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Certified Nursing Assistant

CNA

CNA Program Requirements

Turlock Adult School’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is a low-cost, 15-week program. The program consists of classroom study, clinical setting, and a CNA Workforce Readiness course. All three components are required to complete the program. Apply at https://bit.ly/tascna. You will be contacted by email when the next orientation is scheduled (typically in July and November). Priority is given to low-income applicants and English learners.

CNA FAQs

What does a CNA do?

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide intimate, hands-on healthcare to patients in medical settings, helping with bathing, dressing and the basic activities of life. A day in the life of a CNA might also include:

  • Turning or repositioning bedridden patients
  • Taking patients’ temperature, blood pressure and other vital signs
  • Answering patient calls
  • Documenting patients’ health issues and report to nurses
  • Feeding patients, measuring and recording their food and liquid intake
  • Cleaning rooms and bed linens
  • Helping with medical procedures
  • Dressing wounds

A certified nursing assistant job has peaks and valleys. It can be physically demanding at times with some unpleasant responsibilities, but the role also allows CNAs to build strong relationships with patients.

While CNAs can be found in hospitals, the majority of them work in nursing and residential care facilities, where CNAs interact with patients on a regular basis and get to know them personally. If you’re interested in joining the booming health care field, becoming a CNA—also known as a nurses’ aid, home health aide, orderly or attendant—can be a good place to start. Learn which personal and professional traits you’ll need to succeed as a certified nursing assistant.

What traits does a CNA have?

You are…

You should have…

  • Compassionate
  •  An excellent listener
  •  Supportive
  • Dependable
  •  Physically fit
  •  Good-natured
  • Strong decision-making skills
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Good ethical standards
  • Ability to maintain interpersonal relationships