Learn where you can find free CNA training classes in Los Angeles CA
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Written by Nurses Link on April 15th, 2013

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a trained and licensed professional who works in a health care facility such as a hospital or nursing home. The CNA works directly with patients and is the person patients see the most during the course of the day. CNA’s help patients with basic daily care such as washing and dressing, eating, getting in and out of bed and toileting. The role of a CNA in a healthcare facility can be physically demanding and candidates must in excellent physical shape. Some health care facilities require a CNA to pass a fitness test before employment begins.

CNAs must participate in a training program and become certified in order to work as a CNA in California. The cost of a CNA program varies, but there are training programs available at no cost.

Los Angeles Vocational Institute (LAVI)

LAVI is an academic vocational institution approved by the Veterans Administration for program funding. The CNA program is eligible for such funding through the Government GI bill and it will cover the cost of the program for those who qualify.
The CNA program is an 8 week, 160 hour program and provides the classroom instruction and clinical care instruction necessary. The classroom instruction includes basic nursing care, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and infection control.

To be considered for placement in the CNA program at LAVI, candidates must be at least 18 years of age and be a high school graduate or hold a GED. To qualify for Veterans financial aid, the candidate must meet the Veterans requirements.
The program will prepare the student to take the California licensing exam and assist the student with job placement.

Los Angeles Job Corps

The United States Department of Labor is the administrator of Job Corps Los Angeles. They provide no cost education and career preparation for individuals between the ages of 16 and 24. Job Corps Los Angeles offers CNA training that will prepare the student to take the California Licensing exam. Job Corps not only covers the cost of the program, but provides housing, meals and a cost of living stipend. Upon completion of the program, Job Corps will assist the student with finding employment. They will also provide up to $1,000 to help with the transition from Job Corps housing to other living quarters.

The program includes classroom instruction in basic nursing skills, infection control, communication and interpersonal skills, basic restorative services and personal care skills. The program takes 8 to 12 months to complete. Students must also possess the basic reading and math skills necessary to efficiently perform the tasks of a nursing assistant. Students must also complete the basic core curriculum and pass all written tests.
Upon completion of the program, the student will be required to submit an application to the State of California licensing board and take the required exam to become certified.

LA City College

California has the Welfare to Work program that offers services to welfare recipients that include training programs and skills training in an effort to encourage such individuals into the workforce. The program will cover the cost of tuition, books and materials to qualifying individuals at a variety of educational institutions in the greater Los Angeles area, including LA City College. Interested participants are able to study to be a CNA.

To enter the CNA program, each student must pass a physical exam that includes a TB test or chest x-ray and fingerprint clearance. The program is 100 hours of classroom and clinical studies that include basic nursing, nutrition, infection control, Geriatric support and basic patient care.

The program will prepare students to take the California State licensing CNA exam. It is state law in California nursing assistants must be certified as a condition for employment.

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