Nightmoon

I just wanted to follow up on this thread I started, in case someone searches for SacMed Training. I ended taking the CNA course at SacMed Training in Sacramento, Ca. I did the clinical portion at Arden Acute Rehab. I can not say enough good stuff about the school. I felt overwhelmed because it's 21 days and a lot to remember, but I went home every night and studied for at least a few hours. I was not impressed with Arden Acute Rehab facility, however it is just for training and SacMed does not always use them for clinical. The State test was in Yuba City, and was given through the Redcross. I passed both the written and skills test. My class included 16 students and only two did not pass the skills portion and one failed the written. I think the school has a good CNA program but it's really important for a student to show up everyday and take it seriously if they want to become certified.

Sacramento California, New grads approx $9.00 to $12.00 in LTC, and for the most part no benefits. However my niece (CNA) did get a job in a LTC facility and after working six months did get a raise to $11.00 and will be able to get some benefits after a year. I have been told that CNA's in my area, need a least one year LTC experience before applying anywhere else, like hospitals or prisons.

Tiffannij, Thanks for bumping this topic, wow interesting read. Where abouts are you located? Here in Northern California (Sacramento area), I see maybe 1 or 2 MA job offers a month and same 'ol thing, minimum one year experience... Yikes ! However, CNA job openings are plentiful.

Hi, I say jump ! Since you only have two years invested at the Dr's office, now would be the time for a change. LTC offering a class is a huge plus, and even more so if it's free or inexpensive. Nursing homes do offer schedule flexibility, and what you save on gas & vehicle wear and tear will make up for the hourly rate difference. If you decide later that it's not for you, then at least you still have the medical records experience to fall back on. I was a Bookkeeper for many years and hated it ! I became an HHA and now starting school in a few weeks to be a CNA. I could not be any happier, and feel that it's so important to do something that you can enjoy. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Hi, Well I think it really depends on the area in general. I am in California near Sacramento, and there are job postings that offer between $9.00 and $12.00 hr, most do not include benefits. I've noticed Other cities further north offer a little higher pay, and these are all for nursing home care. I am starting in a CNA program in a few weeks, for the last three years I have worked as a HHA and found that I can get better pay by working as an independent. I lucked out and was able to become an approved Caregiver for a local retirement community and I make between $12.50 and $15.00 an hour, but I have to pay for my own health insurance.

MAtoLVN, I can't send private messages yet. Thank you for the note, a valid point and something I had not even thought about.

Very true! When I told people that I was going to become a CNA and work with elderly, I got some negative remarks. "Oh I could never do that" ...... Well, I can, and I will. :)

Hello Everyone, I am deciding between two CNA programs. One is at Sac Med Tech in Sacramento Ca, The training breaks down to 50 hours of theory and 100 hours for clinical at a local nursing home. Cost approx $1,100. 21 days to complete. The second school is through a local Adult Community Program. They could not give me a break down of hours but complete training is 222 hours. Cost $2,100. 9 weeks to complete. The nursing home is ACC (Asian Community Care) where the clinical part takes place. It's about 20 miles one way from where I live, but it is one of the nices upscale nursing homes in the Sacramento area. I have been working as a Home Health Aide for close to 3 years, however only private in home. My question is, would it be necessary to have a lot more on the job training before taking the California State Test? Given the fact of the extra thousand dollars plus gas money to ACC ? Could really use some opinions on this. Very Much appreciated