Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training Program at LGL College: Pathway to Healthcare Careers

Starting a career in healthcare doesn't require years of education or massive student debt. LGL College offers a state-approved Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training program that can be completed in as little as 6 weeks, combining online theory with hands-on clinical experience and providing the state exam right on campus. This program is designed for anyone looking to enter the healthcare field quickly while gaining the skills and credentials needed to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.

You'll find flexible scheduling options that fit around your current commitments, whether you prefer daytime, evening, or weekend classes. The program includes everything from foundational nursing skills to comprehensive exam preparation, ensuring you're ready to pass your state certification and begin working as a CNA. No high school diploma or GED is required to enroll, making this an accessible pathway for many aspiring healthcare professionals.

This article walks you through what to expect from LGL College's CNA training program, including the curriculum structure, scheduling options, admission process, and how the program prepares you for both certification and employment. You'll learn about the specific requirements, costs, and career opportunities that await once you complete your training.

Overview of the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training Program at LGL College

LGL College operates an approved Certified Nursing Assistant training program that combines online theory instruction with in-person clinical experience. The program is located at 618 E. Whittier Blvd in La Habra, CA and maintains full approval from the California Department of Public Health.

Program Structure and Philosophy

The CNA training at LGL College follows a hybrid model that divides coursework between online theory modules and hands-on clinical training. You complete the theoretical portion of your education through online instruction, which allows you to study foundational nursing assistant concepts at your own pace. The clinical component takes place in person, where you gain practical experience with patient care techniques under supervision.

The program offers flexible scheduling with day, evening, and weekend classes to accommodate different work and personal commitments. You do not need a GED or high school diploma to enroll in the CNA program. Upon completing both the online and clinical components, you become eligible to take the state certification examination directly on campus. LGL College provides job placement assistance to help you transition into employment after certification.

Location and Facilities

LGL College is located at 618 E. Whittier Blvd in La Habra, CA. The campus serves as an approved testing site for the California CNA State Exam, which means you can complete your certification examination at the same location where you trained.

This arrangement eliminates the need to travel to unfamiliar testing centers and allows you to take your exam in an environment you already know. The La Habra location provides convenient access for students throughout Orange County and surrounding areas of Southern California.

California Department of Public Health Approval

The Certified Nursing Assistant program at LGL College maintains official approval from the California Department of Public Health as an online nurse assistant training provider. This approval confirms that the program meets state requirements for CNA education, including the mandated curriculum standards and clinical training hours.

Your certificate from an approved program qualifies you to sit for the state competency examination. The California Department of Public Health maintains oversight of all CNA training programs to ensure they prepare students adequately for professional practice in healthcare settings throughout California.

Comprehensive Curriculum and Learning Approach

LGL College's CNA training program combines flexible online theory coursework with mandatory in-person clinical practice, ensuring you master both the knowledge and practical skills required for certification. The curriculum emphasizes infection control protocols, patient care fundamentals, and essential clinical competencies like vital signs monitoring and emergency response.

Theory Instruction: Online and In-Person Options

The program offers online theory instruction that covers the foundational knowledge you need to succeed as a CNA. You can complete these online CNA program components at your own pace while balancing work and personal commitments. The online theory modules include topics such as patient rights, medical terminology, communication skills, and documentation procedures.

You'll also have access to in-person lecture sessions if you prefer traditional classroom learning. These sessions reinforce the material covered online and provide opportunities to ask questions directly to instructors. The theory portion prepares you for the written component of the California state certification exam. All coursework aligns with state-approved curriculum standards to ensure you meet certification requirements.

Hands-On Clinical Training Experience

In-person clinical training is a mandatory component where you apply theoretical knowledge in real healthcare settings. You'll complete supervised clinical hours at approved facilities, working directly with patients under the guidance of experienced nursing professionals. This hands-on experience includes practicing essential CNA skills such as assisting with daily living activities, transferring patients safely, and maintaining patient dignity.

During clinical training, you'll learn to take vital signs accurately, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rates. You'll also practice proper body mechanics, wound care basics, and catheter care procedures. These clinical hours are required by California state regulations and cannot be completed online. The practical experience ensures you're confident and competent before entering the workforce.

Infection Control and Patient Care Principles

Infection control training forms a critical part of the curriculum, teaching you proper handwashing techniques, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and contamination prevention strategies. You'll learn standard precautions that protect both you and your patients from healthcare-associated infections. These protocols are essential in all healthcare settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities.

Patient care instruction covers Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification, which you'll obtain during the program. You'll learn to recognize emergency situations and respond appropriately until advanced medical help arrives. The curriculum also emphasizes compassionate care, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication with patients and their families.

Program Formats and Flexible Scheduling

LGL College offers three distinct scheduling options for CNA training, allowing you to choose a format that aligns with your work commitments and personal responsibilities. Each program format delivers the same comprehensive curriculum and state-approved training requirements.

Nurse Assistant Day Program

The day program runs on weekdays during traditional business hours, typically from morning through early afternoon. This format works well if you have evenings free for study and prefer to complete your training during standard daytime hours.

You'll attend classes and clinical sessions Monday through Friday, allowing you to maintain a consistent routine. The daytime schedule provides focused, uninterrupted learning without the need to balance evening obligations. Most students in the nurse assistant day program complete their certification in the shortest timeframe available.

This option suits those who are not currently employed full-time or can arrange their work schedule around daytime commitments. The concentrated format helps you build momentum in your studies and develop clinical skills through regular, sequential practice sessions.

Nurse Assistant Evening Program

The nurse assistant evening program accommodates students who work during standard business hours. Classes meet on weekday evenings, allowing you to maintain full-time employment while pursuing your CNA certification.

Evening sessions typically begin after 5 PM and run for several hours, with clinical training scheduled during times that don't conflict with typical work schedules. This format extends the overall program length compared to daytime options, but provides the flexibility many working adults require.

You can continue earning income while advancing your healthcare career. The evening schedule attracts students from various professional backgrounds who are transitioning into nursing or expanding their healthcare qualifications.

Nurse Assistant Weekend Program

Weekend CNA classes at LGL College meet exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays, preserving your entire weekweek for work or other commitments. The nurse assistant weekend program delivers identical training and certification preparation as weekday formats.

You'll complete both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical hours during weekend sessions. This schedule particularly benefits working professionals who cannot take time off during the week or have family responsibilities on weekdays.

The weekend format typically requires a longer calendar period to complete all required hours, but offers maximum flexibility for busy schedules. Many students appreciate keeping their weekdays entirely free while still progressing toward CNA certification.

Admission Requirements and Enrollment Process

LGL College maintains a streamlined admission process that requires minimal documentation and no GED. You can enroll in day, evening, or weekend CNA programs with flexible payment options and begin training within weeks.

Eligibility Criteria

The admission requirements at LGL College are straightforward. You must be at least 16 years old to enroll. You need a valid State ID or Driver's License for identification purposes.

A Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required for verification. No GED or high school diploma is necessary to begin the program. This makes the CNA training accessible to individuals at different educational levels.

All prospective students must meet California's health requirements for clinical training. You will need to complete a health screening and provide proof of immunizations before starting hands-on clinical work.

Application Steps

The enrollment process begins with submitting your application online or at the La Habra campus. You select your preferred program format—day, evening, or weekend—based on your schedule.

After applying, you choose your start date from the available class schedules. The day program runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and takes 30 days over six weeks. Evening classes meet Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM over 11 weeks. Weekend sessions occur on Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM for 12 weeks.

Once you confirm your seat, you receive access to the online theory portion of the program. The first half of training consists of online coursework, followed by in-person clinical training at the college's La Habra location.

Payment Plans and Financial Options

LGL College offers multiple payment solutions to make training affordable. Monthly payment plans are available to spread the cost over time. You can access flexible financing through Affirm, which provides a buy-now-pay-later option.

Affirm offers rates from 0% to 36% APR based on eligibility. Payment options vary depending on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. The eligibility check determines your specific terms and conditions.

The college also provides information about free CNA training opportunities during weekly Tuesday orientations from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM via Zoom. When you enroll now, you gain access to job placement assistance upon completing the program and passing the state exam.

Certification Exam Preparation and State Testing

LGL College prepares you to pass the state certification exam through structured study support and provides on-campus testing for convenience. Successful completion qualifies you for immediate placement on your state's Nurse Aide Registry and legal employment as a CNA.

CNA Certification Exam Overview

The CNA certification exam consists of two required components that test your knowledge and practical skills. You take a written or oral examination covering nursing fundamentals, patient rights, safety protocols, and infection control procedures. The skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate specific nursing assistant tasks in front of an examiner.

Most states use the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) exam format. The written portion typically includes 60 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. You must pass both sections to earn certification, though some states allow you to retake individual portions if needed.

Common exam topics include:

• Physical care skills (bathing, feeding, transfers)
• Basic nursing procedures (vital signs, documentation)
• Patient safety and comfort
• Infection prevention and control
• Communication and interpersonal skills

You must score at or above your state's passing threshold on each section. The skills test randomly selects procedures from a list of approved competencies that you practiced during clinical training.

On-Campus State Exam at LGL College

LGL College serves as an approved testing site for the state CNA certification exam. You complete both the written and skills portions on campus using the same labs and equipment from your training program.

This arrangement eliminates travel to unfamiliar testing locations and reduces exam-day stress. You work with equipment you already know in spaces where you practiced throughout your program. Faculty members trained as state-approved examiners administer the skills evaluation according to official testing protocols.

The college coordinates exam scheduling as part of program completion. You receive advance notice of your testing date and detailed instructions on required documentation and arrival procedures.

Qualifying for the Nurse Aide Registry

Passing the state CNA certification exam makes you eligible for placement on your state's Nurse Aide Registry. This registry serves as the official database of certified nursing assistants legally authorized to work in healthcare facilities. Your program completion certificate and exam results trigger the registration process.

Registry placement typically occurs within two to four weeks of passing your exam. The state issues a certification number and wallet card that employers verify before hiring. You must maintain active registry status through timely renewal, which usually requires documented work hours or continuing education credits.

Most states require background clearance before final registry approval. Healthcare employers can only hire CNAs whose names appear on the current active registry. You should verify your registry status before starting any job search.

Career Pathways and Job Placement Support

LGL College connects CNA graduates with diverse healthcare employment opportunities and provides structured job placement assistance to facilitate entry into the workforce. The program also establishes a foundation for career advancement into higher-level nursing roles.

Healthcare Employment Opportunities

CNAs work across multiple healthcare settings that require direct patient care and clinical support. Hospitals employ CNAs in acute care units, emergency departments, and medical-surgical floors where they assist with patient mobility, vital signs monitoring, and daily living activities. Long-term care facilities and nursing homes rely on CNAs to provide continuous care for residents requiring extended medical supervision and assistance.

Rehabilitation centers hire CNAs to support patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions. Home health agencies place CNAs in private residences to deliver one-on-one care for elderly or disabled patients. Additional employment opportunities exist in medical clinics, hospice agencies, and congregate living health facilities.

The median salary for CNAs in California reaches $72,235 annually, with the U.S. average at $60,350. Job availability remains strong due to an aging population and consistent demand for hands-on patient care providers.

Job Placement Assistance for Graduates

LGL College provides job placement assistance to help graduates transition from training to employment. The program maintains partnerships with healthcare facilities throughout Orange County and Los Angeles, creating direct connections between newly certified CNAs and hiring organizations.

Job placement support includes access to employer networks in hospitals, medical clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities, and home health agencies. These partnerships give graduates visibility with facilities actively seeking qualified CNAs. The assistance extends to multiple healthcare sectors, from acute care hospitals to in-home medical services and hospice agencies.

Students benefit from the college's relationships with healthcare employers who value the program's training standards and graduate preparedness. This support system helps reduce the time between certification and employment.

Advancement Beyond CNA

The CNA credential serves as an entry point to expanded nursing careers. Many CNAs pursue Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs, which require additional training but build on CNA experience. These roles offer increased responsibilities, higher salaries, and broader clinical practice.

CNAs can also advance toward Registered Nurse (RN) credentials through bridge programs designed specifically for nursing assistants. Some facilities offer tuition assistance or educational partnerships that support CNAs seeking further education while working. The hands-on patient care experience gained as a CNA strengthens applications to nursing programs and provides practical knowledge that enhances clinical training.

Specialized certifications in areas like wound care, IV therapy, or specific patient populations create additional career pathways without requiring a complete nursing degree program.

Frequently Asked Questions

LGL College's CNA program requires specific eligibility criteria, offers flexible scheduling options, and provides on-site state exam testing. The program follows state-approved standards with multiple format choices to accommodate different student needs.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CNA Training Program at LGL College?

You need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in the CNA Training Program at LGL College. Most state-approved CNA programs require proof of graduation before you can begin clinical training or take the certification exam.

You must complete a criminal background check before starting clinical rotations. This screening protects patients and ensures you meet healthcare facility standards for direct care work.

Health screenings form another required component. You need to provide proof of immunizations, including MMR and hepatitis B, along with a TB test or chest X-ray. A physical exam confirming your ability to perform patient care tasks is also mandatory.

You should verify you meet the minimum age requirement, which typically ranges from 16 to 18 years old depending on state regulations. Valid identification and a Social Security number are necessary for exam registration and state registry enrollment.

Does LGL College offer an online CNA Training Program, and how does it compare to the in-person training?

LGL College offers day, evening, and weekend schedules for CNA training. The program structure follows state-approved guidelines that require both classroom instruction and in-person clinical practice.

Online CNA programs can deliver theory portions through web-based courses, but you still need to complete hands-on clinical hours in person. State certification requirements mandate supervised clinical training in actual healthcare settings, which cannot occur online.

In-person training at LGL College gives you direct access to instructors and immediate feedback during skills practice. You work with equipment and perform procedures under supervision, which prepares you more thoroughly for the state competency exam.

Can students participate in a free CNA Training Program at LGL College, and if so, what are the conditions?

LGL College is a nonprofit nursing school that aims to provide affordable nursing education. The college does not advertise a completely free CNA program, but you may find financial assistance options.

You can explore federal aid if you attend through community college partnerships or workforce development programs. Some employers cover CNA training costs in exchange for a work commitment after certification.

Payment plans may be available to reduce upfront costs. You should contact LGL College directly to discuss current tuition rates, available financial support, and any employer-sponsored training opportunities they coordinate.

How long does the CNA Training Program at LGL College take to complete?

The CNA Training Program at LGL College typically runs for several weeks depending on the schedule format you choose. Day programs often complete in approximately 15 weeks, while evening programs may extend to 16 weeks to accommodate working students.

Most state-approved CNA programs require around 160 total training hours. This includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice in healthcare facilities.

LGL College offers flexible scheduling with day, evening, and weekend options. The total duration depends on how many hours per week you attend, but all formats must meet state-mandated training hour requirements before you qualify for the certification exam.

Are there any CNA Training Programs at LGL College that include job placement after completion?

LGL College does not specifically advertise guaranteed job placement as part of its CNA program. The college focuses on preparing you for state certification through approved training and on-site exam testing.

Many CNA programs build relationships with local healthcare facilities that hire graduates. You gain practical experience during clinical rotations, which can lead to employment opportunities at those facilities.

Your certification from a state-approved program like LGL College qualifies you to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings. The college's location in Southern California places you near numerous potential employers seeking certified nursing assistants.

What are the differences between the hybrid and traditional CNA courses at LGL College?

LGL College primarily offers traditional in-person CNA training with multiple schedule options. Traditional programs provide all instruction on campus with fixed class times and arranged clinical rotations.

Hybrid CNA programs combine online coursework for theory with scheduled in-person labs and clinical training. This format gives you flexibility to complete lectures and assignments online while attending campus sessions for hands-on skills practice.

Traditional courses at LGL College give you consistent face-to-face instruction and immediate access to instructors during both classroom and clinical components. You benefit from structured learning with all training conducted at the college or its affiliated healthcare facilities. The day, evening, and weekend schedules allow you to choose a timeline that fits your obligations without requiring online course management.