CNA Classes in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, California

About Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches, redwood forests, and the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Nestled along the northern edge of Monterey Bay, this city offers a blend of natural beauty and a lively cultural scene. Whether you’re strolling through the historic downtown or enjoying the scenic views from West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz provides an enriching environment for both residents and visitors. For more information, visit the official Santa Cruz website.

CNA Training Programs in Santa Cruz, California

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Santa Cruz, there are several local programs to consider. Here are three reputable options:

1. Cabrillo College
   • Location: Aptos, CA (just outside Santa Cruz)
   • Description: Cabrillo College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the California State Certification Exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Program Page: Cabrillo College CNA Program
2. Santa Cruz Adult School
   • Location: Santa Cruz, CA
   • Description: Santa Cruz Adult School provides a Nursing Assistant course that covers essential skills and knowledge required for a career as a CNA. The program emphasizes practical training in a healthcare setting.
   • Program Page: Santa Cruz Adult School CNA Program
3. Gavilan College
   • Location: Gilroy, CA (approximately 30 miles from Santa Cruz)
   • Description: Gavilan College offers a Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for state certification. The curriculum includes both theoretical lessons and clinical practice.
   • Program Page: Gavilan College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some prominent options:

1. Dominican Hospital
   • Location: Santa Cruz, CA (Midtown)
   • Description: Dominican Hospital is a leading healthcare facility in Santa Cruz, providing a wide range of medical services. They frequently have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Employment Opportunities: Dominican Hospital Careers
2. Pacific Coast Manor
   • Location: Capitola, CA (near Santa Cruz)
   • Description: Pacific Coast Manor is a skilled nursing facility offering short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. They employ CNAs to assist with patient care.
   • Employment Opportunities: Pacific Coast Manor Careers
3. Santa Cruz Post Acute
   • Location: Santa Cruz, CA (Eastside)
   • Description: Santa Cruz Post Acute is a rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility that provides comprehensive care to its residents. CNAs play a crucial role in their patient care team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Santa Cruz Post Acute Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in California

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in California, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved Nursing Assistant training program.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the California CNA competency exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
4. Certification: 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 Santa Cruz, California, is a rewarding decision. 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 courses and begin your journey in the healthcare field.

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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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