CNA Classes in Shafter, California

Shafter 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 Shafter, California

About Shafter

Shafter, California, is a charming city located in Kern County. Known for its rich agricultural history and welcoming community, Shafter offers a serene lifestyle with easy access to larger cities like Bakersfield. The city boasts attractions such as the Shafter Depot Museum and Minter Field Air Museum. For more information about Shafter, visit the official Shafter city website.

CNA Training Programs in Shafter, California

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Shafter, California, there are several excellent programs nearby:

1. Bakersfield Adult School
   • Location: Bakersfield, CA (approximately 19 miles from Shafter)
   • Program Description: Bakersfield Adult School offers a comprehensive CNA program that prepares students for the state certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Nursing Assistant Program Page
2. Cerro Coso Community College
   • Location: Ridgecrest, CA (approximately 90 miles from Shafter)
   • Program Description: Cerro Coso Community College provides a Nurse Assistant course that covers essential skills and knowledge needed for a career as a CNA. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Nursing Assistant Program Page
3. San Joaquin Valley College – Bakersfield Campus
   • Location: Bakersfield, CA (approximately 19 miles from Shafter)
   • Program Description: San Joaquin Valley College offers a Nursing Assistant program that equips students with the skills required to excel in healthcare settings. The program combines classroom learning with clinical practice.
   • Nursing Assistant Program Page

CNA Employment Opportunities in Shafter

Shafter and its surrounding areas have several healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find employment opportunities:

1. Shafter Health Care Center
   • Location: Shafter, CA
   • Description: Shafter Health Care Center is a skilled nursing facility offering a range of services, including rehabilitation and long-term care. They frequently seek qualified CNAs to join their team.
   • Employment Opportunities
2. Kern Medical
   • Location: Bakersfield, CA (approximately 19 miles from Shafter)
   • Description: Kern Medical is a comprehensive healthcare facility providing a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized medical treatments. They offer numerous employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities
3. Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
   • Location: Bakersfield, CA (approximately 19 miles from Shafter)
   • Description: Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield is part of the Dignity Health network, providing high-quality healthcare services. They have various openings for CNAs in different departments.
   • 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 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 Examination: After completing the training program, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
4. Application: Apply for certification through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

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

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Shafter, California, is a rewarding decision. With several excellent training programs nearby and numerous employment opportunities in the healthcare sector, now is the perfect time to start. Contact a school today to begin your journey towards 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 Shafter?

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 Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter?

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