CNA Classes in South Orange, New Jersey

South Orange CNA Training - New Jersey

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 South Orange, NJ

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Orange, NJ? Becoming a CNA is a great way to enter the healthcare field, offering job stability, personal fulfillment, and opportunities for career growth. This guide will walk you through local CNA training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements in New Jersey.

About South Orange

South Orange, NJ, is a vibrant suburban community located in Essex County, just 15 miles west of New York City. Known for its charming downtown area, historic architecture, and the presence of Seton Hall University, South Orange offers a mix of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. The town is home to scenic parks like the South Mountain Reservation and a thriving arts scene centered around the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). Learn more about the town by visiting the official South Orange website.

CNA Training Programs in South Orange, NJ

If you’re looking to enroll in a CNA training program near South Orange, here are three excellent options to consider:

1. Essex County College
   Located in nearby Newark, NJ, Essex County College offers a comprehensive Nurse Aide Certification Program designed to prepare students for the New Jersey CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
   Learn more about the program here.

2. Union County College
   Situated about 10 miles south of South Orange in Cranford, NJ, Union County College provides a CNA training course that meets state requirements. The program emphasizes practical skills, patient care, and preparation for the state certification exam.
   Visit their CNA program page.

3. Hudson County Community College
   Located in Jersey City, NJ, approximately 15 miles from South Orange, Hudson County Community College offers a Nurse Aide in Long-Term Care program. This course is designed to train students for entry-level positions in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
   Find more details here.

CNA Employment Opportunities in South Orange

South Orange and the surrounding areas are home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that frequently hire CNAs. Here are some notable employers:

1. South Mountain Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center
   Located in Vauxhall, NJ, just minutes from South Orange, this facility provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. They regularly hire CNAs to assist with patient care.
   Explore their career opportunities.

2. Saint Barnabas Medical Center
   Situated in Livingston, NJ, about 5 miles from South Orange, Saint Barnabas Medical Center is part of RWJBarnabas Health. It is one of the largest healthcare providers in the region and offers a range of job opportunities for CNAs.
   Visit their careers page.

3. Green Hill Senior Living
   Located in West Orange, NJ, this senior living community offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. Green Hill frequently hires CNAs to provide compassionate care to residents.
   Learn about their employment opportunities.

CNA Certification Requirements in New Jersey

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in New Jersey, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete an Approved Training Program
   Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program that includes at least 90 hours of instruction, with a minimum of 50 hours of classroom learning and 40 hours of clinical training.

2. Pass the Competency Exam
   After completing your training, you must pass the New Jersey Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation.

3. Background Check
   All CNA candidates must undergo a criminal background check as part of the certification process.

4. Register with the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry
   Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry, allowing you to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information, visit the New Jersey Department of Health’s Nurse Aide Registry page.

Get Started Today

Becoming a CNA in South Orange, NJ, is an excellent way to start your career in healthcare. With local training programs, ample job opportunities, and a supportive community, there’s no better time to take the first step. Contact one of the schools listed above to learn more about their CNA courses and start your journey today!

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 New Jersey 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 South Orange?

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 South Orange 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 South Orange 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 South Orange?

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