Which Schools Offer CNA Programs and Certification in California?
Learn about CNA training programs in California. Get information about programs available and admission and training requirements to make an informed decision about your education. Schools offering Nursing degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
If you would like to become a CNA, or Certified Nurse Assistant in the state of California, you will need to complete an educational program in order to become eligible for the state certification exam. The following schools provide CNA programs in the state of California.
What You Need to Know
California students who want to train to become Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) might learn nursing techniques through programs that are offered through city or community college institutions. Training time varies and can last anywhere from eight to 18 weeks. Behavioral science and nursing concepts are taught through classroom instruction and students must also acquire clinical abilities. Upon successful completion of training, participants may be eligible to take the state certification examination for CNAs in California.
CNA Programs in California
City College of San Francisco
Taught at City College of San Francisco's Southeast Campus, the home health aide/nurse assistant program is offered by the school's Career and Technical Education division, which provides free and low-cost occupational training. The goal of the CNA program is to train you for immediate entry-level employment. You'll study behavioral science and nursing concepts, as well as critical thinking skills. This course can prepare you to take the state CNA exam, and you can be certified as a home health aide without another examination.
- Program Name: Home Health Aide/Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- Program Length: 1 semester (18 weeks), full-time
- Tuition and fees: $1,598 for in-state students; $7,554 for out-of-state students (as of the 2015-2016 academic year)
- Prerequisites: English or English as a second language courses
- Requirements: At least 18 years old, placement test, program orientation, physical exam, criminal background check, CPR certification, current immunizations
- School Type: 2-year, public; 23,610 students (all undergraduate)
MiraCosta College
You'll spend 79 hours learning about nursing techniques in the classroom and 105 hours gaining experience in a local long-term care home. Tuition includes the cost of books, uniforms, a physical exam and the state certification exam. Admission to this program is on a first-come, first-served basis; each class is limited to 20 students. After successfully completing this course, you can enroll in the home health aide program.
- Program Name: Certified Nursing Assistant
- Program Length: 8-week program (23 hours per week) or 6-week summer program (32 hours per week), full-time
- Tuition and fees: $1,152 for in-state students; $5,952 for out-of-state students (as of the 2015-2016 academic year)
- Prerequisites: English 803 or ESL 803 or qualify through the English Assessment or approved equivalent, American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR card with AED, enrollment in Nursing 160
- Requirements: Physical examination, tuberculosis test
- School Type: 2-year, public; 14,687 students (all undergraduate)
Shasta College
Shasta College's training for CNAs and home health aides is offered at the Redding campus. The college offers two courses, the 13-unit Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide (CNA) and the 9-unit Nurse Aide course. Both courses consist of classroom instruction and clinical experience. Either course can prepare you to take the state CNA exam, and the home health option can also prepare you for certification. There is a waiting list to enter this program.
- Program Name: Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide (CNA) Program
- Program Length: 1 semester, full-time
- Tuition and fees: $1,183 for in-state students; $6,223 for out-of-state students (as of the 2015-2016 academic year)
- Requirements: Must have completed 10th grade and be able to read and write in English, immunizations, CPR certificate, drug screening, 2-part tuberculosis test, criminal background check, physical exam, valid Social Security number
- School Type: 2-year, public; 8,342 students (all undergraduate)
Southwestern College
You'll learn to communicate with patients, gather data and master the skills required to meet patients' needs. By the course's completion, you'll be prepared to take the California CNA exam. This program is designed for students who desire a career in nursing and is mandatory if you want to enter SWCC's associate in nursing or vocational nursing programs.
- Program Name: Certified Nursing Assistant
- Program Length: 9 weeks, 3-4 days per week, or 18 weeks, 1-2 days per week, full- or part-time
- Tuition and fees: $1,336 for in-state students; $5,452 for out-of-state students (as of the 2015-2016 academic year)
- Prerequisites: Reading score of 56 or higher
- Requirements: Physical exam; criminal background check, CPR certification, current immunizations, tuberculosis test, valid Social Security number
- School Type: 2-year, public; 19,000 students (all undergraduate)
To summarize, Southwestern College, MiraCosta College, Shasta College, and The City College of San Francisco are four colleges that provide CNA programs that can be completed in 8 to 18 weeks.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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