Your Path to Becoming a CNA: LA Skills Academy's Program Overview
- LA Skills Academy
- Jan 8
- 15 min read
If you’re considering a career in healthcare and want to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an excellent place to start. At Los Angeles Skills Academy (LASA), students receive the knowledge, practical training, and support they need to step confidently into this essential role.
A CNA provides basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. They assist with daily tasks such as bathing, feeding, monitoring vital signs, and helping patients move safely. It’s a hands-on career that allows you to build real relationships with those in your care, offering both professional fulfillment and personal purpose. Many CNAs also use the role as a stepping stone to becoming nurses or other healthcare professionals.
LASA’s 4-week CNA program is designed to prepare students quickly and thoroughly. Over just a few weeks, students progress through structured classroom lessons and interactive skills training. The curriculum is comprehensive yet accessible, with a focus on real-world tasks like hand washing, infection control, vital signs, and patient mobility. By the end of the program, graduates are fully equipped to pass the state exam and begin working as competent, compassionate CNAs.
Day 1–2: Building Your Foundation as a CNA
The first two days at Los Angeles Skills Academy set the tone for your entire CNA journey. During this time, you'll explore the heart of what it means to be a Certified Nursing Assistant—not just the technical duties, but the mindset and compassion required to support patients with dignity.
Understanding Your Role
Students begin with an introduction to the CNA profession, including what to expect on the job and how CNAs fit into the larger healthcare team. You'll learn about:
The daily responsibilities of a CNA
How to provide basic care while maintaining professionalism
The importance of showing empathy, patience, and respect in every interaction
Patient Rights & Safety
Protecting patients' rights is a legal and ethical obligation. You'll be introduced to Title 22 regulations, confidentiality laws, and mandated reporting responsibilities. Topics include:
Patients’ rights and resident rights
Identifying and reporting signs of abuse or neglect
Upholding dignity and making patients feel heard and safe
Interpersonal Skills
Strong communication is essential in healthcare. On Day 2, you'll practice interacting clearly and compassionately with patients, their families, and your fellow healthcare workers. This includes:
Using verbal and non-verbal communication effectively
Being respectful across diverse cultural backgrounds
Managing sensitive conversations with care
Safety Basics
Injuries can happen in any healthcare setting—especially when lifting or moving patients. That's why you'll also begin learning about body mechanics, or how to move in ways that protect both you and your patients. Key skills introduced include:
Proper posture when lifting or turning patients
How to reposition patients safely in beds and chairs
Techniques that reduce the risk of strain or falls
By the end of Day 2, you’ll have a strong understanding of your responsibilities as a CNA and how to create a safe, respectful, and supportive care environment.
Day 3: Mastering Infection Control & Emergency Skills
On Day 3, students at Los Angeles Skills Academy focus on two of the most critical responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant: keeping environments clean to prevent infection, and knowing how to act quickly during emergencies. These skills are not only essential for patient safety—they're also key to earning the trust of your team and those in your care.
Cleanliness Matters
Infection control starts with proper hygiene. Even the smallest actions, like how you wash your hands or remove a pair of gloves, can make a big difference in stopping the spread of illness. You'll receive hands-on practice in:
Correct hand washing techniques (a vital CNA skill)
How to put on and remove PPE (gown, gloves, mask, eyewear)
Following universal precautions—standard procedures used to treat all bodily fluids as potentially infectious
Safely disposing of soiled materials and handling linens
Emergency Readiness
As a CNA, you'll need to think on your feet when emergencies happen. Whether someone is choking, has fallen, or is showing signs of distress, your ability to respond calmly and correctly is vital. You’ll learn how to:
Perform the Heimlich maneuver (choking rescue)
Identify signs of medical distress like trouble breathing or sudden weakness
Use basic techniques to provide comfort until help arrives
Basic Safety Protocols
Beyond medical emergencies, CNAs also need to understand general safety procedures used throughout healthcare facilities. This includes:
What to do in case of a fire, earthquake, or evacuation
Understanding emergency codes (like “Code Blue” for cardiac arrest)
Using proper body mechanics to prevent injury when assisting patients
Keeping the environment free of tripping or fall hazards
By the end of Day 3, you’ll have built a strong foundation in infection control and emergency preparedness—two areas that will shape your day-to-day responsibilities and help you provide safe, dependable care.
Day 4–5: Taking and Understanding Vital Signs
Accurately measuring and interpreting vital signs is one of the most important duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant. During Days 4 and 5 at Los Angeles Skills Academy, you’ll receive focused, hands-on training that teaches you how to collect these essential health indicators and recognize when something may be out of the ordinary.
Vital Signs Training
Vital signs give healthcare providers a quick look at a patient's current condition. You’ll practice using medical tools and techniques to measure:
Blood Pressure using a manual cuff and stethoscope, as well as electronic devices
Temperature through oral, axillary (underarm), and rectal methods
Pulse, both radial (wrist) and apical (chest) to check heart rate
Breathing Rate, observing how often a person inhales and exhales
Oxygen Levels with a pulse oximeter, which clips onto a finger and monitors oxygen saturation in the blood
By practicing these skills repeatedly, you’ll become confident in your ability to take vital signs quickly and accurately.
Height & Weight
In addition to vital signs, measuring a person’s height and weight is a regular part of patient care. You’ll learn how to:
Use upright and bed scales to weigh patients safely
Measure height for both standing and bedridden patients
Record measurements consistently and correctly
This information is often used to monitor health changes, adjust medication dosages, and assess nutritional needs.
Understanding the Numbers
Knowing how to take these measurements is only part of the job—you also need to understand what they mean. You'll learn to recognize:
Normal ranges for each vital sign
What values might indicate a problem, such as high blood pressure or low oxygen levels
When to report changes to the nurse or healthcare team
By the end of Day 5, you’ll have a solid grasp of how to gather and interpret vital signs—giving you a critical tool for monitoring patients’ well-being and ensuring they receive timely medical attention.
Day 6–7: Moving and Positioning Patients Safely
Mobility is essential to maintaining a patient’s comfort, dignity, and overall health. On Days 6 and 7 at Los Angeles Skills Academy, students focus on safe movement techniques that reduce the risk of injury—for both the patient and the caregiver. You’ll learn how to support patients with limited mobility, whether they’re recovering from surgery, living with chronic illness, or require long-term care.
Mobility Assistance
Skills include:
Repositioning patients in bed to prevent stiffness or sores
Helping patients sit up, turn, or move to the edge of the bed
Transferring from bed to wheelchair or chair, and back
Assisting patients during walking, known as ambulation, using supportive strategies like verbal cues and steady guidance
Using Equipment Safely
To assist with mobility, CNAs often rely on tools that provide added safety and support. You’ll receive training on how to properly use:
Gait belts, worn around the patient’s waist to provide extra stability
Mechanical lifts, which help move patients who cannot bear weight
Transfer boards and sheets, used to glide patients smoothly from surface to surface
Each tool has specific techniques that must be followed to ensure patient safety and prevent strain on your own body.
Comfort & Prevention
Beyond just movement, you’ll also learn how to promote long-term comfort and prevent complications like pressure ulcers (bedsores). This includes:
Turning patients regularly to relieve pressure on the skin
Using the Fowler’s position and other supportive positions for comfort and proper breathing
Encouraging patients to move or shift positions if they’re able
Supporting independence by helping patients participate in their own care when possible
By the end of Day 7, you’ll feel confident in your ability to move and position patients with care—ensuring they stay safe, comfortable, and as mobile as possible in their daily routines.
Day 8–9: Helping Patients Feel Comfortable
Comfort goes beyond physical well-being—it also includes emotional reassurance and preserving a person’s dignity. During Days 8 and 9 at Los Angeles Skills Academy, students learn how to support patients' personal hygiene and comfort with care, patience, and professionalism. These foundational skills help create a clean, safe, and respectful environment where patients feel seen and cared for.
Bed-Making Skills
Clean linens and a well-made bed can greatly improve a patient's comfort and sense of order. You'll learn how to:
Make an unoccupied bed quickly and neatly
Make an occupied bed while the patient remains in bed—using proper techniques to protect the patient's comfort and safety
Handle and dispose of soiled linens using infection control practices
Cleanliness & Grooming
Personal hygiene is a basic need, and CNAs play a key role in helping patients meet this need when they can’t do it themselves. You’ll receive training in:
Oral hygiene, including brushing teeth, caring for dentures, and providing mouth care for unconscious patients
Hair care, such as brushing, combing, and shampooing in bed
Shaving safely with razors or electric shavers
Bathing, including complete bed baths, partial baths, and assistance with showers or tub baths
Hand, foot, and nail care, ensuring cleanliness while checking for signs of skin issues or infections
These tasks not only promote physical health but also boost a patient’s self-esteem and mental well-being.
Respect & Dignity
As you perform these tasks, you'll be trained to preserve each patient’s sense of dignity and privacy. This includes:
Always knocking before entering a patient’s room
Explaining each step before beginning care
Using privacy curtains or blankets during bathing and dressing
Encouraging independence, allowing patients to do what they can while assisting with what they can’t
By the end of Day 9, you’ll be equipped with the essential skills to help patients look and feel their best—offering care that’s not only practical, but also deeply compassionate.
Day 10–12: Nutrition, Feeding, and Elimination Care
On Days 10 through 12 at Los Angeles Skills Academy, students focus on supporting two of the most basic—and important—areas of patient care: nutrition and elimination. These are deeply personal needs, and CNAs are trained to approach them with professionalism, patience, and compassion. You'll learn how to assist with eating, manage toileting routines, and maintain cleanliness while preserving each patient’s comfort and dignity.
Feeding Techniques
Proper nutrition is key to recovery and long-term health. As a CNA, you’ll often assist patients who are unable to feed themselves or need help getting started. During this part of the training, you'll learn to:
Feed patients safely, avoiding choking risks and ensuring proper posture during meals
Use assistive tools, like orthopedic utensils or special cups, for patients with limited mobility
Encourage independence, allowing patients to do as much as they can
Monitor for signs of swallowing difficulties, fatigue, or appetite changes
Understanding Special Diets
Patients may have dietary restrictions due to medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or swallowing issues. You'll be introduced to:
Types of diets, such as low-sodium, diabetic, soft, or pureed
Diet therapy goals, including weight gain, weight maintenance, or nutrient balancing
How to verify the correct diet has been given to the right patient
Communicating with the nursing team if the patient refuses food or shows signs of discomfort
Assisting with Toileting
A bedpan for those who can’t leave their bed
A urinal for male patients
A portable commode for patients with limited mobility
Toilet routines for patients on bladder or bowel retraining programs
You'll also be trained to change incontinence briefs, provide perineal care, and ensure patients are cleaned and comfortable after elimination.
Collecting Samples
CNAs are often responsible for collecting basic medical samples. You’ll be taught how to:
Collect urine specimens, including clean-catch and routine samples
Collect stool samples safely and hygienically
Measure and record output, which helps monitor fluid balance
Follow infection control procedures throughout the process
By the end of Day 12, you’ll be confident in supporting your patients’ nutritional and elimination needs—two vital areas that require not only technical skill but also kindness and discretion.
Day 13–15: Advanced Personal Care
During Days 13 to 15 at Los Angeles Skills Academy, the 4-week CNA program shifts to more advanced personal care techniques. These skills build on your earlier lessons and prepare you to confidently care for patients with more complex needs—while continuing to provide comfort, respect, and dignity. You’ll learn how to deliver personal hygiene to unconscious patients, assist with medical devices, and provide thoughtful, compassionate care that improves a patient's quality of life.
Oral & Denture Care
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing infections and promoting comfort, especially for patients who are unable to care for themselves. You’ll learn how to:
Brush the teeth of conscious patients, using safe, respectful techniques
Perform mouth care for unconscious patients, who are especially at risk for dry mouth and infection
Clean and store dentures properly to prevent damage or bacteria buildup
Recognize signs of mouth sores, infections, or gum disease, and report them to the nurse
Proper oral care can prevent serious complications like pneumonia—especially in older or bedridden patients.
Special Situations
Some patients have medical devices or physical adaptations that require extra care. You’ll be introduced to how to safely and respectfully assist:
Patients with urinary catheters, learning how to empty, clean, and monitor the drainage bag
Patients on oxygen therapy, including how to check tubing for safety and prevent skin irritation
Individuals with prosthetic limbs, by assisting with skin care, checking for pressure sores, and helping with attachment/removal
Those who use hearing aids, with instruction on cleaning, inserting, and storing devices properly
Comfort & Compassion
Advanced care isn’t only about technique—it’s also about presence, patience, and emotional support. During these sessions, you’ll also practice:
Giving gentle back rubs to promote relaxation and circulation
Assisting with dressing and undressing, while promoting independence and privacy
Providing nail care, including trimming and cleaning fingernails (and toenails when allowed)
Offering emotional reassurance during personal care routines, especially when patients feel vulnerable
By the end of Day 15, you’ll have the tools to care for a wide range of patients—including those who require special attention—while continuing to uphold the values of empathy, safety, and professionalism.
Day 16–18: Common Procedures and Daily Support
As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you'll be deeply involved in a patient's daily routine—from supporting personal hygiene to assisting with medical tasks and transitions. During Days 16 to 18 at Los Angeles Skills Academy, you’ll learn how to perform essential procedures that support both patient comfort and clinical care. These days focus on building your competence in routine care and boosting your confidence in assisting with tasks that may initially seem intimidating.
Helping with Toileting Routines
Maintaining dignity and independence in toileting is a critical part of patient care. CNAs play a key role in helping patients maintain healthy elimination patterns. You’ll learn how to:
Assist with bladder and bowel retraining programs, often used in rehabilitation or long-term care
Provide perineal care with sensitivity and respect, reducing the risk of infection
Safely help patients use toilets, commodes, bedpans, and urinals
Monitor and report any irregularities, such as blood in urine or constipation
These skills not only improve patient comfort but also help prevent skin issues and urinary tract infections.
Administering Simple Treatments
Although CNAs do not give medications, you will be trained in applying certain non-prescription treatments and assisting with dressing changes as directed by a nurse. This includes:
Applying moisturizers or barrier creams to protect the skin
Changing non-sterile dressings on minor wounds
Observing and reporting signs of infection or skin breakdown
Using non-medicated ointments or lotions as part of comfort care routines
You’ll learn how to stay within your scope of practice while playing a supportive role in a patient’s healing process.
Assisting with Admissions and Transfers
CNAs are often the first friendly face a patient sees when arriving at a new facility—and one of the most helpful during transitions. In this section, you'll gain experience in:
Welcoming new patients, helping them feel comfortable and oriented
Taking vital signs and recording basic health data during admission
Helping patients settle in, including unpacking, labeling personal belongings, and setting up their space
Supporting transfers to other rooms, units, or facilities with calm, efficient communication and physical assistance
By the end of Day 18, you’ll understand how to handle daily care procedures smoothly, contribute to a patient’s sense of dignity, and collaborate effectively with your healthcare team.
Day 19–21: Specialized Care and Final Practice
As your 4-week CNA program at Los Angeles Skills Academy comes to a close, Days 19 to 21 focus on advanced, specialized care and a comprehensive review of everything you’ve learned. These final sessions prepare you for real-world challenges—especially those involving memory care and end-of-life situations—while reinforcing your clinical skills through guided practice and mock exams. You’ll leave this stage of the program with both the technical ability and emotional readiness to serve patients with empathy and professionalism.
Caring for Patients with Memory Issues
Working with patients who have dementia or cognitive decline requires more than routine care—it calls for patience, compassion, and the right communication techniques. During this module, you’ll learn how to:
Use clear, simple language and calm tones when speaking
Offer reassurance and structure, reducing anxiety and confusion
Recognize common behaviors like wandering or agitation and how to respond appropriately
Maintain safety and dignity while respecting their independence as much as possible
These skills are crucial when working in memory care units, nursing homes, or with elderly patients.
End-of-Life Care
Providing comfort and support to patients who are nearing the end of life is a deeply meaningful responsibility. CNAs often work closely with patients and families during these emotional moments. You’ll be taught how to:
Deliver gentle personal care, such as repositioning and mouth care
Offer comfort and a calming presence without intruding
Understand the signs of approaching death and how to respond respectfully
Support the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families, within your scope of practice
This training emphasizes compassion, presence, and maintaining the dignity of those in their final days.
Mock Tests & Skill Review
To help you feel confident and prepared for certification, the last portion of your training includes comprehensive review sessions. These will help reinforce your technical knowledge and practical skills through:
Mock written exams based on the state certification test
Hands-on skill demonstrations with instructor feedback
Peer practice sessions to reinforce correct techniques
Q&A reviews to clarify any remaining questions before the final exam
By the end of Day 21, you’ll be ready not only to pass your CNA certification but also to begin your career with competence, care, and confidence.
Day 22: Graduation and What’s Next
Your final day at Los Angeles Skills Academy marks both an ending and a new beginning. Day 22 is about celebrating your accomplishments, showcasing your skills, and preparing to step into the healthcare field as a certified nursing assistant. After weeks of hard work and hands-on learning, this day brings everything together and sets you on the path toward a rewarding career.
Final Exam and Skills Check
You’ll begin the day by completing your final written exam and skills demonstration. This is your chance to show everything you’ve learned—from vital signs and infection control to mobility and personal care. These assessments help ensure you're fully prepared for the state certification process. You'll walk away with a sense of accomplishment and a clear picture of your readiness.
You’ll demonstrate:
Proper handwashing and use of PPE
Taking and recording vital signs
Safe patient transfers and positioning
Personal care skills like feeding, grooming, and toileting support
Graduation Ceremony & Job Fair
After exams, it's time to celebrate! The graduation ceremony is a moment to recognize your commitment and the progress you've made. You'll receive a certificate of completion, take photos with classmates, and hear from instructors who supported your journey.
Following the ceremony, LASA typically hosts an on-site job fair or provides employment resources where you can:
Meet potential employers from local clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals
Submit your resume and discuss open CNA positions
Learn about next steps for applying and interviewing
Ready to Work
With classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and clinical experience under your belt, you're ready to begin your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. LASA’s training ensures you have the confidence and capability to support patients with professionalism and empathy from day one.
After graduation, many students:
Take the California CNA certification exam
Begin working in long-term care facilities, hospitals, or in-home care
Use their CNA experience as a foundation for further nursing education
You’ve built a strong foundation—and now you’re equipped to make a difference.
The 4-week CNA program at Los Angeles Skills Academy gives students the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to succeed in healthcare. Through hands-on training and expert instruction, you’ll learn essential patient care techniques and build a strong foundation for a meaningful career. If you're ready to make a difference, LA Skills Academy is the perfect place to start your journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Start Your CNA Career with LA Skills Academy
At LA Skills Academy, we provide a comprehensive CNA training program that gives you the tools to succeed. Our courses are designed to prepare you for a successful nursing assistant career in Los Angeles and beyond. With personalized instruction, job placement assistance, and expert guidance, we help you every step of the way. If you're ready to start your journey toward becoming a certified nursing assistant, LA Skills Academy is the right choice for your training.
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