Bakersfield, CA
High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield
Certified Nurse Assistant
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Duration
6 weeks (164 hours)
State Required Hours
160 hours
- Address
2000 24th Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Phone
- (661) 579-2901
About This Program
Located on 24th Street in central Bakersfield near the Westchester and downtown medical corridor, High Desert Medical College's Bakersfield campus offers an accelerated 6-week CNA program delivered in a hybrid format with hands-on lab training. HDMC is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE); its nurse assistant curriculum is approved by the California Department of Public Health. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to take the state CNA competency exam administered through the NNAAP, with career services assistance for job placement after certification.
Location & Directions
2000 24th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
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.
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
160 hours
Exam Vendor
D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors)
Time to Cert
8–14 weeks (training averages 6–10 weeks, then 2–4 weeks for exam and registry)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CNA program at High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield include?
Located on 24th Street in central Bakersfield near the Westchester and downtown medical corridor, High Desert Medical College's Bakersfield campus offers an accelerated 6-week CNA program delivered in a hybrid format with hands-on lab training. The program is located at 2000 24th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (661) 579-2901 or visit https://hdmc.edu/programs/nursing-assistant/.
How much does High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield cost?
High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield has not published a flat tuition figure on this directory; pricing for the certified nurse assistant depends on residency, financial aid, and any employer sponsorships. Call (661) 579-2901 or visit the program website at https://hdmc.edu/programs/nursing-assistant/ to request the current fee schedule. For reference, total CNA training costs in California generally fall in the range of $0 (employer-sponsored or ROP) to ~$2,000 (private training).
How long is the program at High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield?
The certified nurse assistant at High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield is structured as 6 weeks (164 hours). California requires 160 hours of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (661) 579-2901 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield?
Call High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield directly at (661) 579-2901 or visit https://hdmc.edu/programs/nursing-assistant/. The program is located at 2000 24th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.
What California CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield?
Before enrolling at High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield, make sure you meet California's minimum age (16), education requirements, and background-check rules. California requires 160 hours of state-approved training and uses D&SDT-Headmaster or Credentia (CDPH-approved testing vendors) for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 8–14 weeks (training averages 6–10 weeks, then 2–4 weeks for exam and registry). See the full California CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.
Are there other CNA programs near Bakersfield?
Yes. In addition to High Desert Medical College - Bakersfield in Bakersfield, our directory includes CNA training programs in Los Angeles, Redding, San Diego, San Francisco, Fresno, and other California cities. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all California CNA classes for the full list.
Other CNA Programs in Bakersfield
Bakersfield College
Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) · 160 hours · $1,580
Bakersfield Adult School Health Careers Center
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) · 10 weeks · $800
Kern Valley Medical College
Accelerated Nurse Assistant Training Program · 4 weeks
Cellan Education Resources
Nurse Assistant Training Program
Christian Central Valley College
Certified Nursing Assistant Program · 23 days
Academy of Health Careers
CNA and HHA Training
Bakersfield College Nurse Assistant Training Program
Certified Nurse Assistant · One semester (160 hours) · Approximately $1,580
Bakersfield Adult School Health Careers Center
Certified Nurse Assistant · 8-10 weeks (160 hours) · $800 (free tuition available for qualified applicants)
Kern Valley Medical College
Certified Nurse Assistant · 4 weeks full-time · $1,900
Preferred College of Nursing - Bakersfield
Certified Nurse Assistant · 6 weeks full-time / 15 weeks part-time
Christian Central Valley College
Certified Nurse Assistant · Approximately 23 days (accelerated)