Patient Care Technician Schools in Salinas, California

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Patient Care Technician programs in Salinas, California can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Patient Care Technician Schools Near Salinas, California

#1

Central Coast College

Salinas, CA 1.8 miles away

Central Coast College is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Salinas, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Gavilan College

Gilroy, CA 19.9 miles away

Gavilan College is a Public, 2-year in Gilroy, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

West Valley College

Saratoga, CA 44.9 miles away

West Valley College is a Public, 2-year in Saratoga, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Mission College

Santa Clara, CA 52.4 miles away

Mission College is a Public, 2-year in Santa Clara, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Modesto Junior College

Modesto, CA 74.8 miles away

Modesto Junior College is a Public, 4-year in Modesto, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

Merced College

Merced, CA 78 miles away

Merced College is a Public, 2-year in Merced, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, CA 90.9 miles away

Cuesta College is a Public, 2-year in San Luis Obispo, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#8

Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD

Concord, CA 91.7 miles away

Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD is a Public, <2-year in Concord, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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  • Loma Vista Adult Center - 1266 San Carlos Avenue. Concord, CA 94518-1199
  • (925) 685-7340

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

Agape College of Business and Science

Fresno, CA 102.2 miles away

Agape College of Business and Science is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Fresno, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#10

Institute of Technology

Clovis, CA 105.8 miles away

Institute of Technology is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Clovis, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Patient Care Technician Schools Near Salinas

There are 10 schools within 106 miles of Salinas.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Central Coast College1.8 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Gavilan College19.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
West Valley College44.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Mission College52.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Modesto Junior College74.8 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Merced College78 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Cuesta College90.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD91.7 miN/AN/APublic, <2-year
Agape College of Business and Science102.2 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Institute of Technology105.8 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Patient Care Technician Salary in California

Entry-level nursing assistants in California earn around $39,220 per year. The median salary is $46,420, which is 17.4% above the national median of $39,530. Top earners make up to $59,540 per year.

California vs. National Patient Care Technician Wages
MetricCaliforniaNational
Median salary$46,420$39,530
Average salary$48,790$41,270
25th percentile$44,350$36,260
75th percentile$50,540$46,070
90th percentile$59,540$50,140

California employs approximately 102,380 nursing assistants (5.7 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.63).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Patient Care Technician Job Outlook

2.3% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 1,441,500 to 1,474,000 jobs nationwide. About 204,100 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In California, the concentration of nursing assistants is lower than the national average (location quotient: 0.63), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do nursing assistants make in California?

The median annual salary for nursing assistants in California is $46,420. Wages range from $39,220 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $59,540 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many patient care technician schools are near Salinas?

There are 25 Patient Care Technician schools within commuting distance of Salinas. The closest is Central Coast College, approximately 1.8 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for nursing assistants?

Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034. About 204,100 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does patient care technician training cost near Salinas?

Annual tuition for patient care technician programs near Salinas ranges from $1,334 to $1,334. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a patient care technician in demand in California?

Demand for nursing assistants in California is lower than average compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.63. The state employs 5.7 nursing assistants per 1,000 workers.