CNA Classes Oakland, CA

Certified Nurse Assistants work alongside nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care services in a variety of settings. They are a critical part of a healthcare delivery as they’re often the ones that are most in contact with patients. CNAs assist patients with those tasks they cannot do for themselves. In assisted living facilities, rehabilitative clinics, and long-term care facilities, the role of a CNA is more involved that the role in hospitals and other acute care settings. Nursing assistant training programs set the foundation for students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to pass the state certification exam governed by the California Department of Health. The programs use a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction to emphasize safety regulations, laws and ethics, and patient safety. Students also learn the fundamentals of taking and recording vital signs, feeding and nutrition, basic nursing principles, patient hygiene and infection control. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic, employment opportunities for CNAs will continue to grow due to the rise in the senior population and technological advances in the medical industry.

Nightingale Healthcare Professionals, LLC

Nightingale Healthcare prepares nursing assistant students for the California Certification exam. The programs comprise of nursing theory, hands-on lab, and clinical experience to give students the skills and experience they need to work in a variety of health care settings. In the classroom, students must complete the basic principles of nursing, and later transfer to a community-based facility to complete the supervised clinical. The 160-hour program meets the California Department of Health requirements, and graduates are eligible to take the state exam. Full-time students complete the course in 21 days while part-time (evening) students require 30 days to complete the curriculum. There are no pre-requisites for entry, so anyone can train to become a CNA. At the end of training, NHP assists all graduates with job placement. Classes meet from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm in the classroom and 7:00 am to 3:30 pm for clinical training.

Admission criteria:

  • No high school diploma or GED is required for admission
  • Submit a completed application and enrollment agreement
  • Provide a colored copy of photo ID and social security card
  • Complete LiveScan
  • Submit TB test results
  • Complete a physical and submit report
  • Provide record of influenza shot during flu season

Tuition is $1,250 and includes the application fee. Other fees that are the student’s responsibility include State Clearance Forms, TB test, COVID 19 test, live scan, flu shot, ARC testing fee, uniforms, white or black shoes with slip resistant sole, stethoscope, BLS/CPR certification, and watch with a second hand.

Quest Nursing Education Center

The nursing assistant program at Quest Nursing Education Center is approved by the California Department of Public Health. The training comprises of 160 hours of instruction, including 100 hours of clinical experience and 60 hours in the classroom. Instruction in the classroom and clinical components of the program includes, patients’ rights, body mechanics, patient care skills, emergency procedures, vital signs, interpersonal skills, emergency procedures, weight and measures, resident care, observation and charting. At the conclusion of training, graduates are prepared to provide safe and competent care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Students can complete the training in 4 to 6 weeks, depending on schedule.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Be eligible to work in the United States
  • Must have a valid social security card and picture ID
  • Applicants without a high school diploma or GED must take and pass the entrance exam
  • Must be able to speak and write English
  • Pass a physical health exam and a PPD skin test (or chest x-ray)
  • Obtain criminal background clearance
  • Submit a completed application online

The program cost of $1250 includes application/registration fee, books, tuition, and background check fee. The state board exam fee, fingerprinting, scrubs, blood pressure kit, and physical exam are the students’ responsibility. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

East Bay CNA

The 28-day CNA training at East Bay CNA prepares students for the California State Certification exam. Students obtain the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment to provide direct care to patients under the direction of an RN or LVN. Course modules include emergency procedures and safety, vital signs, nutrition, death and dying, patient care procedures, introduction to nurse assisting, body mechanics, medical and surgical asepsis, rehabilitative nursing, and much more. Graduates will be prepared to take the California State CNA Certification Test. They will have knowledge, skills and judgement to provide care under the direction of a registered nurse and enhance the educational career ladder opportunities in the field. The classroom sessions run from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and the clinical sessions (100 hours total) run from 6:30 am to 3:30 pm from Monday to Thursday. The duration of the program is 28 days.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete FBI fingerprints within the first week of the program
  • Provide a valid photo ID and social security card. ID must have a recent picture
  • Complete a physical exam
  • Submit a current TB test
  • Submit a completed application and non-refundable registration fee of $200

The cost of the program is $1,495. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

South Bay School of Nursing

South Bay School of Nursing offers a CNA program that adheres to the CDPH guidelines. Theory and practical instruction cover basic health care, personal care skills, patient transfers, basic nursing skills, anatomy, body mechanics, nutrition, hospice care, and communication skills. CNA students will also care for patients under the direction of a licensed nurses in a clinical setting. The coursework will prepare students for success on mandatory state certification exam. Skills training emphasize the 21 competencies for nursing aides such as reading and recording vital signs, maintaining a healthy environment, following emergency procedures, and safe transfer techniques. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the nurse aide certification exam. Morning, evening, and weekend classes are offered. Morning classes meet weekdays from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Friday from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Weekend classes meet Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete FBI fingerprints
  • Register as early as possible
  • Complete the required physical exam
  • Provide a valid photo ID and social security card. ID must have a recent picture
  • Submit a current TB test
  • Submit a completed application and non-refundable registration fee of $200

A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

The following are some additional board-approved CNA training programs in Oakland California.

Lifeline Healthcare Consultants, Inc.
675 Hegenberger Rd. Ste 250
Oakland 94621
(510) 923-1139

Oakland Adult & Career Education
2607 Myrtle St.
Oakland 94607
(510) 879-3036

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.