Thinking about nursing?

Want to become a CNA or LVN? We'll help you find the right school.

Free for you. We explain your options in plain English, show you ways to pay less, and point you to state-approved schools near you.

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No cost. No pressure. We're not paid by any school.

CNA or LVN? Here's the difference

CNA

Certified Nursing Assistant

What you do

You help residents with everyday care — bathing, dressing, eating, getting around — and you check vital signs. You're the person they see the most.

Training

California requires at least 160 hours of training: 60 hours in class + 100 hours of hands-on clinical practice.

Many programs take about 1–3 months, depending on the schedule (approx. — ask the school).

Your path

Finish a state-approved program
Pass the state CNA exam (written + skills)
Apply to the state (CDPH) with Live Scan fingerprints
You're certified — we help you get hired

Fastest way into healthcare. A lot of LVNs start as CNAs.

LVN

Licensed Vocational Nurse

What you do

You give medications, do treatments and wound care, check on patients, and report to the RN or doctor.

Training

1,530 hours of training (576 in class, 954 clinical).

About 12–14 months full-time or 18–20 months part-time. Some schools ask for classes or a CNA first — ask the school.

Your path

Finish a state-approved LVN program
Apply to the state nursing board (BVNPT)
Pass the NCLEX-PN exam
You're licensed — we help you get hired

More responsibility and higher pay than a CNA. Takes longer.

Sources: CDPH (CNA training hours) · CDPH (CNA exam) · BVNPT (LVN hours & length)

Ways to pay less — or nothing

School doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are real options in LA. Prices and rules change, so always confirm with the school or office.

Get trained by a nursing home

Under federal rules, if a nursing home hires you (or offers you a job) before your CNA training starts, they can't charge you for it — not even for books. And if you get hired as a CNA within 12 months after you finish, the state has to pay you back part of what you paid while you work there. Ask nursing homes about "paid CNA training." We can help you ask.

Already working at a nursing home in the SEIU 2015 union? You may qualify for free CNA training through the Center for Caregiver Advancement.

CMS: Become a CNA for free · 42 CFR 483.152(c) · Center for Caregiver Advancement

Community college

California community colleges charge $46 per unit. The California College Promise Grant can waive that fee if you qualify. Books, uniforms, and exam fees are extra.

California College Promise Grant · $46/unit (LAO)

Grants you don't pay back

Fill out the FAFSA to see if you get a federal Pell Grant. Undocumented or AB 540? Use the California Dream Act Application. Ask the school's financial aid office if its CNA or LVN program qualifies — not every short program does.

Pell Grant · FAFSA · CA Dream Act Application

Adult schools

LAUSD, Burbank, and Pasadena adult schools have nursing assistant programs (and some have LVN). Burbank Adult School says most of its career classes are tuition-free or low-cost. Ask for today's price.

LAUSD Adult Ed · Burbank Adult School · Twilight Adult Ed (Pasadena)

Job-training money (WIOA)

If you qualify, a WorkSource Center (City of LA) or an America's Job Center (LA County) may pay for your training at a school on the state's approved training list. It's free to ask. Walk in and say: "I want to train as a CNA or LVN — can WIOA help pay?"

City of LA WorkSource Centers · LA County Job Centers · State approved training list (ETPL)

Not sure which one fits you? That's exactly what we help with. Get free help choosing

Find a school near you

34 CNA and LVN programs around LA County. This is a starting point, not a ranking — we're not partnered with any of these schools.

Area

Check any school is state-approved

How to pick a good school

State-approved — check the official lists above.
Exam pass rate — ask the school. For LVN, check the state's pass-rate list.
Schedule fits your life — day, evening, or weekend.
Total cost in writing — tuition, books, uniform, exam fee, Live Scan, TB test, physical.
Where clinicals happen, and how far that is from you.
Help getting a job after — that's us. Free.

Get free help choosing

Tell us a little about you. We'll text you school options that fit your schedule, plus ways to pay.