Looking for an affordable way to start your CNA career in Long Beach? These three programs offer solid training options at different price points, time commitments, and learning formats—whether you’re looking for flexibility, speed, or long-term support.
We’ve broken down the key details to help you compare, but we highly encourage you to reach out to each program directly. Learning about things like instructor quality, class atmosphere, and student support services will give you a better picture of what to expect day to day—and how each program sets you up for the long run.
1. Los Angeles Skills Academy
The CNA program at Los Angeles Skills Academy in Long Beach costs $2,090 and lasts 4 weeks. It includes 60 hours of online or classroom lecture and 100 hours of hands-on clinical training at a local skilled nursing facility. Classes are led by licensed nurses and offer a small student-to-instructor ratio for personalized instruction.
Training is delivered through lectures, video, simulations, lab sessions, and clinicals. Students learn essential caregiving tasks such as bathing, dressing, vital signs, and patient positioning. The program also provides job readiness training, including resume help and mock interviews.
The tuition includes application fees, background checks, textbooks, digital materials, and practice exams. Additional student expenses include a physical, TB test, uniform, white shoes, watch, and the $130 state certification exam fee. A webcam and minimum 7-inch screen are required for online sessions.
After completing the program, students are eligible to take the California CNA State Exam. Make-up policies for absences are strict, and attendance on the first day is mandatory. Job fairs and job search assistance are available to graduates.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $2,090 |
| Program Length | 4 weeks |
| Online Classes? | Yes |
| Class Schedules | Varies; includes online lectures and in-person clinicals |
| Address | 2153 W. Hill Street, Long Beach, CA 90810 |
| Phone | (213) 444-8997 |
2. Hellen School for CNA
The CNA program at Hellen School for CNA in Long Beach costs $2,120 and runs for 4 weeks. The tuition includes uniforms, books, CPR/BLS certification, and Live Scan fingerprinting. A $250 non-refundable registration fee is part of the total tuition. The $120 fee for the state certification exam is not included.
Students complete 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical training. Theory classes are held Monday through Friday, either from 10 AM–12 PM or 4 PM–6 PM. Daily take-home tests count toward theory hours if passed. Clinicals take place on weekends from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM at local care centers and the school lab.
No high school diploma or GED is required. Students must be at least 16 and provide an ID, Social Security or Tax ID number, TB test, and physical. Job placement assistance is offered after graduation. The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $2,120 |
| Program Length | 4 weeks |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Class Schedules | Mon–Fri: 10AM–12PM or 4PM–6PM (theory); Sat–Sun: 6:30AM–7PM (clinical) |
| Address | 2047 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806 |
| Phone | (714) 507-8270 |
3. Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County
The CNA program at Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County offers 312 hours of training, including 115 hours of hands-on clinical practice. Full-time students finish in 11 weeks, while part-time students complete it in 18 weeks. The curriculum covers patient care, infection control, medical terminology, and communication skills. Students also receive job readiness training and certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Goodwill Works.
Classes are delivered through a mix of Zoom-based online instruction and in-person clinicals. Clinicals take place five days a week in local long-term care facilities, where students practice skills in mock hospital settings with real medical equipment.
The total program cost is $750, which includes textbooks, uniforms, physical exams, TB testing, and the CNA state exam fee. Eligible students may receive free tuition. Applicants must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, meet low-income requirements, and pass a background check and assessment test.
Graduates receive long-term job placement help and guidance for future steps such as LVN or RN programs. Career support continues for up to five years after completing the program.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $750 (includes uniforms, books, and testing fees) |
| Program Length | 11–18 weeks |
| Online Classes? | Yes (via Zoom) |
| Class Schedules | Full-Time (11 weeks), Part-Time (18 weeks) |
| Address | 800 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90806 |
| Phone | 562-435-3411, ext. 247 |
Our Thoughts
Each CNA program listed here offers something distinct, and the right choice depends on your learning style, budget, schedule, and long-term goals.
If affordability is your top concern, Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County offers the lowest-cost program at $750, with potential for free tuition if you meet income qualifications. It also provides the most extensive career support, including five years of job placement assistance and help with advancing to LVN or RN programs. However, the tradeoff is the longer duration—11 to 18 weeks depending on your schedule—and a more structured admissions process with income and academic eligibility requirements.
For those looking for an accelerated option, both Los Angeles Skills Academy and Hellen School for CNA offer 4-week programs. Los Angeles Skills Academy is ideal if you prefer online learning flexibility, with a structured mix of online lectures and in-person clinicals. It’s a good fit if you’re tech-ready and need a fast-paced, supportive learning environment with strong job search preparation tools built in.
The Hellen School for CNA may appeal to students who prefer an in-person, high-engagement classroom experience. It’s particularly suited for learners who value close instructor guidance and weekend clinicals. This school does not require a high school diploma or GED, which makes it more accessible for some students. While slightly more expensive, it includes extras like CPR/BLS certification and Live Scan, which other programs may charge separately for.
We’ve provided as much objective detail as possible to help you compare these programs side by side. That said, we strongly recommend reaching out to the schools directly. Ask questions about the quality of instruction, how engaged instructors are during class, and what kind of student support and career services they offer. Inquire about class sizes, the learning environment, and how responsive and respectful the staff are. These qualitative factors often reveal just as much—if not more—about the daily experience and long-term value of the program than the cost or format alone.
Ultimately, the best program for you is the one that not only fits your schedule and budget but also sets you up for success in the healthcare field with the right mix of training, mentorship, and support.