CNA Classes in California

How to Compare CNA Programs

There are literally hundreds of CNA programs available throughout the State of California from a variety of institutions. With that said, it is important to be aware that they are not all the same.

Only by graduating from a program that is accredited by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are you guaranteed of becoming eligible to test for certification in the state. Even with that being the case, there are still hundreds of accredited programs to choose from (see the complete list here).

In order to help you choose the program that best meets your personal needs, it is recommended that you prepare of list of questions to ask representatives from each school that interests you. A sample of common questions that many students ask is provided below.

• How many students are assigned to each class?
• How long does the program take to complete?
• How much does tuition, equipment, and study materials cost?
• What percentage of graduates have passed the NNAAP on their first attempt?

To this list of questions, you should add any others you may have. By collecting this type of information, you can quickly narrow down the list of programs that interest you to a manageable number.

CNA Certification in California

After completing an accredited training program, you’ll become eligible to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) certification exam. This nationally-recognized assessment is the official certification test given in the State of California.

The NNAAP consists of both a multiple-choice written section, and a skills demonstration section that takes place in a clinical setting with an evaluator present. To pass the exam and earn your certification, you must receive passing scores on both halves of the test.

The exam is administered by PearsonVUE at a number of locations across the state. Contact PearsonVUE directly to schedule an exam date in your area.

What is the Job Outlook for CNAs in California?

The employment prospects for new Certified Nursing Assistants are projected to be quite strong in the years ahead – both in California and the nation as a whole.

According the May 2016 report issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for new CNAs in the state is expected to increase by 19% through 2024. This represents one of the region’s fastest growth rates for any profession.

CNA Salary Data for California

In the table below, you’ll find the most-recent data available on nursing assistant salaries in the State of California. This data was pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.