How to become a CNA in California?

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Hi

I have been looking online every where and I cannot seem to find a decent CNA program. Can anyone tell me if you know of any good CNA schools in California. Length of the program. I have a bachelors degree in Biology and I am just waiting to apply for Accelerated BSN programs so on my free time I wanted to get my CNA certificate. So please let me know if you know of any short CNA programs, I am looking for something that I can complete in 2 months. Thanks for your help.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Are you in Southern or Northern California? What county, and when were you looking to complete it by? If you're near Orange County there are several, and I know of a few in LA County as well that are close to Glendora, Pomona, etc. All the ones I came across are 8 weeks.

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yes I live in Orange County (Irvine). I know that the red cross also offers a 4 week course, but its like $1,000 which is way to expensive. I found out of a ROP course, but its 9 weeks and its around $250 which is cheap, but I was just looking for something shorter than 9 weeks, like the red cross one, but its way to expensive. So please let me know if you know of any programs that are short and cheap thanks.

PS I heard that some nursing homes offer CNA classes for free, do you know if that is true and where I could possibly find that?

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

How funny. I'm like a 5 minute drive from Irvine!

$1000?! WOW!!! That has to be because it's so accelerated. Yeah every school I originally looked into was 8-9 weeks. So I think it's either going to be a ton of dough, or a few extra weeks. Maybe check out: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ or http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/rp/cna.asp#L

I just started my program last week actually. It's 8 weeks and was around $250-$300 with EVERYTHING. But then again, it's about 40-45 minutes from where we live!

I don't know how long it is, but Long Beach City College has a CNA equivalent course. If you haven't already, try looking into them and check out:

1. North Orange County ROP (Anaheim)

2. Coastline ROP

3. Central County ROP

4. Long Beach ROP

As for the nursing homes offering CNA classes -- I've read that a few times in the message boards on here, but I've never heard of any actually doing that around here. That would definitely be a research project I'm afraid!! Hope this helped a little.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I just realized I didn't even bother to pay any attention to your user name. I think that would have helped with the whole Orange County deal huh?! haha Long day in class, sorry!! :smackingf:

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I just started my program last week actually. It's 8 weeks and was around $250-$300 with EVERYTHING. But then again, it's about 40-45 minutes from where we live!

Hi, which program is this? i'm interested. when is the next start date?

thank you

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Does anyone know how much a brand new CNA will make per hour?

I am finishing pre-reqs for a second degree Bachelors in Nursing. I will be applying in the fall.

At my current job, which is not in the medical field, hours have been cut left and right. I made good money last year but this year my salary is a third of last year.

I figured I could do a one month CNA program and get some hospital experience before I start the ABSN fall 2010.

I can't get a definitive answer on hourly pay for CNAs. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Anyone know starting pay with no experience? I have heard 18 USD an hour but that seems high.

Thank you in advance.

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Hello, I worked as a CNA over the summer. I am also working on my BSN and wanted some experience. Your wage as a CNA will depend on where you work (I heard northern california pays the best) and whether you are hired on as Per Diem or regular employee. Per Diem employees are payed higher because you do not receive medical benefits. Also, you may get a differential if you work night shift. I worked in Southern California, PerDiem with night shifts and earned $16/hour including the differential. Hope this helps! =) Good luck!

Does anyone know how much a brand new CNA will make per hour?

I am finishing pre-reqs for a second degree Bachelors in Nursing. I will be applying in the fall.

At my current job, which is not in the medical field, hours have been cut left and right. I made good money last year but this year my salary is a third of last year.

I figured I could do a one month CNA program and get some hospital experience before I start the ABSN fall 2010.

I can't get a definitive answer on hourly pay for CNAs. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Anyone know starting pay with no experience? I have heard 18 USD an hour but that seems high.

Thank you in advance.

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Hello, I worked as a CNA over the summer. I am also working on my BSN and wanted some experience. Your wage as a CNA will depend on where you work (I heard northern california pays the best) and whether you are hired on as Per Diem or regular employee. Per Diem employees are payed higher because you do not receive medical benefits. Also, you may get a differential if you work night shift. I worked in Southern California, PerDiem with night shifts and earned $16/hour including the differential. Hope this helps! =) Good luck!

Hi laluna,

I am in Orange county and very interested in becoming a CNA, and I will need to work nights due to my childcare issues :) this is good news to hear being that nights Cna's make more $$ :) :) can you tell me what type of facilities pay the most and how many hours the shift? are they 3/12's or the usual 8 hours, 5 days? what can you recommend I do to get started? sorry for all the questions, but your insights would be great to have!

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The Red Cross offers a 22-day CNA course but it's 1,500.00. With everything included. When you're done with the course you're ready to get a job.

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