Program Philosophy
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in Southern California, yet many compassionate and capable people lack the credentials and connections to enter it. HealthWorks was created to make that pathway accessible — providing free, rigorous CNA training alongside direct employer relationships, so that people who genuinely care about others can build stable, meaningful careers in healthcare and senior care.
Started in 2006
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Compassionate adults seeking entry-level healthcare careers as CNAs or Assisted Living Aides in Southern California
Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Classes held both online and in-person in Long Beach or Reseda.
CNA or Assisted Living Aide certification prep, state exam readiness, guaranteed healthcare employer interviews
Cost & Outcomes
This program is completely free for all participants. No tuition, no fees, no hidden costs. The required background check is paid for by the program.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Zero-cost training funded by employer partners and foundations
Prepares students to sit for the California State CNA Certification Exam
Also prepares students to work as an Assisted Living Aide or in Elder Care — multiple credential pathways
Classes held in both Long Beach and Reseda for geographic accessibility
Guaranteed employer interviews with Southern California's leading healthcare and senior care providers
Career counseling and guidance provided after job placement
Day in the Life
- Full-day instruction (7:00 AM–3:00 PM, Mon–Fri)
- Instructor-led nursing fundamentals (patient care, dementia support, aging and disability)
- CNA state exam preparation
- Career-building workshops (resume writing, interview skills, communication)
- Online and in-person hybrid format
- Cohort-based peer learning
Instructors with nursing backgrounds and clinical credentials; experienced in CNA training and California state exam preparation.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
California State CNA Certification Exam (for Certified Nursing Assistant track); Assisted Living Aide certification may also apply
75% pass rate
Highs & Lows
The full-day schedule (7 AM–3 PM) can be challenging for students with childcare responsibilities or long commutes; physically and emotionally demanding nature of patient care work
Gaining a state-recognized credential; entering a field where the work feels meaningful; direct connections to reputable healthcare employers like Cedars-Sinai
CNAs can advance to LVN or RN with additional schooling, or to specialized roles in geriatrics, rehabilitation, or hospital settings. Many graduates pursue further clinical training; some reach management or director of care roles within 10 years.
Employment Support
Guaranteed employer interviews with partner healthcare and senior care providers
Career coaching and job placement assistance
Career counseling and guidance after job placement
Hear From the Program
Moved from assisted living to Children's Hospital Los Angeles and now works at UCLA Health earning top pay in her position.
How It Works
Submit online application
Receive phone call from HealthWorks recruitment team
Screening and eligibility review
Criminal background check (paid by JVS SoCal); acceptance conditioned upon passing the background check
Enrollment into next available cohort (at least 4 per year)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.Free — program is paid for by employer partners and funders.
No — training is free but unpaid.
Mon–Fri, 7 AM–3 PM for 8 weeks.
Not guaranteed, but we have a 80%+ placement rate; and you're guaranteed an interview with an employer when you complete the program.
No, but 6 months of work history preferred.
Long Beach and Reseda (in-person and online).