CNA Programs in SoCal

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Hi all, I'm thinking of becoming a CNA and am looking to find out about the programs available in my area. Most of the websites that do this for you are kind of shady, so I want to ask real people. Also there is already an old topic on this here, but it's out of date and closed. I'd like to make a new one that's a more thorough resource for any Southern California prospective CNAs out there.

If you became a certified nursing assistant in Southern California, I think a lot of people could benefit from hearing where you went, how you liked it, whether it prepared you for the exam, and whether it prepared you for the actual work. Does where you go affect how potential employers see you? Also, feel free to chime in about how it's going if you're currently in a CNA program.

By the way, I have another topic here if you feel like taking a look.

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Google "accredited CNA programs in CA" and you'll find a .gov website with a list of programs.

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That's true, but the list (which is here) doesn't tell you anything about each program, and is for all of California. It's not very practical to go through the five page alphabetical list of programs in LA County to see which ones look good. And while I could narrow it down a little by the "City" column, there's still a huge amount near me. Besides, like I said, I'm wondering more about which ones people have experience with.

This list will be helpful to double check programs as being accredited, though.

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Specializes in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

The American Red Cross in LA County has programs in several cities. Orange County ROPs are also available. I am doing my program through the Coastline ROP right now. Other ROPs in the region include North Orange County, Capistrano-Laguna Beach ROP and Central Orange County ROP. Admission is based on season just like any other school and you have to take an easy assessment test before you are allowed to register. Just Google for info.

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try west la college they have a CNA program. Also Lacc but you would have to call them to make sure.

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Thanks for your replies, guys. I don't know what's up with the Red Cross, they would be my first choice I guess but it doesn't seem like they're offering any courses. Back in January or February I checked out the training within 25 miles of me and a month's time, there were options. Now when I try to filter CNA classes within 80 miles and over an entire year from now, nothing comes up at all. However, other kinds of classes do give results. I'm guessing they haven't yet scheduled classes for the whole year. I'm still surprised there was nothing at all, though. I'm planning to call them tomorrow.

Personally I'm in the San Fernando Valley, but I appreciate the OC suggestions. I'll check out West LA College too. LA Valley College (which is LACC and very close to me) has a CNA course, but it's 20 weeks (http://lavc.edu/continuinged/cte.html#cna)... That's longer than most people would prefer, I think.

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Specializes in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
Thanks for your replies, guys. I don't know what's up with the Red Cross, they would be my first choice I guess but it doesn't seem like they're offering any courses. Back in January or February I checked out the training within 25 miles of me and a month's time, there were options. Now when I try to filter CNA classes within 80 miles and over an entire year from now, nothing comes up at all. However, other kinds of classes do give results. I'm guessing they haven't yet scheduled classes for the whole year. I'm still surprised there was nothing at all, though. I'm planning to call them tomorrow.

Personally I'm in the San Fernando Valley, but I appreciate the OC suggestions. I'll check out West LA College too. LA Valley College (which is LACC and very close to me) has a CNA course, but it's 12 weeks... That's longer than most people would prefer, I think.

I had to call the Red Cross because their website is useless. (It says there are no classes but there totally is!)

American Red Cross Los Angeles Region

2227 Atlantic Blvd

Commerce CA 90047

800-627-7000

I spoke to a representative directly over the phone and received the following info:

American Red Cross CNA course / Long Beach Dates

7/10/13

8/12/13

9/13/13

However, the also do classes at these locations:

WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY REGIONAL OFFICE

6800 OWENSMOUTH AVENUE STE#140 CANOGA PARK, CA 9030

SOUTH BAY REGIONAL OFFICE

1995 WEST 190TH STREET TORRANCE, CA 9050

SANTA MONICA CHAPTER

1450 11TH STREET SANTA MONICA, CA 90401

GLENDALE/CRESCENTA VALLEY CHAPTER

1501 S BRAND BLVD GLENDALE, CA 91204

ANTELOPE VALLEY

2715 E. Avenue P

Palmdale, CA 93550

Know that the Red Cross charges $1400 for the class.

Good luck.

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Awesome, thanks! Seriously, thanks. I will definitely call them tomorrow.

Yeah, maybe there are cheaper options out there. Really, the only source of confusion in all this is the number of private, for-profit programs out there. Some of them might have better deals than the Red Cross, but in terms of narrowing them down, I don't know where to start. I can see why Red Cross charges so much—it's just the most convenient.

It turns out West LA College offers a 9-week program... I'm calling them tomorrow, too. It'd be nice to start before September, though.

On Sunday, I'll get to talk to a few CNAs at the hospital I volunteer at. See what comes of that.

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I actually took the CNA course at lavc. even though it's 20 weeks it's well worth it. You really go in depth and you have a lot of clinical time which is a great practice. unfortunately I think are the last class they will have out of the 14 years they had that program.

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oh that's good west valley is only 9 weeks nice! goodluck!

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Here is the link with all of the C.N.A. programs in the state http://www.cdph.ca.gov/services/training/Documents/CNATrainingPrograms.pdf

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