What to Expect on Your First Day of CNA Training in Pomona
Starting something new is always a little nerve-wracking. That's completely normal.
Whether you've never been in a classroom in years, or you're fresh out of high school, or you've been working a job that has nothing to do with healthcare — walking into your first day of CNA training at LMCC can feel like a big moment.
It is a big moment. And we want you to feel ready for it.
Here's exactly what Day 1 looks like.
Before You Arrive: What to Bring
You'll want to arrive with:
Required documents (if you haven't submitted these already):
Personal items:
Don't overthink it. If you're missing something non-critical, admissions can sort it out. Just show up.
What to Wear
For the theory phase (the first 60 hours of classroom training), there's no uniform requirement — come in comfortable, casual clothing. Most students wear jeans and a t-shirt or something they'd wear to a casual job.
You'll receive your LMCC uniform as part of your enrollment package. You'll start wearing it once clinical rotations begin, typically in Week 3.
No flip-flops or open-toed shoes once clinical begins — closed-toe shoes only in clinical facilities. Sneakers are fine.
The Two Sessions: AM or PM?
LMCC's CNA program runs in two tracks:
AM Session: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
PM Session: Monday–Friday, 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
You'll have chosen your session when you enrolled. Both cover the same curriculum, the same instructors, and the same state exam preparation. The PM session is popular with students who work morning jobs or have daytime childcare responsibilities.
Theory training (the classroom portion) is 60 hours total, delivered via live instruction. At LMCC, theory sessions are currently conducted via live Zoom — you'll receive the login information when you arrive (or before, via email).
Clinical rotations (102 hours) are in-person at one of our six clinical partner facilities across the Pomona/Inland Empire area.
What Happens in Week 1
The first week is all classroom. No scrubs, no patients yet — just building the foundation.
Day 1: Orientation. You'll meet your instructor, go over the program structure, review the course syllabus, and start your first module: Introduction to Healthcare and the Role of the CNA.
This first day often surprises students. It's not overwhelming. It's actually reassuring — because you realize you're in a room full of people at exactly the same starting point as you, and the instructor is there to bring you all the way through.
Days 2–5: You'll move through the first core modules:
- Patient rights and dignity — the ethical and legal foundation of patient care
- Infection control and standard precautions — handwashing, PPE, preventing the spread of disease
- Safety and emergency procedures — fire safety, call lights, fall prevention, reporting
- Introduction to basic anatomy — body systems you'll reference throughout training
By the end of Week 1, you'll already understand more about patient care than most people who've never trained. That's not an accident — it's the curriculum design.
What the Instructor Is Like
Our instructors are licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and registered nurses (RNs) with years of clinical experience. They've worked the floors. They know what new CNAs face on their first day in a facility.
The teaching approach at LMCC is direct and practical. It's not lecture-heavy for the sake of it. Every topic connects to something real — "here's why you do this, here's what happens when it's done wrong, here's what you'll see in your clinical."
You can ask questions. You're encouraged to. If something isn't clicking, say so. LMCC's hybrid model means 10 days of theory are delivered via live Zoom — so you can ask questions in real time from home, without a commute. Then 21 days of hands-on clinicals at approved facilities near you. It's the same CDPH-approved curriculum, just more accessible.
The 60-Hour Theory Phase
Here's the full scope of what you'll cover during theory (60 hours):
Every module has a learning objective. You'll know what you're expected to understand before you're tested on it.
When Clinical Starts
After completing theory, you move into 102 hours of clinical training at one of LMCC's six partner facilities.
Your clinical site will be assigned based on availability and your session schedule. LMCC partners with six facilities across Pomona, Claremont, Montclair, Glendora, and San Bernardino — all approved by CDPH for student training.
At clinical, you'll work alongside licensed staff with real patients under direct supervision. You'll perform the skills you practiced — taking vitals, assisting with ADLs, bed making, documentation basics. The first clinical day feels significant for most students. For good reason: it's when the career becomes real.
What If I'm Behind or Struggling?
Talk to your instructor early. Don't wait until the exam approaches.
LMCC's small class sizes make it possible to catch issues early. Most students who struggle in the first week are dealing with time management or adjustment — not lack of ability. The instructors are used to working with students who haven't been in a classroom in a long time.
The state exam (written + skills) comes after your clinical hours are complete. By the time you reach it, you'll have practiced the skills dozens of times. 95% of our students pass on the first attempt. That number reflects how thoroughly the program prepares you.
A Note for Nervous Starters
There is no background in healthcare required. No prior medical experience. No science degree. No special talent.
What it takes is showing up — every day, on time, ready to learn. The instructors will handle the rest.
The first day is not a test. It's an introduction. You'll leave knowing more than you did when you walked in, and you'll have a clearer picture of what the next 31 days look like.
We've watched hundreds of students walk through that door unsure of themselves and walk out 31 days later with a certification and a job offer. It starts with Day 1.
Ready to get started? Contact us to enroll in our next cohort.
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