CNA Classes in Arcata, California

Arcata CNA Training - California

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arcata, California

About Arcata

Arcata, California, is a charming city located in Humboldt County, nestled along the scenic Northern California coast. Known for its vibrant community, Arcata is home to Humboldt State University and the beautiful Arcata Community Forest. The city offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal place to start your journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). For more information about Arcata, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Arcata, California

If you’re looking to become a certified nursing assistant in Arcata, there are several local options to consider:

1. College of the Redwoods
   • Location: Eureka, CA (approximately 10 miles from Arcata)
   • Program: The College of the Redwoods offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. This program prepares students for the California state certification exam.
   • More Info: College of the Redwoods CNA Program
2. Humboldt County Office of Education
   • Location: Eureka, CA (approximately 10 miles from Arcata)
   • Program: This program provides training for individuals seeking to become CNAs, with a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for the role.
   • More Info: Humboldt County Office of Education
3. Mad River Community Hospital
   • Location: Arcata, CA
   • Program: Mad River Community Hospital offers a CNA training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice, designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam.
   • More Info: Mad River Community Hospital

CNA Employment Opportunities in Arcata

Arcata and its surrounding areas offer numerous employment opportunities for newly certified nursing assistants. Here are some notable healthcare facilities:

1. Mad River Community Hospital
   • Location: Arcata, CA
   • Description: A full-service acute care hospital providing a wide range of medical services. They often have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Employment Opportunities: Mad River Community Hospital Careers
2. St. Joseph Hospital
   • Location: Eureka, CA (approximately 10 miles from Arcata)
   • Description: A large hospital offering comprehensive healthcare services, including opportunities for CNAs in multiple specialties.
   • Employment Opportunities: St. Joseph Hospital Careers
3. Redwood Memorial Hospital
   • Location: Fortuna, CA (approximately 25 miles from Arcata)
   • Description: Known for its friendly community environment and high-quality care, this hospital provides various job opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Redwood Memorial Hospital Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in California

To become a certified nursing assistant in California, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete an Approved CNA Program: You must complete a state-approved CNA program that includes both classroom and clinical training.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the California CNA competency exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
4. Application: Submit an application to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to be listed on the California Nurse Aide Registry.

For more detailed information, visit the California Department of Public Health.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a certified nursing assistant in Arcata, California, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With several local schools offering CNA programs and ample employment opportunities in the healthcare field, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a school today to learn more about their programs and begin your path toward becoming a CNA.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in California may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Arcata?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Arcata usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Arcata will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Arcata?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in California, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in California, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Arcata is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out California CNA Salary info.