CNA Classes in Oakland, California

Oakland 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 Oakland, California

Are you considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Oakland, California? This rewarding profession offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of patients while working in a dynamic healthcare environment. This article will guide you through the steps to become a CNA, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements in California.

About Oakland

Oakland, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and scenic beauty. With landmarks such as Lake Merritt, the Oakland Museum of California, and the historic Fox Theater, Oakland offers a rich blend of urban and natural attractions. For more information about the city, visit the official website of Oakland.

CNA Training Programs in Oakland, California

If you’re looking to become a nursing assistant in Oakland, there are several local schools offering CNA programs and courses. Here are three prominent options:

1. Merritt College
   • Location: 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619
   • Program Description: Merritt College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the California State Certification Exam. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Website: Merritt College Nursing Assistant Program
2. American Red Cross – Bay Area Chapter
   • Location: 3901 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
   • Program Description: The American Red Cross provides a CNA training program that combines classroom learning with practical training. The program emphasizes patient care, safety, and communication skills.
   • Website: American Red Cross CNA Training
3. Peralta Community College District
   • Location: 333 East 8th Street, Oakland, CA 94606
   • Program Description: Peralta Community College District offers a Nursing Assistant program that includes theoretical instruction and clinical practice. Students are trained to provide high-quality care in various healthcare settings.
   • Website: Peralta Community College District Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Oakland

Once you have completed your CNA training, there are numerous employment opportunities in Oakland. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where you can start your career:

1. Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center
   • Location: 3600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
   • Description: Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare provider offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Website: Kaiser Permanente Careers
2. Highland Hospital
   • Location: 1411 E 31st St, Oakland, CA 94602
   • Description: Highland Hospital is part of the Alameda Health System and provides comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. They regularly hire CNAs.
   • Website: Highland Hospital Careers
3. Piedmont Gardens
   • Location: 110 41st St, Oakland, CA 94611
   • Description: Piedmont Gardens is a senior living community that offers skilled nursing care, memory care, and rehabilitation services. They often have job openings for CNAs.
   • Website: Piedmont Gardens 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 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 Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the California CNA competency exam, which consists of a written test and a skills evaluation.

3. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check and fingerprinting.

4. Certification Application: Apply for certification through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Oakland, California, is a fulfilling and impactful choice. With the right training and dedication, you can make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Contact one of the local schools today to begin your journey 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 Oakland?

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 Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland?

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 November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 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 Oakland is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out California CNA Salary info.