What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?
A C.N.A., which stands for Certified Nursing Assistant, helps and reports to registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in various medical settings. A Certified Nursing Assistant’s main duties and responsibilities are to deliver basic care to the patients. Some essential job functions are to:
Help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming
Take patient’s vital signs
Prepare and serve meals
Administer medication
Clean and sanitize patient’s rooms
What Do you Have to Do to Become a C.N.A.?
Step 1: Find C.N.A. Programs in your Area
Find Certified Nursing Aide programs or go to Caregiverlist’s C.N.A school directory to research the requirements for acceptance into a program. The average California C.N.A. school cost is $1,320 and only schools with approved programs by the California state health department may offer the nursing aide certification training.
Step 2: Complete State Approved Training Requirements
California requires that Certified Nursing Assistant complete a minimum of 160 training hours before taking the certification exam. This is made up of 100 hours of practical training and 60 hours of in-class coursework.
Step 3: Pass C.N.A. Certification Exam
Once the coursework and training hours are complete, passing the state-approved C.N.A. certification exam is your last step before becoming a certified nursing assistant. Consider taking a C.N.A. practice test to refresh your nursing aide knowledge and to review the types of questions presented on the exam.
Step 4: Find C.N.A. Jobs
Senior care companies, assisted living communities, nursing facilities, and hospitals are always looking to hire certified nursing assistants. Fill out our job application to apply to all C.N.A. and caregiver jobs near you.
Step 5: Continuing Education
Furthering your skillset is an important factor to a successful healthcare career. Buy a certified digital caregiver training course that complies with the 10 hours of training mandated by California state law.
C.N.A. Salary and Career Outlook
The average C.N.A. salary in California is $14.96 per hour and is projected to growth 18% over the next 10 years. This is because as the baby-boomer population ages, more C.N.A.’s will be needed in long -term care facilities.
Begin your healthcare career by receiving a free C.N.A. class application or by purchasing Caregiverlist’s digital caregiver training.
