CNA Classes in Gretna, Louisiana

Gretna CNA Training - Louisiana

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 Gretna, Louisiana

About Gretna

Gretna, Louisiana, located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, is a charming city known for its historic downtown district and vibrant cultural scene. As part of the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area, Gretna offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. To learn more about this city, visit the official Gretna website.

CNA Training Programs in Gretna, Louisiana

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gretna, Louisiana, several local schools offer excellent nursing assistant programs:

1. Delgado Community College
   • Location: New Orleans, LA (approximately 5 miles from Gretna)
   • Description: Delgado Community College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Program Page: Delgado Community College Nursing Assistant Program
2. Nunez Community College
   • Location: Chalmette, LA (approximately 10 miles from Gretna)
   • Description: Nunez Community College provides a Nursing Assistant program that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as CNAs. The curriculum covers essential topics such as patient care, safety, and communication.
   • Program Page: Nunez Community College Nursing Assistant Program
3. River Parishes Community College
   • Location: Reserve, LA (approximately 30 miles from Gretna)
   • Description: River Parishes Community College offers a Nursing Assistant program that combines classroom instruction with practical training in a healthcare setting. Graduates are well-prepared to take the CNA certification exam.
   • Program Page: River Parishes Community College Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Gretna

Gretna and the surrounding areas offer numerous employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find job openings:

1. Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus
   • Location: Gretna, LA
   • Description: Ochsner Medical Center’s West Bank Campus is a full-service hospital providing a wide range of medical services. CNAs can find opportunities in various departments, including patient care and support services.
   • Employment Opportunities: Ochsner Health Careers
2. West Jefferson Medical Center
   • Location: Marrero, LA (approximately 3 miles from Gretna)
   • Description: West Jefferson Medical Center is a leading healthcare facility offering comprehensive medical services to the community. CNAs can explore various roles within the hospital.
   • Employment Opportunities: West Jefferson Medical Center Careers
3. St. Joseph of Harahan
   • Location: Harahan, LA (approximately 10 miles from Gretna)
   • Description: St. Joseph of Harahan is a long-term care facility providing compassionate care to its residents. CNAs play a crucial role in delivering quality care and support to patients.
   • Employment Opportunities: St. Joseph of Harahan Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Louisiana

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Louisiana, you must meet the following certification requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and successfully complete a state-approved nursing assistant program.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: 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: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the certification process.
4. State Registration: Apply for certification with the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry.

For more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Gretna, Louisiana, is a rewarding and fulfilling choice. With several excellent CNA training programs and ample employment opportunities in the area, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact a local school today to learn more about their nursing assistant programs and take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare.

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 Louisiana 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 Gretna?

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 Gretna 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 Gretna 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 Gretna?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Louisiana, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Louisiana, 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 Gretna is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Louisiana CNA Salary info.