For those interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Sacramento free from student debt, there are a couple excellent options that offer affordable programs. These programs provide comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and support throughout the certification process, ensuring students are well-prepared for their careers in healthcare.
Sacramento’s Best Deals on CNA Programs
- American River College: $552
- Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center: $625
Choosing an Affordable CNA Program in Sacramento
Of course, there are more important options than just price when selecting a program. You’ll also want to think about the school’s accreditation and approvals, what type of clinical training is provided, class schedules and flexibility (i.e. do they offer online courses), and state exam pass rates. Now that we’re clear on that, you can learn more by clicking on our featured schools.
American River College
The Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide (NA/HHA) program at American River College prepares students for entry-level healthcare roles in acute hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and offers a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) course and an optional Home Health Aide (HHA) course for those seeking additional training.
Program Details
- Duration: 3.5 months
- Format: In-person
- Cost: $552
- Certification: American River College certificate upon successful completion, with eligibility to take the California state competency exam
Key Features
- Comprehensive Training: Includes classroom instruction, skills lab, and over 100 hours of clinical experience.
- CDPH-Approved Curriculum: Prepares students for the state CNA exam and certification.
- Home Health Aide Option: Students who complete the CNA course can enroll in a two-unit HHA course for expanded job opportunities.
- Affordable Tuition: One of the more cost-effective CNA programs in the area.
- Job Readiness: Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare settings.
Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center
The Nurse Assistant Training Program at Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center (CAJ) is a five-week, 192-hour course designed to prepare students for the California State Certification Exam and employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The program provides a structured, hands-on learning environment that covers fundamental nursing skills and patient care techniques.
Program Details
- Duration: 5 weeks (192 hours)
- Format: In-person
- Cost: $625 (includes registration fee and program fee)
- Certification: Graduates qualify to take the California State Certification Exam
- Accreditation: Approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Key Features
- Structured Learning: Classroom instruction in weeks 1-2, followed by clinical training in weeks 3-5.
- Hands-on Training: Covers vital signs, patient care, emergency procedures, rehabilitative nursing, and more.
- Comprehensive Fee Coverage: Includes study guides, blood pressure cuff, scrubs, drug test, fingerprinting, and CPR certification.
- High Success Rates: 100% graduation and licensure exam pass rate with an 89% employment placement rate.
- Veteran Benefits Available: CAJ provides assistance for veterans using education benefits.
Want Better Pay Than a CNA?
Additional Options: “Free” Classes?
Below you’ll see some providers technically offer free CNA programs to students in Sacramento, though we do feel it’s important to know what that means. Free CNA courses can work for some students, but they come with several drawbacks:
- Work Commitment: Many free programs require students to work for a specific employer for a set period, limiting job flexibility.
- Limited Availability: These programs are often in high demand and have long waitlists or limited enrollment periods.
- Strict Requirements: Some programs have more rigid eligibility criteria, such as income restrictions or prior healthcare experience.
- Fewer Location Options: Free CNA training is usually tied to specific employers or healthcare facilities, meaning students may have fewer choices for where they train.
- Minimal Scheduling Flexibility: Many of these programs follow set schedules, making it harder for those who need weekend, evening, or self-paced learning options.
- Hidden Costs: While tuition is covered, students may still need to pay for textbooks, uniforms, background checks, or certification exams.
While free programs help reduce costs, they often come with trade-offs in flexibility, availability, and employment obligations.
Sacramento Job Corps Center
Sacramento Job Corps Center offers a grant funded CNA training program designed to provide hands-on, in-person education over eight months. This program covers essential CNA skills such as patient hygiene, vital signs monitoring, meal assistance, and patient mobility.
The program is entirely tuition-free, and additional costs are covered. Students will earn a state-issued CNA license and certifications like BLS for Healthcare Providers and Heartsaver® Bloodborne Pathogens. This training also serves as a prerequisite for advanced training in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program.
Participants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass all required tests. The program also supports students in meeting state requirements, including background checks and training completions.
Unitek Learning
Unitek Learning in Sacramento offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program through employer sponsorship. This unique program covers all tuition, books, supplies, lab fees, and exam fees, making it an excellent opportunity for those who qualify.
The CNA program includes 60 hours of online theory delivered via virtual class meetings, allowing real-time interaction with instructors. This is followed by in-person skills labs and clinical rotations, ensuring comprehensive hands-on training. The program is structured over six weeks for full-time students and 15 weeks for those attending on weekends.
Windsor El Camino
Windsor El Camino in Carmichael offers a sponsored six-week CNA training program with an employment commitment. Students can enroll in the program at no cost, provided they agree to work with Windsor for 12 months after certification.
The program features on-the-job training, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while earning a paycheck. Upon qualification, participants join a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to making a positive impact daily.
Windsor El Camino provides continuing education resources and has a broad network for job placement, ensuring support and opportunities for growth after completing the certification.