Certified Nursing Assistants play an important role in patient care as part of the
healthcare team. Working closely with nurses, CNAs help patients with daily activities,
take vital signs, assist with basic medical equipment, and provide comfort and support.
They also observe patient conditions and share important information with nursing
staff.
This 13-week certification program prepares students for entry-level employment as
a Certified Nursing Assistant and for the state certification exam. The program is
approved by the California Department of Public Health, and students who complete
the course earn a certificate of completion.
Tuition is free, though students may be responsible for costs such as uniforms, supplies,
CPR certification, health requirements, and background checks.
Students must:
- Attend Orientation (VHLTH 101: Overview of the Nursing Assistant Certificate)
- Submit a completed admission package
- If selected, you can enroll in VHLTH 102: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training.
- Take the CNA state exam and pass.
Participants must also:
- Possess a State Issued ID or Driver's License
- Possess a Social Security Card/ITIN Number
- Pass a TB Test (Tuberculosis) or Clear Chest X-Ray
- Pass a Physical Exam to confirm good health
- Pass a Background Check (LiveScan Fingerprints)
- Possess certification for BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals
- Possess Immunity/Passed immunization forms (Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Hep B & Influenza).
COVID vaccine and boosters may be required depending on the clinical facility.
- Attend a mandatory information orientation, VHLTH 101
Students must pass all of the following courses:
- VHLTH 101: Overview of the Nursing Assistant Training Program
- VHLTH 102: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Theory
- VHLTH 103: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Skills Lab
- VHLTH 104: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Clinical
Students must also pass one of the following courses:
Take a free English for work in healthcare class.You will learn workplace communication,
vocabulary, job safety, culture/issues, career pathways, and more! The course will
improve your speaking skills and prepare you for the CNA program.