Beginning your journey to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California is an exciting step toward a fulfilling career in healthcare. This guide will provide you with all the key information and steps needed to earn your CNA certification in 2024. Whether you're searching for CNA classes near you, exploring CNA programs, or curious about the CNA salary and job opportunities, this resource covers everything from CNA training to obtaining your CNA license.

Key Points

• A CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.
• To become a CNA in California, you'll need to meet the age requirement and legal requirements, pass the state exams, and get registered at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
• CNA training in California typically takes between 4 to 12 weeks to complete and can cost around $1,000 to $2,000 plus.
• The mean average salary for a CNA in California is approximately $47,070 per year, $22.63 per hour.

What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). CNAs are responsible for assisting patients with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients.

What does a CNA do?

Certified Nursing Assistants play a crucial role in patient care by providing hands-on assistance with daily living activities. Here are some common tasks a CNA performs:

• Helping patients with bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Assisting with feeding and hydration
• Measuring and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
• Moving patients safely between beds and wheelchairs
• Observing and reporting changes in a patient's condition to nursing staff
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families

Eligibility Requirements in California

Before enrolling in CNA classes or programs, it's essential to meet the eligibility requirements set by the state of California:

Age and Education

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is typically required.

Background Check

• Criminal Background Check: All prospective CNAs must undergo a criminal background check.
• Fingerprinting: Fingerprints are taken to ensure you meet the state's standards for patient care.

Health Requirements

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam is necessary to confirm you’re fit for the demands of the job.
• Immunizations: Up-to-date immunizations, including Hepatitis B, are required.
• TB Testing: A negative Tuberculosis test result is mandatory.

Other Prerequisites

• CPR Certification: Some programs may require certification in CPR.
• Additional Requirements: Stay updated with any new prerequisites for 2024, such as enhanced training modules or updated health protocols.

Steps to Become a CNA in California

Becoming a CNA in California involves several key steps. Follow this roadmap to ensure you meet all requirements and successfully enter the healthcare field.

1. Find a CNA class

The first step is to enroll in a CNA training program. You can use platforms like Dreambound to find "CNA classes near me." CNA programs in California must include at least 50 hours of classroom teaching and 100 hours of hands-on clinical training under the supervision of a nurse.

You can find a list of approved CNA training programs on Dreambound, which allows you to search by distance, length of the program, payment options available, and more. You can also find the list published by the California Department of Public Health.

2. Meet CNA class requirements

Before enrolling in a CNA class, ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

Age: Must be at least 16 years old.

Education: While a high school diploma is not required by law, some schools may require it. Vocational schools might accept an 8th-grade equivalency (transcript or exam).

Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting. This check will review any felonies and certain misdemeanors involving theft or assault within the last 5 years.

Health Requirements:

• Tuberculosis (TB) Test: A negative TB test is mandatory. If positive, a chest X-ray may be required.
• Physical Exam: A physical examination from a doctor confirming your ability to perform CNA duties, including lifting approximately 50 pounds.

Additional Requirements: Some programs may require CPR certification, certain immunizations, or proof of US work authorization (SSN or ITIN).

Pro Tip: Verify specific requirements with your chosen CNA training program, as they may have additional prerequisites.

3. Complete your class

In California, CNA classes cannot be completed entirely online. While the initial 50 hours of classroom instruction can be taken online, at least 100 hours of in-person clinical training in a nursing facility are required. During clinicals, you will be supervised by a nurse to ensure you are performing procedures correctly.

4. Take the California CNA exam

After completing your training, you must pass the California CNA certification exam to obtain your CNA license.

Exam Details:

• Administration: The exam is administered by Credentia and D&S Diversified Technologies LLP - Headmaster LLP.

Cost:

• Credentia: $120 ($130 for audio version).
• D&S: $130 ($140 for audio version).

Note: Depending on where you live, Credentia released handbooks and portals for candidates residing in Northern and Southern California.

Format:

• Written Portion: Multiple-choice questions covering patient care, safety protocols, infection control, and communication skills.
• Practical Skills Demonstration: Hands-on assessment of your CNA skills.

Exam Timeline:

• Validity: You have 2 years from your training program completion date to pass the exam.
• Retakes: If you fail the exam three times or if two years pass without passing, you must retake a CNA class.
• Work Permission: You can work as a CNA for up to 120 days without passing the exam.

Preparation Tips:

• Study Guides: Use recommended study materials and practice exams.
• Preparatory Courses: Enroll in courses offered by your training program or local educational institutions.
• Hands-On Practice: Utilize clinical opportunities to build confidence and proficiency.

5. Work as a CNA

Congratulations, you are now a certified CNA! You can seek employment in various healthcare settings, including:

• Nursing Facilities
• Hospitals
• Home Health Care Agencies
• Rehabilitation Centers

Job Search Tips:

• Trusted Job Sites: Use trusted online job sites to find legit CNA jobs and search through government job ads.
• Networking: Leverage connections from your training program and attend local healthcare job fairs.
• Resume and Interview: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant training and experience. Prepare for common interview questions by demonstrating your knowledge of patient care and safety protocols.

Where Can I Find CNA Classes in California?

Finding the right CNA classes is crucial for your success. Dreambound offers a curated list of schools across various California locations:

• Los Angeles
• San Bernardino
• San Diego
• Santa Ana
• Sacramento
• San Jose

You can also view upcoming CNA class schedules via those links by clicking on the nearby metro areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in California?

California requires 150 hours of training (50 hours classroom, 100 hours clinical). Most CNA classes take 2-4 months, with accelerated programs available in as little as 4 weeks.

How much does it cost to become a CNA in California?

The total cost ranges from $1,800 to $3,000, including tuition and exam fees. Additional expenses may include textbooks, uniforms, and supplies.

How much are CNAs paid in California?

CNAs in California earn between $37,800 and $59,490 annually, with hourly wages around $22.63. Salaries can be higher in hospitals, travel staffing agencies, or high-cost areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Do you need a certificate to be a CNA in California?

Yes, CNAs in California should have a certificate and registered with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

How much is the CNA exam in California?

There are two CNA exam providers in California: D&S is $130 and Credentia is $120. Both exams consist of a multiple-choice written portion ($80 for Credentia, $95 for D&S) and a skills portion ($40 for Credentia, $35 for D&S). You can also take an audio version instead of a multiple-choice written for an additional $10.

How much is CNA school in California?

CNA classes cost between $1,000 and $2,500. Many schools offer payment plans or free classes through nursing homes, which require post-training employment.

What's the fastest I can become a CNA in California?

The fastest CNA classes in California take 4 weeks long. California requires 150 hours of training, so these accelerated programs are full-time. Most CNA classes in California are 2-4 months long.

What are the requirements to be a CNA in California?

You must be at least 16 years old. You also must be able to pass a background check, tuberculosis (TB) test, and physical exam. You are not required to have a high school diploma, although some schools may require it anyway. Most schools will also ask for US work authorization via SSN or ITIN.

How to become a CNA in high school in California?

To become a CNA in high school, you need to enroll in a CNA training program tailored for high school students. Community colleges, vocational schools, and such provide these programs, often allowing students to begin their training while in high school.

What Do I Need to Buy for My CNA Classes?

Before attending your classes, you must prepare the things you need for your CNA class. Prepare with:

• Uniforms: Scrubs, comfy socks, and closed-toed shoes
• Supplies: Books and study materials (often provided by training centers)
• Other Essentials: Stethoscope, notepad, and pen

How Do I Register for a CNA Exam?

To register for a CNA exam in California, you can submit your application through the California Department of Public Health.

The CNA exam is the most important part of becoming certified. Because we want you to ace your exam, we have prepared a brief manual on how you can prepare for your CNA examination! You might feel pressure and stress before taking the exam, but always stay calm and confident with your skills and learning!

What Can I Do After Becoming a CNA?

Some CNAs go to a hospital or staffing agency after working in a nursing home for 6 months. You may also complete extra training to become a medication aide, medical assistant, phlebotomy technician, or patient care technician. A reference letter from your CNA instructor will help you get into nursing school. CNAs can also enroll in programs to become licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) or registered nurses (RNs).

The US BLS reports that California has the highest CNA employment, with over 100,000 working right now. A CNA in California can make $22 an hour or more, and good job opportunities are waiting for you once you get that certification, so you don’t need to worry about how to get a job as a CNA. Some Dreambound graduates are even working on starting their own CNA schools already—who knows, you might be the next one in line!

Where can I work as a CNA besides a nursing home?

As a CNA, you have various employment opportunities beyond nursing homes. CNAs can work in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare. Additionally, CNAs can work in assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and hospices, where they contribute to the comfort and well-being of patients with diverse needs.

What are programs similar to CNA?

• Patient Care Technician in California - a PCT is a CNA, Phlebotomist, and EKG Technician all in one. Plus, this class can be done all online, although it is longer than CNA classes.
• Medical Assistant in California - a Medical Assistant has more clinical skills than a CNA and also is paid higher. However, the class is longer and more expensive.
• Phlebotomist in California - Phlebomists draw blood. Dreambound students who are considering becoming a CNA also consider phlebotomy the most of any other type of program. Phlebotomy programs are about the same length and cost, and also can be done online.
• LPN in California - LPNs are much more clinically skilled, so the classes take 1-2 years. However, LPNs are paid much higher and have immediate pathways to become a Registered Nurse.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a CNA in California is an excellent way to kickstart a career in healthcare. With readily available CNA classes and numerous CNA jobs nearby, starting your journey is straightforward. Additionally, a competitive CNA salary provides a stable and rewarding path in the medical field. This combination of accessible education, ample job prospects, and financial stability makes pursuing a CNA career in California a promising choice.