CNA Classes in Saint Helens, Oregon

Saint Helens CNA Training - Oregon

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 Saint Helens, OR

If you’re considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Saint Helens, OR, you’re in the right place. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a critical role in healthcare, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. In this article, we’ll explore the steps to becoming a CNA, local CNA training programs, employment opportunities, and the certification requirements in Oregon.

About Saint Helens

Saint Helens, Oregon, is a charming city located along the Columbia River, about 30 miles northwest of Portland. Known for its historic downtown and scenic views of the river, Saint Helens offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with easy access to the larger metropolitan area. The city is rich in history and has been featured in several popular films, including Twilight. For more information about Saint Helens, you can visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Saint Helens, OR

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Saint Helens, you’ll need to complete a state-approved CNA training program. Below are some local options for CNA courses near Saint Helens:

1. Portland Community College (PCC)
   • Location: Portland, OR (Approximately 30 miles from Saint Helens)
   • Program Overview: PCC offers a comprehensive CNA program that prepares students for the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
   • More Information: PCC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Clatsop Community College
   • Location: Astoria, OR (Approximately 50 miles from Saint Helens)
   • Program Overview: Clatsop Community College offers a CNA program that includes both CNA Level 1 and CNA Level 2 courses. Students will gain hands-on experience in local healthcare facilities.
   • More Information: Clatsop CNA Program
3. Mt. Hood Community College
   • Location: Gresham, OR (Approximately 45 miles from Saint Helens)
   • Program Overview: Mt. Hood Community College provides a state-approved CNA training program that prepares students to enter the healthcare field as entry-level nursing assistants. The program includes clinical rotations in local healthcare settings.
   • More Information: MHCC Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Saint Helens

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and earned your certification, there are several healthcare facilities in and around Saint Helens where you can seek employment. Here are some local healthcare providers:

1. Columbia River Health
   • Location: Saint Helens, OR
   • Overview: Columbia River Health is a community health center offering a variety of medical services, including primary care and behavioral health. They frequently hire CNAs to support patient care.
   • Employment Opportunities: Columbia River Health Careers
2. Avamere at St. Helens
   • Location: Saint Helens, OR
   • Overview: Avamere at St. Helens is a senior living and rehabilitation facility offering long-term care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services. CNAs are a vital part of their caregiving team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Avamere Careers
3. Legacy Health
   • Location: Portland, OR (Approximately 30 miles from Saint Helens)
   • Overview: Legacy Health operates several hospitals and clinics in the Portland metropolitan area. As one of the region’s largest healthcare systems, they offer numerous job opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Legacy Health Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Oregon

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Oregon, you must meet the following certification requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: The program must be approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). Training typically includes 75 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinical practice.

2. Pass the CNA Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Oregon CNA competency exam, which includes both a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation.

3. Background Check: A criminal background check is required before certification.

4. Registration with the Oregon State Board of Nursing: Once you pass the exam, you must apply to be placed on the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry. You can find more information about certification and the application process on the Oregon State Board of Nursing website.

Get Started Today

Becoming a CNA in Saint Helens, OR, is a fulfilling career path with plenty of opportunities for growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make a career change, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a great way to enter the healthcare field. Take the first step by contacting a local CNA training program today and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in nursing.

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 Oregon 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 Saint Helens?

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 Saint Helens 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 Saint Helens 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 Saint Helens?

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