CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Los Angeles, California (CA)

According to current figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified nursing assistant and healthcare support occupation jobs are growing in number quite substantially. Over the course of the next ten years, it is anticipated that the entire market will increase by 20% to 34%. What does this mean for you? It means that you might just find yourself a dream career after taking CNA classes in Los Angeles.

Information about CNA Jobs in Los Angeles

The first thing to discover is the right sort of CNA work for your interests or particular skill set. The best tactic is to use one of the many CNA-friendly job portals appearing on the Internet. Among the most useful are:

• CNA.Jobs-to-Careers.com
• HealthCareerWeb.com

At these sites you find a very clear view of the job market for CNAs in Los Angeles, and its surrounding regions. If you want to do a very basic search you can use some of the most popular employment sites like Monster.com, SimplyHired.com, and Indeed.com

You can also find almost instant employment if you use a staffing agency. The Los Angeles area has a few very reputable services and programs that include:

• SecureNursing.com
• PremierNursing.com

Regardless of the method used to find work, you will always need to demonstrate CNA training and licensing if you are to become a CNA or other similar medical support professional.

Details about CNA Classes and Licensing Requirements in Los Angeles

The job description for the CNA in Los Angeles is no different from that which appears in many other areas. It will be a career in which you provide basic patient care under the direction of a nursing staff. You will feed, bathe, dress, groom, and move patients. You will also change linens and handle a few other similar tasks. All of these duties require that you are recognized by the Department of Health Services or the DHS.

To obtain licensing you have to pass one of the DHS approved CNA programs (of which there are hundreds) from an accredited institution. You must have a criminal background check and a series of health screenings. You must complete at least 150 hours of CNA classes and clinical training programs and you must pass the Competency Exam. With all of this done successfully, you are then put on the DHS Nurse Aide Registry.

This approach is unique and not very similar to the methods used in other states. You can apply for reciprocity of your CNA credentials from other states, but will still have to provide a lot of documentation and pass the criminal and health screenings too.   If you wish to take the California certification outside of the state, you would then be required to pass the appropriate exams for that region, etc.

CNA Training Programs in Los Angeles

While many cities have a few dozen locations and programs for CNA training, Los Angeles has many more. For example, in addition to traditional career institutions, colleges, and professional schools, there are adult training programs, community centers, and even some health care facilities. The Red Cross also administers testing to help students with affordability issues.

The following locations are among the most frequently chosen for CNA training in Los Angeles:

• LA Vocational Institute, Los Angeles – offers  8 week programs.
• West LA College, Culver City, Los Angeles – offers 9 week CNA programs that prepare students for state certification

You can also visit the California Department of Education website to find out about all of the approved California Nursing Programs for CNAs.

Information about Key Employers

With roughly 140 hospitals in the Los Angeles and the surrounding area, plus dozens of skilled nursing facilities and homes in the county, it will be easy to find many employment opportunities. Below are the largest and best hospitals in Los Angeles and the area:

• Cedars-Sinai – actively seeking employees at every level, this is a great place for the CNA and nurse.
• Keck Hospital of USC– rated as the third finest hospital in the region, it is also a major employer

It is also good news that the Employment Development Department in California anticipates a 21.7 % increase in the demand for CNAs over the next decade. In fact, there are some worries because it would seem that many certified nursing assistants may need to handle around 12 patients at a time based on current figures! This means that it is possible to find work quite easily in the field, but pay will vary.

Salary information

Pay within the nursing industry varies considerably. The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Los Angeles, CA is $36,330, as of August 17, 2020, with a range usually between $30,178-$43,571 (Salary.com)

Key Skills Learned In CNA Classes and Training

Though you dedicate less than 200 hours of CNA classes in Los Angeles during your  training to become a CNA, your studies and field work will cover the following subjects:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Basic Nursing Skills
• Basic Restorative Services
• Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents
• Mental health and Social Service Needs
• Personal Care Skills
• Resident’s Rights
• Supervised Clinical Training with Nursing Home Residents

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the following qualities are essential to become successful as a CNA as well: “compassion…patience…speaking skills” as these too will help you in your daily work.