Hospitals Offering CNA Training in the Bay Area

Kaiser Permanente frequently offers paid Nurse Assistant Training Programs (NATP) through its Northern California facilities, including Oakland. These programs typically last around 6–8 weeks and combine classroom study with clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals. Trainees are paid employees during the program and are often offered CNA roles at the end of training. Candidates must apply through the Kaiser job portal when openings are posted, and the program is highly competitive.

This program is best suited for those who want to build a long-term career within Kaiser’s expansive healthcare network, which includes hospitals, outpatient clinics, and senior care facilities across the Bay Area.

A no-cost CNA training program operated by the City of San Francisco with direct placement.

Laguna Honda Hospital, part of the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), offers a tuition-free CNA training program that prepares students for long-term employment within city healthcare facilities. This program is part of the broader SFDPH workforce development effort and is ideal for San Francisco residents, especially those with low income or from underserved communities.

The training is held on-site at Laguna Honda and includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical training. Graduates are eligible to apply for CNA roles within Laguna Honda and other SFDPH-run hospitals and clinics.

Offers community-based CNA training through SFDPH programs and nonprofit partners.

Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) supports CNA training through community workforce development initiatives and public health partnerships. While the training is not hosted directly by the hospital, programs are coordinated through SFDPH’s employment services and partners like JVS and Arriba Juntos, who provide no-cost training with a pipeline into employment at ZSFG and other facilities.

Participants receive wraparound services such as job coaching, mentorship, and resume support—ideal for individuals re-entering the workforce or seeking a stable healthcare career.

Offers a paid, work-based CNA training program tied to employment in county-run hospitals.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) runs a County-sponsored CNA training program under the Valley Health Plan and Santa Clara County Workforce Development umbrella. These programs offer paid training, with CNA students receiving hourly wages while completing clinical instruction. Upon certification, trainees are placed into full-time positions at SCVMC or affiliated clinics and long-term care facilities.

This program is designed for residents of Santa Clara County who are committed to working within the public health system. It’s a great fit for those looking to build a long-term career with strong benefits and stability.

Hospital-based CNA training with post-program work commitment at Highland Hospital or affiliated locations.

Alameda Health System (AHS), which includes Highland Hospital in Oakland, offers CNA training through partnerships with local education providers and in-house initiatives. These programs are often grant-funded or employer-sponsored, meaning students can receive training at little or no cost in exchange for working at an AHS facility upon certification.

Clinical training is held within Highland Hospital or system-affiliated skilled nursing units. The program supports local workforce development by providing career pathways for Alameda County residents—particularly those facing employment barriers.