Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in California

The role of the Certified Nursing Assistant is a very important one. A CNA works under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians to provide important care for patients. CNAs work in a variety of health establishments; hospitals, assisted living facilities, long-term care centers, health clinics and in home agencies. A Certified Nursing Assistant gives personalized assistance to sick or disabled individuals who cannot care for themselves. The idea is usually to help patients recover and maintain daily functions. It is a job which can be both difficult and rewarding, but it is ideally suited to anyone who likes caring for others.

Attending a Certified Nursing Assistant class is a crucial first step in becoming a qualified CNA in California. To be signed on the Nurse Aid Registry, one must pass the state exam after taking a certificate program. A variety of community colleges, health institutions and educational establishments offer Certified Nursing Assistant classes in California. The typical length of a course is between 2 and 6 months, but there are ‘flash’ courses available which will cover all the essentials in 4 weeks. Any CNA program will include classroom-based knowledge learning and hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

Across the USA, the CNA field is amongst the fastest growing job sectors. The number of positions available for nursing aides is constantly increasing, so it is a great time to get involved. CNAs, which are also sometimes known as nursing aides and orderlies, can expect to earn on average $12 per hour in California, but it’s possible to earn a rate as high as $16. As a CNA gains more experience, they are likely to get offers for higher paying jobs within the field. Job prospects are high for a CNA, as is job security, and many in the field eventually branch off into higher medical positions.

There are many Certified Nursing Assistant classes in California. Examples include the Riverside Community College and City College of San Francisco. Many universities and institutes have campuses all over the state, so it is possible to train up as a CNA in almost any location. Whatever program you choose, you’re going to be looking at between 150 and 200 hours of learning and training. Any Certified Nursing Assistant class will develop your skills of basic patient care while boosting other important qualities like communicational skills. The most common tasks a CNA conducts include bathing, dressing, feeding and general care, but it is also important that is reliable, confident and dedicated.
 
Most CNA programs are priced between $250 and $1000, but you have to take into account the costs of everything including uniforms, books and so on. Some people find sponsorship or paid placements offered by medical institutes. A fully qualified Californian CNA can expect to earn anywhere between $19,000 and $38,000, so taking the course is certainly an investment worth making. In addition, the California Employment Development Department states that there are, on average, 3080 new job openings for CNAs each year.

To take the state exam for CNA certification, you must be at least 16 years old. There are a few other non-specific requirements. It is important that prospective CNAs are in both a good mental state and a decent physical condition, because the job of the Certified Nursing Assistant is at times demanding. It’s also important that nursing aides do not pose any health risks to the patients they are caring for.

Here is a list of just some of the many official Certified Nursing Assistant classes in California:

•    Anaheim CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, North Orange County Regional Occupational Program
•    Arcadia CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Los Angeles County ROP
•    Bellflower CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Bellflower Adult School
•    Exeter CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Exeter Union High School
•    Hanford CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Kings County ROP
•    Modesto CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Modesto City Schools
•    Oakland CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Adult Education and Technology Center & Oakland Adult School
•    Pacific Grove CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Pacific Grove Adult School
•    Pittsburg CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Pittsburg Adult Education Center
•    Riverside CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Riverside County Office of Education ROP
•    Sacramento CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Sacramento County Office of Education ROP/CTE
•    Sonora CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT Program, Yosemite ROP