CNA Classes in Berkeley, California

Berkeley 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 Berkeley, California

About Berkeley

Berkeley, California, is a vibrant city known for its academic excellence, cultural diversity, and progressive spirit. Home to the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, the city boasts a rich history and a thriving community. Nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley offers stunning views, eclectic neighborhoods, and a robust healthcare sector, making it an ideal place to pursue a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). For more information about the city, visit the City of Berkeley’s official website.

CNA Training Programs in Berkeley, California

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Berkeley, several local schools offer comprehensive CNA programs:

1. Berkeley Adult School
   • Program: Nursing Assistant Program
   • Description: Berkeley Adult School offers a well-rounded Nursing Assistant Program designed to prepare students for the California CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
   • Location: Central Berkeley
   • Link: Berkeley Adult School Nursing Assistant Program
2. American Red Cross Bay Area
   • Program: Nurse Assistant Training
   • Description: The American Red Cross provides a Nurse Assistant Training program that combines classroom learning with clinical experience. Students receive training in essential nursing skills, patient care, and emergency procedures.
   • Location: Nearby Oakland (approximately 6 miles from Berkeley)
   • Link: American Red Cross Bay Area Nurse Assistant Training
3. Peralta Community College District – Merritt College
   • Program: Certified Nursing Assistant Program
   • Description: Merritt College, part of the Peralta Community College District, offers a CNA program that includes both theoretical instruction and practical training. Graduates are well-prepared to take the state certification exam.
   • Location: Oakland Hills (approximately 8 miles from Berkeley)
   • Link: Merritt College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Berkeley

Berkeley is home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment opportunities:

1. Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
   • Description: Part of the Sutter Health network, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center provides a wide range of medical services and has a strong reputation for quality care. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • Location: South Berkeley
   • Link: Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Careers
2. Berkeley Pines Skilled Nursing Center
   • Description: Berkeley Pines Skilled Nursing Center offers specialized nursing care and rehabilitation services. They are always on the lookout for dedicated CNAs to join their team.
   • Location: North Berkeley
   • Link: Berkeley Pines Skilled Nursing Center Careers
3. LifeLong Medical Care
   • Description: LifeLong Medical Care provides comprehensive health services to the Berkeley community, including primary care, dental care, and mental health services. They offer various employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Location: Multiple locations in Berkeley
   • Link: LifeLong Medical Care Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in California

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in California, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: Enroll in and complete a CNA training program approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Background Check: Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
4. Certification Application: Apply for certification through the California Department of Public Health.

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Berkeley, California, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With numerous training programs and employment opportunities available, there’s no better time to start. Contact one of the local schools today to 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 Berkeley?

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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

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