CNA Classes in Sonora, California

Sonora 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 Sonora, CA

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Sonora, CA, you’re making a great choice. CNAs are in high demand, and Sonora offers a welcoming community and access to quality healthcare facilities where you can make a difference. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming a CNA in Sonora, from local training programs to employment opportunities, and the certification requirements in California.

About Sonora

Sonora, located in the heart of California’s Gold Country, is a small historic town with a rich history dating back to the Gold Rush era. Known for its charming downtown, scenic landscapes, and proximity to Yosemite National Park, Sonora offers a unique blend of small-town living with access to outdoor adventures. For more information about the town and its amenities, you can visit the City of Sonora’s official website.

CNA Training Programs in Sonora, CA

To become a certified nursing assistant in Sonora, you’ll need to complete a state-approved CNA training program. Below are a few schools offering CNA programs in or near Sonora:

1. Columbia College – Sonora, CA
   • Location: Sonora, CA
   • Program Overview: Columbia College offers a Nursing Assistant course designed to prepare students for the California CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in local healthcare facilities.
   • Program Details: Columbia College CNA Program
2. Calaveras High School Adult Education – San Andreas, CA
   • Location: Approximately 20 miles from Sonora
   • Program Overview: This adult education program offers a comprehensive CNA course, preparing students for the state certification exam. The program includes both theory and clinical practice.
   • Program Details: Calaveras High School Adult Education
3. Modesto Junior College – Modesto, CA
   • Location: Approximately 50 miles from Sonora
   • Program Overview: Modesto Junior College offers a state-approved CNA program that covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and clinical rotations in healthcare facilities.
   • Program Details: Modesto Junior College CNA Program

If you’re looking for CNA schools closer to Sonora, Columbia College is the most local option, while Calaveras High School and Modesto Junior College are nearby alternatives.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Sonora

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities in Sonora and surrounding areas where you can seek employment. Below are some of the major healthcare employers in Sonora:

1. Adventist Health Sonora
   • Location: Sonora, CA
   • About: Adventist Health Sonora is a full-service hospital offering a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. As one of the largest healthcare providers in the area, Adventist Health Sonora regularly hires CNAs to support patient care.
   • Employment Opportunities: Adventist Health Sonora Careers
2. Avalon Health Care – Sonora
   • Location: Sonora, CA
   • About: Avalon Health Care Center is a skilled nursing facility providing long-term care, rehabilitation, and therapy services. CNAs play a crucial role in supporting the daily needs of residents.
   • Employment Opportunities: Avalon Health Care Careers
3. Sonora Senior Living
   • Location: Sonora, CA
   • About: Sonora Senior Living offers assisted living and memory care services. CNAs are often needed to provide personal care and support to elderly residents.
   • Employment Opportunities: Sonora Senior Living

These facilities provide excellent opportunities for newly certified CNAs to begin their careers in healthcare, and each regularly posts job openings for nursing assistants.

CNA Certification Requirements in California

To become a CNA in California, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Programs typically consist of 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 includes both a written test and a skills evaluation.

3. Submit to a Criminal Background Check: All CNA applicants in California must undergo a background check, including fingerprinting.

4. Register with the California Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam and meet all requirements, you’ll need to register with the California Nurse Aide Registry to receive your official certification.

For more information on certification requirements, visit the California Department of Public Health and the California Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Sonora, CA, is a rewarding career path with plenty of opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. Whether you choose to enroll in a local program at Columbia College or explore nearby options, now is the perfect time to begin your journey. Contact a school today to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step toward your new career as a nursing assistant!

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 Sonora?

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 Sonora 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 Sonora 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 Sonora?

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