Cellan College has 3 CNA programs available. Their full-time program takes 23 days to complete.
Payment plans are available, and tuition includes all program materials, CPR certification, and certification review.
Kern Valley Medical College (KVMC) offers two unique CNA programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of aspiring nursing assistants. The first is a fast-paced 21-day full-time program, while the second is a more flexible 5-week evening program. Both programs prepare graduates to take the esteemed certification exam approved by the California Department of Public Health, launching them into their healthcare careers.
The total fee for the complete CNA program at KVMC is $2,500, which includes a $500 deposit due upon registration. This investment ensures access to top-notch training and essential resources needed for a successful career as a nursing assistant.
Bakersfield College offers 6 CNA courses per semester. None of them are full-time, and each takes a semester to complete. These classes tend to fill up quickly, so returning students typically have the best chance of getting in.
Medical Terminology (MEDS B37) is not a prerequisite class, but BC "strongly encourages" prospective students to take this course.
Classroom instruction is from 8:30 AM to 1:05 PM every Monday during the semester, with hands-on training at a local skilled nursing facility every Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
On the positive side, Bakersfield College offers multiple classes every semester. The downside is that it can be difficult to secure a spot.
Bakersfield College also offers a 3-semester, 45-unit vocational nursing program.
Bakersfield Adult School provides an in-depth 12-week, 350-hour nurse assistant program. After successfully completing the program, participants are eligible to take the California state CNA exam.
CNA certification is a prerequisite for admission to the nursing programs (LVN & RN) at Bakersfield College.
Bakersfield Adult School offers 3 CNA sessions each year:
Classes are held Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Admission Requirements:
The tuition for the CNA program is $800. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
The CNA program at Kern High School District Regional Occupational Center (KHSD ROP) is a one-year, part-time course. Students complete the program by passing the state CNA examination.
This program is EXCLUSIVELY available to high school juniors. However, other programs at KHSD ROP are open to both juniors AND seniors.
During the 60-hour classroom phase, students study subjects such as medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, and effective team communication.
The hands-on "lab" segment includes clinical rotations at a skilled nursing facility, offering real-world experience.
Additional programs at KHSD ROP include:
North Kern Vocational Training Center (NKVTC) serves students from two districts: Wasco Union High School District and Delano Joint Union High School District, providing vocational education to the Central Valley community for over three decades.
At the NKVTC-Delano campus, two CNA programs are available, each lasting two semesters. The early-morning session runs from 6:45 AM to 9:45 AM, Monday through Friday, and the late-morning session is from 10:10 AM to 12:30 PM, also Monday through Friday.
The NKVTC-Wasco campus offers a two-semester CNA program with classes from 6:45 AM to 9:45 AM, Monday through Friday.
Each program at the Delano and Wasco campuses includes a total of 540 hours of instruction.
The CNA program at Cerro Coso Community College (CCCC) is completed in one semester. Students who achieve a grade of "C" or higher earn 5.5 college credits.
Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to take the certification exam approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
The program consists of two parts: classroom lectures, which can be attended in person or online, and a 108-hour externship at a local skilled nursing facility.
CCCC offers two medical assisting pathways: a two-year associate degree and a one-year certificate program. Additionally, there are five other medical assistant programs in Bakersfield. CCCC also provides a three-semester LVN program, ome of the six LVN programs in Bakersfield.
A home health aide provides essential care and assistance to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or recovering from illness or surgery, allowing them to remain in the comfort of their own homes. Their duties typically include helping with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation. They may also assist with basic housekeeping tasks, ensuring a safe and clean living environment for their clients.
In addition to personal care, home health aides often monitor their clients' health by checking vital signs like blood pressure and pulse, administering medications as prescribed, and reporting any changes in their clients' condition to a supervising nurse or healthcare professional. They offer companionship and emotional support, helping to improve their clients' overall quality of life. Home health aides play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing compassionate and personalized care to those in need.
A Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA) focuses on helping patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life through rehabilitation and restorative care. They work closely with nurses and physical therapists to implement personalized care plans that include exercises and activities designed to restore mobility, strength, and overall functionality. Their responsibilities often involve assisting patients with range-of-motion exercises, walking, and other therapeutic activities that promote physical recovery.
In addition to physical rehabilitation, Restorative Nursing Assistants provide emotional support and encouragement to patients, fostering a positive and motivating environment. They monitor and document patients' progress, reporting any changes or concerns to the nursing staff. By combining hands-on care with compassionate support, RNAs play a vital role in helping patients achieve their highest level of independence and well-being.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a measure used to quantify the time spent participating in professional development and continuing education activities. These units are often required for maintaining licensure and certification in various professions, ensuring that practitioners stay current with the latest knowledge, skills, and advancements in their field. One CEU typically represents ten hours of participation in an accredited continuing education program.
CEUs are essential for professionals in fields such as healthcare, education, and engineering, as they provide a structured way to continue learning and improving their expertise. These educational activities can include workshops, seminars, conferences, and online courses. By earning CEUs, professionals demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning and adherence to industry standards, which ultimately benefits their careers and the communities they serve.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs are essential pathways for many pursuing a career in healthcare. However, they differ significantly in terms of scope, duration, and clinical responsibilities.
CNA programs, detailed in these cna programs, are generally shorter, emphasizing basic patient care. They can be completed in as little as 4 to 12 weeks, making them an excellent option for those looking to quickly start working in healthcare.
Conversely, LVN programs offer a more extensive nursing education, usually taking about one year to complete when attended full-time. These programs cover a wide range of nursing and medical topics, preparing students for a broader scope of practice, as outlined in these LVN programs.
Both CNAs and LVNs are vital in patient care, but their responsibilities differ significantly. CNAs primarily assist patients with basic needs like bathing, dressing, and eating. They also take vital signs and support the nursing staff but do not perform medical tasks.
LVNs, on the other hand, are licensed to provide more comprehensive nursing care. They administer medications, perform basic diagnostic tests, and participate in developing patient care plans. This increased responsibility requires more extensive training and education.
CNA training includes a clinical component, but it is less extensive than that of LVN programs. CNAs gain supervised experience in direct patient care, preparing them for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings.
LVN students undergo more rigorous clinical training, which includes specific medical tasks, patient assessments, and management. This training equips them with the skills necessary for more critical and varied roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Choosing between a CNA and an LVN program depends on one's career aspirations, time commitment, and interest in nursing. Those seeking a quick entry into the healthcare industry might find CNA programs appealing due to their shorter duration and focus on fundamental care. In contrast, individuals aiming for more substantial nursing responsibilities might prefer the comprehensive education provided by LVN programs.
In 2025, hybrid online programs are becoming more common. Whether it is an online CNA program of an online LVN program, make sure that hands-on clinical rotations are included.