QBICS
QBICS Career College offers a high-quality 5-week CNA program that is dedicated to empowering students to become successful in high-demand jobs. The college is committed to providing students with innovative teaching techniques and exposing them to a wide array of technology to enhance their intellectual, professional, and personal growth. QBICS Career College is dedicated to maintaining a leading role in the industry by continuously upgrading training techniques and programs to meet the highest expectations of its graduates. The program aims to increase the job marketability of its graduates by promoting leadership, self-discipline, and motivation to compete in today’s demanding job market. The college is committed to guiding students with excellence and distinction in teaching, research, and service to achieve the overall goal of providing high-quality training to all students.
Price: $1,300
Address: 1125 E 17th St., Suite E210
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: 714.550.1052
URL: https://www.qbics.us//home/main
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Operating in the Irvine area since 2005.
Free CNA Classes in Orange County
Procareer Academy
Procareer Academy’s CNA program is approved and monitored by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), preparing students for the State of California Nursing Assistant Examination. Following satisfactory completion of this course and passing the CA State Exam, students will become certified nursing assistants. Course instruction covers basic skills and competencies and involves classroom-based theory classes along with practical sessions at a contracted training facility or laboratory.
In order to enroll in the CNA program, applicants must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18). A valid Social Security card (matching first and last name), California Photo ID, completed Live scan form and proof of good health are all required to complete enrolment. Additionally, a valid BLS/CPR card must be provided and participants must have a clean criminal record.
Students gain essential nursing knowledge and skills during the program, enabling them to qualify for the State of California CNA Exam upon completion.
Price: $0
Address: 11133 1st Ave
Whittier, CA 90603,
Phone: 562.698.8301
URL: https://procareer.org/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Programs funded by employers.
Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education
Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education offers a 10-week certification program for those interested in becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume the role and responsibility required as a CNA and prepares them to take the Certified Nursing Assistant Board Exam and gain employment as a licensed CNA. Upon completion of the course, students will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be prepared to sit for their State Certification Exam.
To enroll in the program, students must pass VHLTH 101 – Overview of the Nursing Assistant Training Program and VHLTH 102 – Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training. Additionally, students must pass one of the following courses: VBUS 400 – Employability Skills or ESL 520 – VESL: English for Work 2.
Price: $0
Address: 2900 W Edinger Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: 714.241.5700
URL: https://www.sac.edu/sce/programs/careereducation/Pages/CNA.aspx
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Also offers ESL courses.
Online CNA Classes
Allegiance Career Institute
Allegiance Career Institute offers a 21-day Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program that prepares students to function in the role of a nurse assistant under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse.
This program is designed to meet the curriculum requirements of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and includes 160 hours of theory and clinical training with 16 modules that are focused on various aspects of residents’ care. Students will learn about CNA roles and responsibilities, patient rights, body mechanics, patient care procedures, death and dying, emergency procedures, long-term care patients, observation, and charting, and more.
Price: $1,700
Address: 2445 W Chapman Ave #210
Orange, CA 92868
Phone: 714.941.9138
URL: https://allegiancecareer-institute.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Hybrid online CNA classes are available
More Top CNA Programs in Irvine
The above schools have a lot to offer, but they’re not the only top-notch schools available in the Irvine metro area.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross offers CNA courses designed to help individuals become certified nursing assistants. The program consists of classroom instruction and hands-on learning to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for a fulfilling career in healthcare.
Participants will learn how to provide compassionate care for those in need and are provided with the essential qualifications and certifications for employment. Upon completion of their CNA program, individuals can take the State of California Nursing Assistant Exam, becoming eligible to work as a Certified Nurse Assistant.
Price: $1,250
Address: 3150 E 29th St
Long Beach, CA 90806
Phone: 562.595.6341
URL: https://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles/about-us/locations/long-beach.html
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Classes offered throughout the year.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Orange County?
With close proximity to Los Angeles, CNAs have a lot of opportunities for high pay. With an average annual salary of $38,030, CNAs in this market earn a wage more than 16% higher than the national average. The top 10% of earners in this market will make $47,560 or more working as a CNA.
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Orange County?
Compared to much of the United States, the local CNA classes in Irvine can seem a little pricy, with some classes coming in at a price of around $2,000. On the low end of the pricing spectrum, you can also find courses for as low as $1,300. However, there are several options for employer-sponsored (i.e. free) CNA programs that will cover your tuition in exchange for agreeing to a job with them once you’ve earned your certification.
Job Opportunities for CNAs
If you include the Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Irvine, and Santa Ana metro area there are well over 40,000 CNAs working in the region. This means there are a lot of job opportunities once you’ve earned your license. Where do CNAs work? Have a look at the top employers.
| Industry Type | Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 13,628 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 11,179 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 4,074 |
| Home Health Care Services | 2,417 |
| Employment Services | 1,125 |
| Individual and Family Services | 1,048 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 755 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 749 |
| Offices of Physicians | 505 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 465 |
Helpful Links
- CNA Pay Statistics by State
- CNA Practice Test
- California Nurse Aide Registry
- California CNA License Verification Search
- CNA Classes in California