Free CNA Training from the American Red Cross Comes with a Certificate
In California, the American Red Cross offers free training to future nursing assistant students throughout the state. This is a great opportunity for students looking to build a career in the healthcare industry or for adults interested in a career change. Certification upon completion of the American Red Cross training program is through the State of California and can only be taken at authorized testing locations. To find out which American Red Cross locations offer nursing assistant training in California, visit their website or your local American Red Cross facility.
What is a CNA?
A CNA, or certified nursing assistant, works in a health care setting to provide basic care to patients. Sometimes called nursing assistants or nurses’ aides, CNAs work under the direction of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) and are trained to help patients with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing, as well as checking patients’ vital signs.
How to Become a CNA
To become a CNA, you typically need to complete a state-approved training program and pass a state certification exam, which consists of a written portion and a practical skills portion. You can check with the agency that administers this training in your state for training eligibility requirements, such as minimum age or education. Note that individual training programs may have additional requirements. Once you complete training and pass the CNA certification exam, you can be placed on your state’s roster of nursing assistants.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA?
Certified nursing assistant training programs in California take approximately 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your progress. Training courses include both classroom and clinical work.
CNA Salary, Career Growth, and Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the future for CNAs is bright. Overall employment is expected to grow 4% between now and 2032. This means there will be 210,000 job openings per year over the next decade. While wages will vary depending on where you live and the type of facility you work for, the average salary for a CNA in the United States is $35,760 (as of May 2022*).
Where do CNAs work?
CNAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices, and home care.
What do CNAs do?
While it depends on the healthcare setting you choose, CNAs provide comfort and care to patients who are sick, injured, or disabled (or who simply need extra help caring for themselves). Depending on the setting, some common duties may include:
Dressing, bathing, grooming, feeding and toileting
Taking vital signs
Infection control
Turning or changing positions in bed
Making beds
Responding to patient calls
Assisting with range of motion exercises
Preparing rooms for new patients and more
CNA Certification Information
In the state of California, all individuals who wish to become a Certified Nursing Assistant must meet all course requirements before taking the state certification exam. Certification upon completion of the American Red Cross training program is through the State of California and can only be taken at an authorized testing location.
How long does it take to get CNA certified?
Most CNA programs take between 4 to 12 weeks. This is divided into classroom and clinical practices.
How to apply?
You can access cna training programs in California at https://nursingcareertips.com/free-cna-training/california/ and to find out which American Red Cross locations offer nursing assistant training in California, visit their website or your local American Red Cross agency