Nursing Assistant

Certified Nurse Assistant/CNA

The Nurse Assistant (NA) program prepares men and women to assist with the routine care and treatment of patients in health care facilities. Working under the direction of the nursing and medical staff, activities of the Certified Nursing Assistant include providing personal care, maintaining safety, and assisting with activities of daily living. Successful completion of the program results in eligibility to take the state approved tests that lead to certification as a nursing assistant.

The course of study includes 63 hours of classroom instruction and at least 100 hours of clinical practice in long-term care facilities. The first 16 hours of class is mandatory. Students missing any portion of the first 16 hours of class will be dropped.

Students submitting initial application to the Department of Health Services for this course will need to complete information disclosing any past criminal record. Electronically transmitted fingerprinting (LiveScan) is required for this course. If a history exists that has not been cleared with the California Department of Public Health, the student will not be able to continue in the class.  

Students must provide a valid Social Security number as required by the California Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification, Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS) under Health and Safety Code, Sections 1337 through 1338.5 and 1736.1-1736.6 in order to process requests for nurse assistant and home health aide certification.

Specific information regarding the program may be obtained by contacting the Office of Health Sciences & Education.

Nurse Assistant certificates are locally approved and are NOT notated on the student's academic transcript in accordance with the State regulations.