CNA Classes in Avenal, California

Avenal 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 Avenal, California

About Avenal

Avenal, California, known as the “Oasis in the Sun,” is a small city located in Kings County. With its rich agricultural heritage and close-knit community, Avenal offers a welcoming environment for those seeking to start a career in healthcare. For more information about the city, visit the official Avenal website.

CNA Training Programs in Avenal, California

While Avenal itself may not have a wide array of CNA training programs, there are several excellent options in nearby cities:

1. West Hills College Lemoore
   • Location: Lemoore, CA (approximately 30 miles from Avenal)
   • Program Overview: West Hills College Lemoore offers a comprehensive CNA program that prepares students for the California State Certification Exam. The program includes classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical experience.
   • West Hills College Lemoore CNA Program
2. College of the Sequoias
   • Location: Hanford, CA (approximately 35 miles from Avenal)
   • Program Overview: College of the Sequoias provides a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the skills needed for entry-level nursing positions. The curriculum covers essential nursing practices, patient care, and hands-on clinical training.
   • College of the Sequoias CNA Program
3. San Joaquin Valley College
   • Location: Visalia, CA (approximately 50 miles from Avenal)
   • Program Overview: San Joaquin Valley College offers a Nursing Assistant program that includes both theoretical and practical training. The program aims to prepare students for the CNA certification exam and entry-level employment in various healthcare settings.
   • San Joaquin Valley College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Avenal

Avenal and its surrounding areas have several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs:

1. Avenal Community Health Center
   • Location: Avenal, CA
   • Overview: The Avenal Community Health Center provides primary care services to residents of Avenal and surrounding communities. They often seek qualified CNAs to support their healthcare team.
   • Avenal Community Health Center Careers
2. Adventist Health Hanford
   • Location: Hanford, CA (approximately 35 miles from Avenal)
   • Overview: Adventist Health Hanford is a full-service medical center offering a wide range of healthcare services. They frequently have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Adventist Health Hanford Careers
3. Kaweah Health
   • Location: Visalia, CA (approximately 50 miles from Avenal)
   • Overview: Kaweah Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in the region, offering extensive medical services and facilities. They regularly hire CNAs to join their team.
   • Kaweah Health Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in California

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in California, you must meet specific state requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: Successfully pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written (or oral) portion and a skills demonstration.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, as required by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
4. Certification Application: Submit an application for certification to the CDPH.

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Avenal, California, is a rewarding and fulfilling choice. With the right training and certification, you can make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. Contact a local school today to begin your journey towards 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 Avenal?

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 Avenal 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 Avenal 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 Avenal?

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 November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 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 Avenal is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out California CNA Salary info.