Nursing Homes Offering CNA Training in the Bay Area

A 100% tuition-free, 8-week CNA training program with job placement at the facility.

Diablo Valley Post Acute provides one of the most well-known free CNA training programs in the East Bay. This 8-week, in-person course includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice—all held on-site at their Concord facility. What makes this program especially attractive is the guaranteed employment upon successful completion. Students are often hired as full-time CNAs immediately after passing their certification exam.

Applicants must complete a formal interview and screening process to be accepted. This is a great opportunity for job seekers who are ready to commit to working in long-term care and want the security of paid employment following training.

Offers occasional employer-sponsored CNA training programs with a path to employment in senior care.

Lytton Gardens, a senior living and skilled nursing provider in Palo Alto, occasionally runs CNA training cohorts for individuals interested in working with elderly residents. These programs are typically coordinated through their HR department or in partnership with community organizations and focus on preparing students for both certification and long-term employment within their care community.

While the program isn’t offered year-round, it’s ideal for compassionate individuals looking to start a CNA career in a mission-driven, non-profit environment. Check their careers page or contact HR for upcoming training dates.

Runs a sponsored CNA training program with post-certification employment options.

East Bay Post-Acute, a skilled nursing facility located in Berkeley, offers a CNA training program designed to meet workforce demands within their facility. The program is tuition-free for accepted candidates, and includes hands-on experience directly in their long-term care units. Upon certification, participants are eligible to work at East Bay Post-Acute or transfer within their larger care network.

This is a strong option for those looking to gain immediate experience in a team-oriented clinical setting, with built-in job opportunities and mentorship from experienced CNAs and nurses.

Offers a paid CNA training-to-employment program for new hires and entry-level caregivers.

Gateway Care & Rehabilitation Center offers on-the-job CNA training for individuals hired into caregiver roles, transitioning them into state-certified nursing assistants through an internal education program. Training includes theory, skills labs, and clinicals held within the facility. Participants are paid employees while completing their training, and many continue working full-time as CNAs upon passing the state exam.

This opportunity is best suited for motivated individuals who want to earn a wage while gaining their certification, especially those interested in long-term care or dementia-focused nursing.

Offers a training-to-hire CNA program embedded in their senior care campus.

The Reutlinger Community in Danville occasionally offers CNA training for candidates interested in working within their continuing care retirement community, which includes skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care. The program features both classroom and hands-on instruction and is designed to lead directly into full-time CNA roles at the facility.

Trainees are supported throughout the certification process with exam preparation, mentorship, and onboarding into staff roles. It’s a good option for those seeking a smaller, values-driven environment in which to start a meaningful healthcare career.