CNA Classes in Downey, California

Downey 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 Downey, California

About Downey

Downey, California, is a vibrant city located in Southeast Los Angeles County. Known for its rich history and diverse community, Downey is home to the oldest McDonald’s restaurant and the Columbia Memorial Space Center. For more information about the city, you can visit the official Downey website.

CNA Training Programs in Downey, California

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Downey, there are several excellent local programs to consider:

1. Downey Adult School
   • Location: Downey
   • Program Overview: Downey Adult School offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program is designed to prepare students for the California State Certification Exam.
   • Program Link: Downey Adult School CNA Program
2. Cerritos College
   • Location: Norwalk (approximately 5 miles from Downey)
   • Program Overview: Cerritos College provides a Nursing Assistant program that covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and basic medical knowledge. The program includes both theoretical and practical components.
   • Program Link: Cerritos College CNA Program
3. East Los Angeles Skills Center
   • Location: East Los Angeles (approximately 10 miles from Downey)
   • Program Overview: The East Los Angeles Skills Center offers a CNA training course that prepares students for the state certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and clinical practice in local healthcare facilities.
   • Program Link: East Los Angeles Skills Center CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Downey

Downey offers numerous employment opportunities for CNAs in various healthcare settings. Here are some major healthcare facilities in the area:

1. PIH Health Downey Hospital
   • Location: Downey
   • Description: PIH Health Downey Hospital is a full-service hospital offering a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: PIH Health Downey Hospital Careers
2. Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center
   • Location: Downey
   • Description: Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center is part of the renowned Kaiser Permanente healthcare system, providing comprehensive medical services and patient care. They offer various positions for nursing assistants.
   • Employment Opportunities: Kaiser Permanente Careers
3. Downey Community Health Center
   • Location: Downey
   • Description: Downey Community Health Center is a skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. They often seek qualified CNAs to join their team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Downey Community Health Center 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 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 Exam: Successfully pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
4. Registry Application: Apply for certification through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Downey, California, is a rewarding decision. With a variety of local CNA programs and ample employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact one of the schools listed above to begin your training and take the first step towards a fulfilling 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 Downey?

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 Downey 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 Downey 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 Downey?

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