How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in California

Nowadays, healthcare industry is really on the rise on any state, including careers on certified nursing assistant (CNA). California, for one, offers high salaries for CNAs even on an entry level position. Because of this many individuals are now aspiring to become a certified nursing assistant in California. Furthermore, becoming a CNA can somewhat offer the prestige being it a healthcare profession. But, how can a person become a certified nursing assistant in California?

Though it is not easy as 1-2-3 or a-b-c, becoming a certified nursing assistant in California does not need to have any university degree or doctorate like that of a nurse or a doctor. However, one must have to undergo a training program for certified nursing assistant.

Actually, many schools and colleges in California offer certified nursing assistant training. They can even have a chance to get CNA training for free, if they are fortunate to find one.

Before anyone can be trained and become a certified nursing assistant in California, he should first have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to be accepted for a training program. An aspiring CNA can choose between offline or online training depending on their preferred type of class and their availability.

They just have to carefully choose a program that is accredited by the Department of Health Services. During the training, there will be lectures on Patient’s Rights, Infection Control, Body Mechanics, Anatomy and Physiology, Radiography, Clinical Procedures, and Medical Office Management among others.

To become a certified nursing assistant in California, students need to be at least 16 years old. However, some programs accept students aged 15 years old, as long as they turn 16 years old when they complete the program. They should also undergo physical and medical examinations to ensure that they do not pose any health hazards and risks to their future clients.

In California, to maintain and improve a high quality standard of care given to their patients, the Department of Health Services only approved programs for certified nursing assistant that offers equal to or more than 150 hours of training for their students. That way, DHS can ensure that the future certified nursing assistants in California have received enough training and preparation to become one and they are capable to give quality care to their clients.

After so much hard work in classroom and internship, it doesn’t stop there. Aspiring certified nursing assistants in California still have to undergo an exam provided by the California Department of Public Health. After successfully passing the test, a person can be given a certification for being a certified nursing assistant in California. He can now find a work as a CNA on several hospitals in California.

It is not that easy to become a certified nursing assistant in California or in any other place. One needs to have good communication skills and interpersonal skills because they are one of those healthcare workers who are constantly in contact with the clients. The workload of a CNA is generally tough and demanding and they are vital in patient care. Despite of these, many CNAs still continue their work because they are fulfilled in helping their clients become healthy and well.

Best CNA Schools in California

CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is one of the jobs in the country that a lot of people want to be eligible for. As the demand for certified nursing assistants becomes higher and higher, the number of CNA Schools in California also increased to provide the skills and knowledge needed by the mounting number of CNA aspirants.

One of the famous CNA schools in California is the Allan Hancock College which is located in Santa Maria. A student who wishes to admit in the said institution must fulfil first the pre-admission requirements which include physical examination, substance abuse test, background check, academic prerequisites, and lastly, the CPR certification.

After that, the student may now attend the three days a week schedule for one semester in the classroom and as well as in the field. Upon finishing the semester, he/she will receive a certificate of completion and will be able to take the California State Board examination.

Another well-known institution that offers CNA program is the American River College located in Sacramento. Part of their pre-admission requirements is the orientation session attendance, physical exam, general education courses in reading and writing, electronic fingerprint submission and a TB test.

Their CNA program requires the students to attend 63 hours in the classroom and 135 hours in the field to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to become an efficient and effective CNA in the health care industry. Other CNA schools in California may also have the same processes and procedures as part of their programs.

No matter what CNA school in California you came from, there is no assurance that CNA job will be easy for you. It is a demanding, yet fulfilling job. It requires a lot of patience and responsibility for you to give 101% care and assistance for a patient. You get to help people – as opposed to a usual job that you do in exchange for money.