
Welcome to the Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) Certificate program. Get the knowledge
and skills to be a nursing assistant in an acute care setting. Learn to work under
the supervision of a nurse. Practice soft skills (VBUS 402) or language skills (ESL
520) for a healthcare environment.
Help patients with daily activities. They take vital signs, assist with medical equipment,
and provide support. ACNAs observe patients and share important information with nursing
staff.
This 13-week certification program prepares students for entry-level employment as
a 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.
Before enrolling in the program, students must:
- Attend Orientation (VHLTH 105: Overview of the Acute Care Nursing Assistant Program
Certificate)
- Pass either VBUS 402: WorkForce Power Skills or ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Healthcare Specialization!)
Students must:
- Submit a completed admission package
- If selected, you can enroll in VHLTH 102: Nursing Assistant Training.
- Take the Nursing Assistant 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 (Live Scan Fingerprints)
- 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
- Possess a current BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals certification from the American Heart Association
Students must pass all of the following courses:
- VHLTH 106: Acute Care Nursing Assistant Theory
- VHLTH 107: Acute Care Nursing Assistant Skills Lab
- VHLTH 108: Acute Care Nursing Assistant Clinical
Important Note: Students will be selected into the program. Completion of the requirements
above does not guarantee admission into the program.