CNA Classes Long Beach, CA

CNAs follow basic nursing procedures to provide direct patient care to residents in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They’re often the primary caregivers in these facilities, assisting residents with bathing, dressing, meals, and movement. The California Department of Health regulates the requirements for certification and employment for California’s CNAs. Prospective candidates must complete an approved education program and pass a competency exam for inclusion on the state registry. The DOH also requires nursing assistants to receive criminal background clearance, fulfill continuing education requirements and renew their listing on the state’s registry to continue working as licensed nursing assistants.

Trident School Of Nursing

The nurse assistant training program at Trident School of Nursing prepares students for employment at nursing homes, hospitals, and long term care facilities. Course topics include nutrition, the role and function of the nurse aide, infection control, measuring and recording vital signs, range of motion exercises, communication and interpersonal skills, personal care, and hospice care. Students meet during the week for classroom training and complete clinical rotation on the weekends. Graduates are eligible to take the state exam. The duration of the program is 5 weeks. Classroom sessions meet Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm for three weeks followed by clinical sessions from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission criteria:

  • Must attend the school’s mandatory orientation
  • Complete a criminal background check
  • Pass a urine drug screen
  • Provide documentation of current immunization
  • Must have a current negative TB test
  • No high school diploma is required for admission
  • Pay the non-refundable registration fee of $250
  • Must complete and pass the CPR exam before the clinical portion of the program

The full cost of attendance is $1,900 for students who make payment in full on the first day of classes. The total cost includes tuition, CPR, live scan, textbooks, medical supplies, registration and other miscellaneous expenses. Students are responsible for paying the state certification exam fee.

  • Website:  https://tridentnursingschool.com/index.html
  • Address: 2047 1/2 Orange Ave., Long Beach 90806
  • Phone: (562) 253-0094

American Red Cross – Long Beach

The nurse assistant training program at the American Red Cross equips students for a career in the fast-growing healthcare industry. Nurse assistant instructors equip students with the skills to provide basic care to residents in long term care facilities. They learn how to assist with feeding, dressing, bathing, and providing for the residents’ overall comfort. Over the duration of 28 days and 100 hours, students learn first-hand the responsibilities of the job from Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nursing professionals. Small class sizes keep the sessions intimate – to support learning. Students also benefit from state of the art classrooms and medical equipment, lifetime membership as an ARC NAT graduate, extra tutoring sessions, resume workshop and hands-on clinical experience at a local nursing facility. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Pass a background check and drug screen
  • Submit a negative TB test
  • Meet the immunization requirements

Tuition is $1,800 inclusive of textbooks, supplies, CPR, and the state exam fee. Graduates receive job placement support upon completion of the training.

Goodwill SOLAC

Goodwill Long Beach is a state-certified CNA training academy. The nurse assistant training program comprises of classroom and clinical training, which prepares students for success on the state nurse assistant competency evaluation. Apart from state-required topics like vital signs, communication, law and ethics, personal care, medical terminology and patients’ rights, instructors also emphasize financial literacy and work readiness. Students must complete 115 hours of clinical experience. Graduates can earn articulated units towards the LVN/RN programs at Long Beach City College. They will be eligible to take the state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The duration of the program is 11 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 18 years of older
  • Must be a low-income or no-income individual
  • Obtain a clean criminal background
  • Pass a nurse entrance interview and educational assessment of ninth grade reading and math levels
  • Pay the nominal eligibility fee
  • Have a high school diploma or GED

The small eligibility fee required for entry includes the cost books, supplies, uniforms, live scan and background check, physical, and immunizations. Goodwill works with graduates to assist with job placement and/or higher educational opportunities for up to five years.

Long Beach City College

Long Beach City College offers a Certificate of Accomplishment, Nursing Assistant course (Plan Code 4630). The certificate program prepares students with basic entry-level nursing skill sets.  The Fundamentals of Nursing (VN 215) class prepares students to take the state certification exam for employment in skilled nursing facilities or entry into vocational nursing programs. Course topics include body structure and function, personal care, basic nursing skills, communication, measuring and recording vital signs, infection control, rehabilitation and restorative techniques, nutrition, and much more. Apart from the classroom and clinical rotation over the course of one semester, students must also complete four hours of vocational nursing activities in a Success Center.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Meet the reading and writing proficiency requirement
  • Attend an information meeting
  • Obtain a clear background check
  • Provide a valid photo ID and social security card

Tuition for the 6-unit class is $276 plus $150 for a health evaluation, uniform, supplies, background check, and tuberculosis screening.

  • Website: https://www.lbcc.edu/
  • Address: 4901 East Carson Street, Long Beach, CA 90808
  • Phone: (562) 938.4111

Los Angeles Skills Academy

The LA Skills Academy NAT Program meets the full requirements of the California Department of Public Health for Nurse Assistant Training in California. The comprehensive curriculum covers 160 contact hours of instruction including 60 hours theory online or in the classroom and 100 hours of supervised patient care in a long-term health facility. Students will learn through lectures, role play, demonstrations, video, and skill practice. Course topics include vital signs, nutrition, communication techniques, personal care, infection control, turning and positioning, patient safety, and basic nursing skills. Life skills such as resume writing and interview prep are included to assist students with locating a job after graduation. The school offers experienced instructors, a small student to instructor ratio, and a fast-paced and focused program.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Must have a valid social security number and photo ID
  • Complete a negative TB, physical, and flu shot
  • Obtain a clear background check
  • Fill out the registration form and make a payment

The program cost of $1,800 includes tuition and the application fee. Students are responsible for books, uniforms, background check, live scan, TB test, drug screen, and CPR certification.

JVS HealthWorks

The nursing assistant program at JVS Healthworks includes classroom lectures and clinical experiences to prepare adults for a career in healthcare. The state-approved training covers the role and function of the nurse aide, infection control, vital signs, observation and reporting, range of motion exercises, communication and interpersonal relationships, nutrition, patients’ rights and independence, patient safety, and death and dying. Students who successfully complete the requirements will be prepared to pass the California State exam to practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant. JVS provides job placement and retention assistance to all students. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. The duration of the program is 8 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must attend a mandatory orientation
  • Take and pass an admission interview
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have a valid California ID and be eligible to work in the United States
  • Complete a satisfactory drug screen
  • Pass a pre-enrollment physical exam
  • Meet the required levels of spoken and written English and basic math skills
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Applicants are admitted based on the outcome of a criminal background check
  • Must commit to perfect attendance throughout the duration of the program

The training is free.

  • Website: https://www.jvs-socal.org/
  • Address: 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90048
  • Phone: (323) 761-8888
  • Email: askus@jvs-socal.org

Hellen School for CNA

The Nurse Aide training at Hellen School for CNA is approved by the CDPH and Bureau of Post Secondary Education. In accordance with state guidelines, the curriculum includes theory and hands-on training. The classroom sessions will cover all that is needed to pass the written nurse aide competency exam and includes preparation for direct patient care during the clinical component of the training. Some areas covered include measuring and recording vitals signs, feeding, bathing and dressing patients, making beds, assisting patients with movement, communicating effectively with patients, families, and the health care team, use of restraints, respecting patients’ rights, and collaborating with the nursing team. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the state exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Classes meet 7 days a week from Mondays through Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm or 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm for clinical rotations. The duration of the program is 4 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Attend a scheduled orientation
  • Pass a pre-admission exam
  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
  • Must have current CPR certification
  • Submit to a drug screen
  • Provide a report of negative TB test
  • Provide a valid ID or social security card

Tuition for the program is $2,000. It includes uniforms, Live Scan, CPR-BLS, textbooks, materials, and the state exam fee. Resume and job placement assistance are available for all graduates.

  • Website: https://hellenschoolforcna.net/
  • Address: 2047 Orange Avenue, Long Beach, California 90806
  • Phone: (562) 241-4001/ (714) 507-8270
  • Email: hellenbush@gmail.com

Healthcare Career College 

The Nurse Assistant program at Healthcare Career College provides adults with the necessary knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism needed to provide the highest quality care to patients in long-term care facilities. The curriculum covers 160 hours of theory and hands-on training in the school’s lab and clinical sites. Course topics include taking vitals, communication, comfort and stress relief, assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring dietary/liquid intake and output, repositioning patients, bed-making, oral hygiene, personal care and grooming, and positioning and transfers. Students will spend 60 hours in the classroom followed by 100 hours at the clinical site. The duration of the program is 8 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Meet with an Admissions Representative
  • Must be at least 16 years old. Applicants under 18 must have a parent of guardian co-sign the enrollment agreement
  • Complete and submit a Healthcare Career College application form
  • Take and pass the Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum grade of 13
  • Complete and sign the enrollment documents
  • Complete a satisfactory background check
  • Provide a valid photo ID and social security card

The program cost of $2,275 includes tuition, registration fee, learning media, uniforms, lab supplies, and other materials.

Allegiance Career Institute

The nursing assistant program at Allegiance Career Institute is offered in person or online hybrid format. Experienced instructors will facilitate in-class lectures followed by clinical rotations where students will learn weights and measures, rehabilitative nursing, emergency procedures, nutrition, body mechanics, patient’s rights, death and dying, patient care skills, communication/interpersonal skills, medical and surgical asepsis, observation and charting, and long-term care patient. The curriculum covers 160 hours of instruction. ACI offers experienced instructors, job placement assistance, small class sizes, state of the art technologies, and hands-on training opportunities. Various class schedules are offered. The weekday course meets Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm for 4 weeks. The weekend course meets Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm for 10 weeks. The evening program meets Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm for 8 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a copy of a physical exam and TB test or chest x-ray completed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. Must not be older than 3 months
  • Submit a record of Live Scan fingerprinting – available on campus
  • Must have current Basic Life Support (CPR) training – available on campus
  • Must provide a record of influenza vaccination
  • Complete Covid-19 testing (at the clinical training site)
  • Provide a valid state driver license or identification card
  • Must have a social security card
  • Provide a US passport or birth certificate or valid permanent resident card or work authorization card
  • Provide a copy of high school diploma or transcript – school entrance exam may be taken as an alternative to a high school diploma
  • Pay the non-refundable registration fee of $150

Tuition costs $1,700.

Los Angeles Southwest College

LASC offers a nursing assistant program that prepares students for certification in the State of California. Students will learn principles of patient care, safety and emergency procedures, infection control, body mechanics, nutrition, observation and charting, patients’ rights, and providing physical care and emotional support. The curriculum includes 72 hours of theory and 112 hours of clinical practice. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Achievement as an indication of their abilities to care for patients in acute and long-term facilities. They will demonstrate critical thinking, communication skills, logic, organizational skills, and much more. The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health so those who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply to take the state of California certification examination for CNA. The duration of the program is 10 weeks. Classes meet in the evening from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Clinical sessions are from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. Students are expected to attend all classrooms to complete the program.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the prerequisite course – Health 12: Safety Education & First Aid
  • Submit an Application for Admission to Southwest College and secure a student ID number
  • Complete a Nursing Assistant Program Application
  • Complete a satisfactory physical examination – no more than two months prior to the application date
  • Provide proof of vaccination or titer for tetanus, hepatitis B, MMR, negative TB test, varicella, and flu shot
  • Complete a satisfactory drug screen
  • Provide a copy of current American Heart Association CPR card for the Healthcare Provider
  • Proof of malpractice insurance coverage that includes $1,000,000 single occurrence & $3,000,000 aggregate

The enrollment fee is $644. Expenses for books, supplies, and fees are not included.

Regan Career Institute

Regan Career Institute prepares adults for state certification through its accredited nurse assistant training. The program covers theory and hands-on training in effective teamwork, dressing patients, personal care, effective communication, nutrition and feeding, personal care and grooming, safe toileting, and assisting with mobility. Graduates of the California Department of Public Health approved course will receive a certificate of eligibility to take the State Competency Test through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) / American Red Cross. The duration of the program is 5 to 10 weeks depending on the schedule chosen. Weekend and daytime schedules are available. Weekend classes meet Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm for 10 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Provide a copy of a high school diploma and transcript from an approved institution or a GED
  • Must have a valid ID and social security card
  • Submit an application for admission
  • Provide physical exam results indicating up-to-date immunization
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Must have current CPR certification

Tuition for the program is $2,095.

  • Website: https://rci.edu/
  • Address: 11350 Valley Blvd. El Monte, CA 91731
  • Phone: 1-(626) 455-0312
  • Email: Info@RCI.EDU

Crystal G

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.