CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Bakersfield, California (CA)

Though it is around an hour north of the metropolitan area of Los Angeles, the city of Bakersfield, California is extremely popular. It has a unique culture and is surrounded by an impressive landscape. It is considered to be a great place to live and to work, and one of the careers that is currently “in demand” in the region is that of the CNA. In fact, studies have shown that California ranks #1 in terms of need where CNAs are concerned (in 2017 there were more than 4,500 new CNA jobs created!). That’s why it’s a great time to sign up for CNA classes in Bakersfield.

Finding Information about CNA Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

Before you head off to become a CNA in Bakersfield, it is a wise idea to explore the current job opportunities. Keep in mind that CNAs can range from live in caregivers to top of the line assistants in university hospitals. This means you want to know how you want to work as a CNA, and if any such options exist in this area. A quick perusal of the Indeed.com page for Bakersfield will give you a good idea of the current openings, but you also want to rely on professional assistance too.

You can find this through medical staffing services that focus on this region. They include:

• Snelling Medical
• All’s Well
• Maxim Staffing

CNA Classes and Licensing Requirements in Bakersfield

Obviously you cannot just contact any location in need of a CNA without also having all of the proper training and licensing too. In California that means you have to complete one of the accredited CNA programs in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield CNA programs are approved by the California Department of Public Health, and they must have at least 150 hours of training and requires 100 hours of practical training partnered with 50 hours of traditional CNA classes. You will also need to pass a criminal background check before you can become officially certified.

Once you have completed your CNA classes and training, you can then sit for the state’s Nurse Aide Exam and get yourself listed on the California Nursing Assistant Registry. CNA training can take three to eight months, and testing is mandatory.

Key CNA Training Programs in Bakersfield

So, where can you find all of this essential CNA training? California has an impressive array of locations. The Department of Public Health has a full list of approved CNA training programs, but sites offering CNA classes in Bakersfield include:

• Bakersfield College/Nursing
• Southern California Medical College

Key CNA Employers to Know in Bakersfield

When you have succeeded in passing your CNA classes and the exam, and you are on the official registry, you can get almost any sort of work you desire as a certified nursing assistant in Bakersfield. This means you might contact one of the staffing services listed, but you may want to consider the largest employers in the region – the main hospitals and medical centers. Some of them are award winning and nationally recognized, and include:

• Ernest Health
• Adventist Health Bakersfield

Salary Information for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bakersfield

What can you expect to earn once you become a CNA? That is a good question because it does make a big difference on whether or not you choose to remain in one area of the state or not. The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Bakersfield, CA is $34,660, as of August 17, 2020, with a range usually between $28,795-$41,557 (Salary.com).

Key Skills Learned in CNA Training Programs

With a good income and lots of job opportunities it would seem that the work of a CNA is an ideal thing for anyone in need of employment, but that is not really true. You do need the right personality to succeed in this work. Your CNA training and classes will also help you by enabling you to know how to do the following tasks as well:

• Using equipment for the work,
• Infection control,
• Establishing and promoting independence among patients,
• Proficiency in all appropriate medical language,
• Communication among peers and patients,
• Preparing patient meals and status reports,
• Abuse recognition, and
• Monitoring patient vitals, fluid intakes and mental state.

You may also want or need to obtain CPR training and certification before you become a certified nursing assistant in Bakersfield as well.