CNA Classes in Irvine, California

Irvine 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 Irvine, California

About Irvine

Irvine, California, is a vibrant city located in the heart of Orange County. Known for its master-planned communities, top-notch educational institutions, and thriving business districts, Irvine offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban sophistication. The city is home to several landmarks, including the University of California, Irvine (UCI), the Irvine Spectrum Center, and the Great Park. For more information about Irvine, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Irvine, California

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Irvine, California, there are several excellent programs available to help you achieve your goals. Here are three local schools offering Nursing Assistant programs:

1. Saddleback College
   • Location: Mission Viejo, CA (approximately 12 miles from Irvine)
   • Program: Saddleback College offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience. The program prepares students for the California State Certification Exam.
   • Saddleback College CNA Program
2. Santa Ana College
   • Location: Santa Ana, CA (approximately 10 miles from Irvine)
   • Program: Santa Ana College provides a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the skills needed to work in various healthcare settings. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Santa Ana College Nursing Assistant Program
3. Coastline Community College
   • Location: Fountain Valley, CA (approximately 15 miles from Irvine)
   • Program: Coastline Community College offers a CNA program that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. Graduates are well-prepared to take the certification exam and start their careers as nursing assistants.
   • Coastline Community College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Irvine

Irvine is home to several major healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are a few notable options:

1. Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
   • Location: Newport Beach, CA (approximately 10 miles from Irvine)
   • Description: Hoag Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in Orange County, offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Hoag Hospital Careers
2. Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center
   • Location: Irvine, CA
   • Description: Kaiser Permanente is a well-known healthcare organization with a strong presence in Irvine. The Irvine Medical Center provides numerous job opportunities for CNAs.
   • Kaiser Permanente Careers
3. Irvine Health & Rehabilitation Center
   • Location: Irvine, CA
   • Description: This skilled nursing facility offers long-term care and rehabilitation services. They employ CNAs to provide essential care to residents.
   • Irvine Health & Rehabilitation 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 both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: Successfully pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which consists of a written (or oral) exam and a skills evaluation.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
4. Register with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Once you pass the exam, you must register with the CDPH to be listed on the California Nurse Aide Registry.

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

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Irvine, California, is a rewarding career choice with numerous opportunities for growth and employment. Start your journey today by contacting one of the local CNA programs listed above and taking 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 Irvine?

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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine?

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