CNA Classes in La Mesa, California

La Mesa 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 La Mesa, California

About La Mesa

La Mesa, known as the “Jewel of the Hills,” is a charming city located in San Diego County, California. With its picturesque neighborhoods, vibrant downtown area, and a strong sense of community, La Mesa offers an ideal environment for aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). For more information about the city, visit the official La Mesa website.

CNA Training Programs in La Mesa, California

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in La Mesa, there are several excellent training programs available nearby. Here are three notable options:

1. Grossmont Health Occupations Center
   • Location: Santee, CA (approximately 5 miles from La Mesa)
   • Description: Grossmont Health Occupations Center offers a comprehensive CNA program designed to prepare students for the California State Certification Exam. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Program Link: Grossmont Health Occupations Center CNA Program
2. San Diego College of Continuing Education
   • Location: San Diego, CA (approximately 10 miles from La Mesa)
   • Description: This institution provides a Nursing Assistant program that covers essential skills and knowledge required for entry-level nursing positions. The program includes classroom lectures, lab practice, and clinical rotations.
   • Program Link: San Diego College of Continuing Education CNA Program
3. Health Occupations Center – East County
   • Location: El Cajon, CA (approximately 7 miles from La Mesa)
   • Description: The Health Occupations Center in East County offers a CNA training course that prepares students for the state certification exam through a mix of theoretical instruction and practical training.
   • Program Link: Health Occupations Center CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in La Mesa

La Mesa is home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some key employers in the area:

1. Sharp Grossmont Hospital
   • Description: Located in the nearby city of La Mesa, Sharp Grossmont Hospital is a leading healthcare provider offering a wide range of medical services. The hospital frequently has openings for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Sharp Grossmont Hospital Careers
2. Mount Miguel Covenant Village
   • Description: A senior living community in Spring Valley, CA, Mount Miguel Covenant Village provides various levels of care, including skilled nursing. They offer employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Mount Miguel Covenant Village Careers
3. La Mesa Healthcare Center
   • Description: This skilled nursing facility offers long-term care and rehabilitation services. They often have job openings for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: La Mesa Healthcare 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 Training Program: The program must include at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training.
2. Pass the Competency Evaluation Exam: This exam includes a written test and a skills test.
3. Submit Fingerprints and Pass a Background Check: All prospective CNAs must undergo a criminal background check.
4. Apply for Certification: Submit an application to 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 La Mesa, California, is a rewarding and fulfilling choice. With numerous training programs and employment opportunities available, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a local school today to learn more about their CNA programs and start your journey toward a promising 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 La Mesa?

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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa?

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