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Cerro Coso Community College has 5 CNA classes, both full and part time.
Cerro Coso Community College has 5 CNA certification programs per year. To have an informational packet, as well as an application for Cerro Coso Community College’s CNA program, call 760-384-6219. The application is seven pages long, and must be filled out in full.
The application includes your basic information, as well as a completed physical filled out by your physician, your school history and employment history. Some students may not have a history of employment, which is fine; there’s also a checkbox if the student hasn’t been employed before.
You’ll also need to provide reference information, as well as submit to a “LiveScan” fingerprinting. The need for fingerprinting is to conduct a brief background check.
There are currently 7 CNA programs in Bakersfield that are licensed by the state of California.
There are 2 CNA classes at KVMC: they have a full-time 21 day program, and a 5 week evening class.
The program cost is $2,500, and there is a $500 deposit upon registration.
There are 2 CNA programs at CCVC: their full-time program takes 23 days to complete, and a part-time 46 day program.
Both programs are approved by California's Department of Public Health(CDPH).
Bakersfield College(BC) offers 6 CNA programs per semester. Returning students have priority over new students, and the classes typically fill up quickly.
Although there are no prerequisites for the CNA program, it is "highly recommended" that prospective students take Medical Terminology(MEDS B37) before enrolling.
RN program: The nursing program at Bakersfield College takes 2 years to complete. 7 prerequisite classes need to be completed prior to applying to the nursing program:
LVN program: The LVN program at BC takes 3 semesters to complete. There are 4 prerequisites for the LVN program:
The CNA program at Bakersfield Adult School takes 12 weeks to complete. They offer 3 classes per year. After completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the California state CNA exam.
The complete program costs $800, with financial aid available to those who qualify.
For students interested in Bakersfield College's LVN and RN programs, CNA certification is a prerequisite.
Other Programs at Bakersfield Adult School:
Kern High School District Regional Occupational Center (KHSD ROP) has a part-time CNA program. It takes 1 year to complete. Students are then able to sit for California's CNA exam.
Only high school juniors are able to apply. Other programs at KHSD ROP are open to seniors and juniors.
Students also participate in clinical rotations at a local skilled nursing facility.
tion includes clinical rotations at a skilled nursing facility, giving students practical, real-world experience.
Other programs at KHSD ROP:
Academy of Health Careers(AHC) has 2 CNA programs. 1 is part-time, the other is full-time. Both programs have the classroom work online, with the hands-on portion completed on the weekendss.
The evening class is Monday through Friday, 9:00am- 6:00pm for 7.5 weeks.
The part-time program is Monday through Friday, 5:00pm-9:00pm for 9.5 weeks.
Medical Assistant: Cerro Coso Community College(CCCC) has 3 options for those interested in a career as a medical assistant:
There are 9 medical assistant programs in Bakersfield.
Medical Billing & Coding: CCCC has 2 programs for students interested in the medical billing & coding field:
There are 6 medical billing & coding programs in Bakersfield.
Nursing: Cerro Coso's LVN program takes 3 semesters to complete. The following prerequisites must be completed prior to applying:
CNA: Cerro Coso has a 1 semester, 5.5 unit CNA Program.
Starting your healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) before enrolling in a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN) program can offer numerous benefits. As a CNA, you gain valuable hands-on experience in patient care, which provides a solid foundation for advanced nursing roles. This experience helps you develop essential skills such as communication, empathy, and attention to detail, which are crucial for success in both RN and LVN programs. Additionally, working as a CNA allows you to familiarize yourself with the healthcare environment, understand the dynamics of patient care, and build confidence in your abilities.
Furthermore, becoming a CNA before pursuing an LVN or RN program can enhance your academic and practical understanding of nursing. The real-world experience you acquire as a CNA can make the theoretical concepts taught in LVN and RN programs more relatable and easier to grasp. This background can also improve your performance in clinical rotations, as you will already be comfortable with basic patient care tasks. Moreover, working as a CNA often provides opportunities for networking and mentorship, allowing you to connect with experienced nurses who can offer guidance and support as you advance in your nursing career.
The salary difference between Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) is quite significant, reflecting the varying levels of education, training, and responsibilities associated with each role. CNAs typically earn an hourly wage of around $25, translating to an annual salary of approximately $52,000. Their primary duties include providing basic care to patients, such as assisting with daily activities, taking vital signs, and offering support to the nursing staff. The entry-level nature of the CNA role and its focus on fundamental care tasks contribute to its lower salary range compared to more advanced nursing positions.
In contrast, LVNs, who undergo more extensive training and have a broader scope of practice, command higher salaries. The average LVN salary is about $35 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $73,000. LVNs are responsible for more complex clinical tasks, including administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and developing patient care plans. This higher level of responsibility, combined with the additional education and training required to become an LVN, results in a more substantial salary. For more detailed information on LVN salaries, you can explore this comprehensive guide on LVN salary. The significant salary increase reflects the critical role LVNs play in the healthcare system and their ability to perform a wider range of patient care activities.