A nursing assistant, also known as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), are individuals responsible for the general care for patients at a variety of different locations, including Hospitals, personal homes, Assisted Living Homes, Nursing Homes, Adult Day Care Centers and Hospice Registry’s.

The duties of a CNA will vary depending on the patient, but some general responsibilities include recording patient’s vital signs (i.e. heart rate and blood pressure), helping them in and out of bed, and assisting with feeding and personal hygiene.

A nursing assistant may also help doctors and nurses during medical procedures.

The CNA program at Western Medical Training Center emphasizes safety principles, infection control, and methods for providing physical care as well as emotional and social support to patients.

Upon successful completion of the CNA program, students will be eligible for the State of California Nursing Assistant Certification Examination. The California Nursing Assistant Certification Exam consists of two sections, a written exam and a clinical skills test.

You need to pass both sections with scores over 70% in order to earn CNA certification.

It’s simple, our students are motivated learners and our fast-paced program can be accomplished with hard work.  Students pay for our program, then, they show up prepared and ready to learn.

1. Western Medical Training Center invests most its training on job skills.  Our program is designed to train job skills and not much time on life skills such as time management and attendance. Although many of our students are currently in a degree program or are pursuing our training to prepare for an advanced professional degree, we also have had several students come out of high school and perform well upon completion of the program.
2. Western Medical Training Center students must take their training seriously by being prepared and attending class sessions every day and on time.  Every student must be able to demonstrate and perform all competencies and this can be achieved through preparation and practical training in our lab while being guided by skilled professionals.  No students are left behind.  If students need refresher training or more support, they are always welcomed to sit in on other class schedules or come and practice skills anytime within business hours.
3. Longer programs must train for a minimum number of hours which equal approximately 8 – 9 months in length to have access to government financial aid programs.
4. Longer programs are also geared towards teaching “life” skills.  Longer programs help ensure these students are learning the basic functions of working at a job such as, time management, showing up to work on time, professional dress, use of proper language, etc.  These habits take longer than 12 weeks to develop.
5. Employers ultimately care about Certified Nursing Assistants, EKG Technicians and Pharmacy Technicians,  being proficient, reliable, customer service oriented, and ability to perform core competencies regardless of the length of the program.  Our employers have been pleased with our graduates and in turn they hire many of our students contingent on them passing their state exam.

Our students require less support in professional development and skills. As a result, we require less staff, less time training on life skills, and most of the training is focused on performing functions in their trade. (Also see answers to question on accreditation)

1. We don’t participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, hence, our programs are shorter focus mainly on skills. (Schools participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs (FAFSA) are required to offer longer programs in order to receive aid.  In addition, many vocational schools (depending on their status as a non-profit or for-profit) are required to meet a minimum of 10% of their tuition revenue as non-government aid (90/10 rule mandated by the Department of Education).  As an example, an 8 month program with access to financial aid and tuition of $18,000 will receive a maximum of approximately up to $15,500 in financial aid from the government for qualified students.  The remaining balance must be paid out of pocket by the student or through a private lender.)
2. Western Medical Training Center’s training delivers all the skills and knowledge necessary in 12 weeks or less.  With committed students they can achieve the skills necessary for employment and don’t require extra staff and time to teach basic life skills.
3. Since we are not seeking government aid, we do not require 8 – 9 months of training. We require less staff and hours on training basic life skills and invest the majority of our team’s efforts on career skills. We also occupy very little space for offices. With these efficiencies we’re able to pass savings on to our students.

Accreditation and Approvals Western Medical Training Center is a private school with exemption status through the Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau for Private and Postsecondary Education (BPPE).  Western Medical Training Center’s programs are approved by the State of California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Licensing and Certification Program, Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS) & Board of Registered Nursing.