CNA Classes in Ridgecrest, California

Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest, California

About Ridgecrest

Ridgecrest, California, is a charming city located in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert. Known for its close proximity to the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Ridgecrest offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. The city is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes and is a gateway to outdoor adventures. For more information about Ridgecrest, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Ridgecrest, California

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ridgecrest, California, there are several local options to consider for your training:

1. Cerro Coso Community College
   • Location: Ridgecrest, CA
   • Program: The CNA program at Cerro Coso Community College offers comprehensive training that includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program prepares students to take the California State Certification Exam.
   • Cerro Coso Community College CNA Program
2. Bakersfield Adult School
   • Location: Bakersfield, CA (approximately 110 miles from Ridgecrest)
   • Program: Bakersfield Adult School provides a well-rounded CNA program that covers essential nursing skills and patient care techniques. The program includes both theoretical and practical components.
   • Bakersfield Adult School CNA Program
3. San Joaquin Valley College
   • Location: Lancaster, CA (approximately 120 miles from Ridgecrest)
   • Program: San Joaquin Valley College offers a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in healthcare settings. The curriculum includes classroom learning and clinical practice.
   • San Joaquin Valley College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Ridgecrest

After completing your CNA training, various healthcare facilities in Ridgecrest offer employment opportunities for nursing assistants:

1. Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
   • Location: Ridgecrest, CA
   • Description: Ridgecrest Regional Hospital is a full-service hospital providing a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and long-term care. The hospital frequently hires CNAs to support patient care.
   • Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Employment Opportunities
2. High Desert Haven
   • Location: Ridgecrest, CA
   • Description: High Desert Haven is a senior living community offering assisted living and memory care services. CNAs play a crucial role in providing daily care and support to residents.
   • High Desert Haven Employment Opportunities
3. Bella Sera Skilled Nursing
   • Location: Ridgecrest, CA
   • Description: Bella Sera Skilled Nursing provides rehabilitation and long-term care services. The facility employs CNAs to assist with patient care and rehabilitation activities.
   • Bella Sera Skilled Nursing Employment Opportunities

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: You must complete a CNA training program approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
2. Pass the Competency Evaluation Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation.
3. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
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 Ridgecrest, California, is a rewarding decision. With the right training and dedication, you can make a significant impact in the healthcare field. Contact a local school today to begin your journey towards becoming a CNA and start making a difference in your community.

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 Ridgecrest?

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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest?

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