CNA Classes in Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield, California

About Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California, is a vibrant city located in the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley. Known for its rich agricultural history and diverse cultural scene, Bakersfield offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Kern County Museum, the Fox Theater, and the beautiful Panorama Bluffs. For more information about Bakersfield, visit the official Bakersfield city website.

CNA Training Programs in Bakersfield, California

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Bakersfield, California, you’re in luck. The city offers several reputable CNA training programs. Here are three local schools offering Nursing Assistant programs:

1. Bakersfield Adult School
   • Program Description: Bakersfield Adult School offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the California CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
   • Location: 501 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307
   • Program Page: Bakersfield Adult School CNA Program
2. San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC)
   • Program Description: SJVC in Bakersfield provides a Nursing Assistant program that covers essential skills such as patient care, infection control, and basic nursing procedures. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers.
   • Location: 201 New Stine Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309
   • Program Page: SJVC CNA Program
3. Cerro Coso Community College
   • Program Description: Cerro Coso Community College offers a Nursing Assistant program that includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program prepares students for the state certification exam and a rewarding career in healthcare.
   • Location: 1400 College Heights Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (approximately 110 miles from Bakersfield)
   • Program Page: Cerro Coso Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Bakersfield

Bakersfield boasts a variety of healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment. Here are a few major employers in the area:

1. Kern Medical
   • Description: Kern Medical is a leading healthcare provider in Bakersfield, offering a wide range of medical services. The hospital has a robust employment program for CNAs and other healthcare professionals.
   • Location: 1700 Mount Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93306
   • Employment Opportunities: Kern Medical Careers
2. Adventist Health Bakersfield
   • Description: Adventist Health Bakersfield is a comprehensive healthcare facility providing exceptional patient care. They frequently have openings for CNAs and other nursing staff.
   • Location: 2615 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
   • Employment Opportunities: Adventist Health Bakersfield Careers
3. Brookdale Riverwalk
   • Description: Brookdale Riverwalk is a senior living community offering assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. They employ CNAs to provide high-quality care to their residents.
   • Location: 350 Calloway Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93312
   • Employment Opportunities: Brookdale Riverwalk Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in California

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in California, you must meet specific state requirements. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) oversees CNA certification. Here are the general steps:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training.
2. Pass the Competency Evaluation Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation.
3. Submit Fingerprints and Background Check: Complete a criminal background check and submit fingerprints as required by the CDPH.
4. Apply for Certification: Submit your application for CNA certification to the CDPH along with the required documentation and fees.

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Bakersfield, California, is a rewarding and fulfilling choice. With several excellent CNA training programs and numerous employment opportunities, Bakersfield is an ideal place to start your journey. Reach out to a local school today and take the first step towards a meaningful career in healthcare.

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 Bakersfield?

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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield?

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