Bakersfield College
1801 Panorama Drive
Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP)
- Duration:
- 160 hours
- Cost:
- $1,580
- Phone:
- (661) 395-4011
CNA Classes in Bakersfield, CA
6 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in Bakersfield. Tuition ranges from $800 to $1,580. California requires 160 hours of training and uses D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) for the competency exam.
Programs in Bakersfield
6
Tuition Range
$800 to $1,580
State Required Hours
160 hours
Exam Vendor
D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors)
All CNA Programs in Bakersfield
Bakersfield Adult School Health Careers Center
501 South Mt. Vernon Avenue
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- Duration:
- 10 weeks
- Cost:
- $800
- Phone:
- (661) 835-1855
Kern Valley Medical College
1401 Commercial Way, Suite 220
Accelerated Nurse Assistant Training Program
- Duration:
- 4 weeks
- Phone:
- (661) 843-7711
Christian Central Valley College
2901 H Street, Suite 110
Certified Nursing Assistant Program
- Duration:
- 23 days
- Phone:
- (661) 861-0877
Becoming a CNA in California
If you are planning to become a CNA in California, expect a longer runway than in most states. The 160-hour training requirement means full-time programs typically run 6 to 10 weeks before you can even sit for the competency exam — and you should add another 2 to 4 weeks for Live Scan fingerprinting and exam scheduling. The good news is that many California Regional Occupational Programs (ROPs), adult schools, and community colleges offer the full 160 hours for free or at very low cost to California residents under the California Promise Grant, so the financial investment is often modest even when the time commitment is not.
Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Bakersfield
How many CNA training programs are available in Bakersfield, CA?
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Our directory lists 6 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in Bakersfield, CA. All programs must meet California's minimum of 160 hours and prepare graduates to sit for the D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) competency exam.
How much does CNA training cost in Bakersfield?
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Published tuition for CNA programs in Bakersfield ranges from $800 to $1,580. Bakersfield Adult School Health Careers Center lists the lowest tuition at $800. Total out-of-pocket cost also includes the state exam fee (Varies by vendor; typically around $135–$155 for both portions), background check, and uniforms.
What is the fastest CNA program in Bakersfield?
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Christian Central Valley College offers the shortest published program in Bakersfield at 23 days. California requires 160 hours of state-approved training, so any accelerated program must compress the required hours into a shorter calendar window through full-time scheduling. Call (661) 861-0877 for current cohort start dates.
How do I become a CNA in Bakersfield, CA?
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To work as a CNA in Bakersfield, you must meet a California-approved training program of at least 160 hours, pass the D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) competency exam (Two-part exam: written (or oral) knowledge test plus a hands-on skills evaluation, based on the California Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook), and clear a Live Scan fingerprinting (Request for Live Scan Service, BCIA 8016) submitted to the California DOJ and FBI before certification is issued. Most candidates complete the full process in 8–14 weeks (training averages 6–10 weeks, then 2–4 weeks for exam and registry).
Are there free CNA classes in Bakersfield?
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No Bakersfield program on our directory currently advertises free tuition, but many California nursing facilities pay for CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Ask local long-term care employers about employer-sponsored training programs, and check the American Red Cross and Job Corps for additional pathways.