Free CNA and Community Health Worker Training: Monterey County Applications Close November 20

SALINAS AND MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. — October 27, 2026. Residents seeking a pathway into healthcare can apply for a no-cost dual-certification training program offered through Monterey County Works. Applications for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Community Health Worker (CHW) program close November 20, 2026, according to the organization’s current announcement.

What the training offers

The program is described as 18 weeks of training toward two healthcare credentials. The CNA track prepares participants for hands-on patient care in settings such as nursing facilities and hospitals; Community Health Workers help people connect with healthcare, social services and community resources.

Participants may have access to up to 200 hours of paid internship experience and a completion incentive of up to $1,500, but neither maximum is automatic. The organizer says the incentive depends on meeting program requirements and successfully completing and certifying in both areas.

Important dates

November 20, 2026: application deadline
November 23–24: orientation
January 4, 2027: start of CNA training
May 21, 2027: anticipated program completion

The organizer warns that spaces are limited and applicants must satisfy all eligibility conditions. The description requires applicants to be 18 or older, have a high-school diploma or equivalent, and document authorization to work in the United States. Additional eligibility and enrollment checks may apply.

How to apply

Use the Monterey County Works official CNA/CHW application page, which includes the current program details and application link. Do not pay a third-party website to apply for this advertised no-cost program without checking with the organizer.

What we cannot promise: a training place, stipend, internship, license, job or benefits approval. Completion of classes and satisfaction of the state certification requirements must be verified through the program. Applicants should ask about the schedule, training location, transportation and any expenses not explicitly covered before enrolling.

For another South County opportunity, read California58’s November 4 King City job fair guide.

Separate employment opportunity: Monterey County Works also lists a healthcare recruitment event on November 18 at the Salinas Career Center. The recruiting event is not the same as this 18-week training program. Related event linked October 27, 2026.

Primary source: Monterey County Works — 2027 Healthcare Career Training, CNA & CHW Dual-Certification Program.

Published October 27, 2026. Confirm the current application status and all eligibility requirements with the program.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER NEEDS YOU

Help this community newspaper grow

Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.

Donate once by card ↗

Help Salinas News grow Help strengthen reporting on Salinas: community voices, important decisions and local life.

Support Salinas News

Choose how to support Salinas News:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal Continue with Zelle

Zelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.

Optional reader support. When possible, add “Salinas News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.

Optional support through the publisher. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible and never buy editorial influence.

Salinas News — Your Community Newspaper

Have a correction, news tip, local announcement, or story to submit? Contact our editorial team. All submissions are reviewed before publication.