What are the technical requirements for taking the online CNA classes?
Students need a working internet connection, a desktop or laptop computer with sound, and a camera or a separate web camera.  Operating systems compatible with our online CNA class include Chrome, Windows, macOS, iOS (Apple) or Linux.  If you’re confused or unsure if you have the right equipment, call our friendly career counselors for help.

Will I need to buy any textbooks or equipment in order take your CNA classes?
No, you will not need to buy textbooks or equipment. Unlike other CNA schools, we will provide any textbooks or equipment for you at no additional cost.

What payment options or financial aid is available for your CNA program?
We offer in house financing. Veterans can also receive free training. Call us and a friendly career counselor can discuss your options with you.

Do I need to buy a uniform or nurse’s scrubs to take CNA classes?
No, you do not need to buy nurse’s scrubs – we will provide them for you!

Besides the classes, what else is required before you take the CNA exam?
CNA students are required to take a CPR class, get a background check, and submit an application for certification to California Department of Public Health. Unlike other schools, we will take care of all the arrangements for you! We will help you with the certification application and help schedule your CPR test and background check. All the details will be taken care of for you.

What happens if I don’t pass the CNA exam?  Can you take the CNA test multiple times?
If you fail the exam, don’t worry – you can take the test three times. Additionally, there are two portions of the CNA exam – a written piece and a skill piece. You only need to retake the portion of the exam that you failed; you don’t necessarily have to take the whole test over again. No need to stress, our job is to ensure that you pass the exam, and we will work with you every step of the way!

I didn’t graduate high school. Can I still take CNA classes and become a CNA without a high school diploma?
If you haven’t graduated High School, there are options for you to still become Nurse Assistant certified (CNA). You will need to pass an Ability To Benefit test. This test is a Wonderlic test based on the training that you are going into. Please call our friendly career counselors at 1 (213) 387-8900 for more information.

Is there a dress code for a CNA school?
For medical cleanliness reasons, you must have short nails. Acrylic nails are also not allowed. For the same reason, you cannot wear open toed shoes. You will also need to wear your nurse’s uniform in class (which we provide for you).

Can I check my cell phone during classes?
No, you cannot use your cell phone during classes. But you can check your phone in between classes. Due to HIPPA requirements, you cannot take any pictures for privacy reasons.

What kinds of ID are needed to attend your school and take the CNA exam?
You will need to have a valid, government issued ID. It does not need to be a California ID. A Social Security card or ITA number is acceptable.

How soon do I need to take the CNA test after finishing the classes?
You have two years to take the exam.

Can I just renew my CNA license without taking classes?
No. You need to have 48 hours of continuing education to renew your CNA. These continuing education hours can be obtained while working at a skills nursing facility or hospital.

How old do you have to be to become certified as a CNA?
You must be at least 16 years old to take the CNA exam.

Is a background check required to become CNA certified?
Yes, there is a background check in order to become Nurse Assistant certified. It is required because CNAs often work in nursing homes, and must be trusted around vulnerable people and their possessions. However, while you need a background clearance, you don’t necessarily have to have a 100% clean record.

What if I have a misdemeanor on my record, is that a problem?
Most misdemeanors are not a cause for being denied. One exception for this is petty theft. If you have theft on your record, your background check will likely cause you to be ineligible to become a Certified Nurse Assistant.

I have a DUI on my record. Will that cause my background check to be denied?
No, you can still become a Certified Nurse Assistant if you have a DUI on your record.

I have a felony on my record.  Will that cause my CNA background check to be denied?
Check this list to see which convictions bar you from becoming a CNA.

What if I get denied due to the background check?
If you are denied due to your background check, there is still hope. You can appeal the denial by getting letters of recommendations or proof of rehabilitation.

Will American Medical Careers help me with any background check issues?
Call one of our friendly career counselors at 1 (213) 387-8900 and let us know your concerns. We will be happy to discuss any options with you!

Is the CNA exam only in English? Can you take it in Spanish?
The CNA exam is only given in English.

Does American Medical Careers offer nighttime classes?
No, we don’t currently offer night classes. However, we understand that you have a busy schedule. Call our career counselors and we’ll see if we can come up with an option that works for your needs.

Does American Medical Careers offer 100% online classes?
The state of California requires one hundred hours of ‘hands on’ training to be eligible to take the CNA test. Students  must go to a skills nursing facility to practice their skills. During the height of COVID, the state provided a waiver to suspend this requirement, but this waiver was recently lifted. Therefore, you cannot become eligible for certification with only online training.

I am going to move to out of California.  Can I transfer my CNA certification to another state?
Yes, you can transfer your certification to another state. To do this, you need to contact the Department of Health in the state that you are moving to. Your new state’s Department of Health will get the process started. If you’ve already moved, just follow this same process.

Do you offer any other training programs other than CNA training?
Yes. American Medical Careers also offers training to become Health Care Specialists, HHAs (Home Health Aides), Restorative Nursing Assistants, Acute Care Nursing Assistants, and Home Caregivers.

I have not taken the Covid vaccine. Is that a problem for CNA school or the CNA exam? Do I need to be Covid vaccinated to become a CNA?
If you do not want to take the Covid vaccine, call us at 1 (213) 387-8900 and we can discuss options with you. Additionally, Covid vaccine requirements may be lifted soon, so this may not be an issue for long. Currently you do need to be vaccinated to do clinical hours in settings such as nursing homes, etc.

Do I need to take a physical to be CNA certified?
Yes, a basic physical is required to become a CNA. In the physical, your blood pressure is read, you take a tuberculosis test and perform some basic physical movements (like kneeling). Your doctor will also fill out a questionnaire. The purpose of the physical is to make sure you can do the basic movements required as part of the job of being a CNA.

We hope that we answered any questions you might have. If you need more information, just reach out to our friendly career counselors by calling 1 (213) 387-8900 or filling out the form above.