Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training

Brief Description of Required Coursework, Length and Deadline

The Certified Nurse Assistant Training program is designed to be completed over five weeks from the beginning of your enrollment date.

• Theory must be completed, including passing all Theory exams with at least an 80% pass rate, before the student is allowed to start Clinical or have any direct contact with patients
• Clinical must be completed successfully to complete the CNA Training program.
• View course outline here. 
  
  

Clinical Site Locations

Palm Village Retirement Community Health Care Center, 703 W Herbert Ave, Reedley, CA 93654

Woods Health Services at Hillcrest, 2600 A Street, La Verne, CA 91750

Eskaton Village Care Center, 3939 Walnut Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608

Enrollment Requirements

To enroll, prospective students must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Is at least 16 years of age or older
• Possesses a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., CA ID, Driver’s License, Passport, Permanent Resident Card)
• Possesses a valid Social Security card
• Is willing and able to participate in and pass a health examination, including TB testing and physical exam
• Is willing and able to complete and pass a criminal background clearance

Eligible applicants must attend a mandatory orientation session. During the session, the training program's policies and expectations will be reviewed, and students will receive access to the student handbook.

Application Process

After your application to the Certified Nurse Assistant Training program has been accepted, you will follow these steps:

1. Participate in a phone interview with the staff to review your application and enrollment requirements

2. Before the training program start date, attend a virtual orientation session. 
   
   

Technology and Equipment Requirements

Students must have access to a computer or tablet that can connect to the internet to complete this training program. Use of an up-to-date web browser is required; Chrome or Safari are recommended.

Students are responsible for ensuring they can fully participate in online learning, including having:

• A desktop or laptop computer or tablet device
• Stable internet access
• An up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge)
• Audio capability for video-based learning content

No special software downloads are required. Login credentials and access instructions will be provided prior to the start of the training program.

Pre-Clinical Requirements

The following requirements must be completed prior to participating in clinical training or having direct contact with patients.

Criminal Background Clearance

All students must complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check as required by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The cost for the Live Scan background check is included in the student registration fee.

A criminal background may impact the ability to participate in clinical training or become a Certified Nurse Assistant. Results are confidential and submitted directly to CDPH. For information about disqualifying convictions or the background clearance process, visit the CDPH website.

Health Examination and TB Screening

Students must undergo a health examination. This examination must include:

• Medical history and physical examination conducted by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
• A test for tuberculosis (TB) infection, unless medically contraindicated. This test is included in the student registration fee. If the TB test result is positive, a chest x-ray must be performed, unless medically contraindicated.
• A signed provider report from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, indicating that the student is free from any health condition that could pose a hazard to themselves, fellow students, facility staff, or patients.

Immunizations

Students must provide documentation proof of the following mandatory immunizations. All immunization requirements must be completed and submitted prior to the start of the training program. This is the student’s responsibility.

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
• Hepatitis B series
• COVID-19 vaccinations (As required by clinical site policies).
• Annual Influenza vaccination is required during flu season (October 1 - March 31)
  

Drug Screening

Students are required to pass a drug and alcohol screening prior to the start of the training program. No exceptions will be made. This screening must be completed and submitted by the student as part of the enrollment process.

BLS/CPR Certification

Students must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification prior to the start of clinical training, if required by the program or clinical site. Proof of current certification must be submitted before placement.

 

Grade Requirements for Passing the Certified Nurse Assistant Training

Theory Evaluation

The Theory portion of the training program is broken up into modules. At the end of each module, there is a summative exam that the student must take and score at least 80% in order to progress to the next section and complete the Theory portion of the training. Students can retake the summative exam until they score at least 80%.

Students pass Theory by completing all content and passing exams with a score of at least 80%.

Clinical Evaluation

During the Clinical portion of the training, students have the opportunity to apply the skills learned in the Theory through hands-on patient care under the supervision of the Clinical instructor. To successfully pass Clinical, students must:

• Attend 100 hours of clinical training
• Demonstrate competency in all required clinical skills as outlined in the Skills Checklist, signed off on by the instructor during return demonstrations

 

Clinical Schedule & Attendance

Clinical training requires a commitment of up to 8 hours per day plus a 30-minute lunch break. The full clinical schedule will be provided during the application process. While schedule changes are rare, they may occur with as little as 24 hours’ notice due to factors like instructor illness, facility updates, or severe weather. Students must be flexible and prepared to adjust. All changes will be communicated via phone, text, email, and the learning management system.

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Student Registration

All students must complete the registration process prior to enrollment in the training program. Registration includes submission of required documentation, confirmation of eligibility, and completion of all pre-program requirements.

Detailed instructions, timelines, and next steps will be provided to accepted students following orientation.

What to Expect

As part of the program, students will receive access to required training components, which may include:

• Instruction and coursework aligned with state requirements
• Clinical training coordination and placement support
• Access to required program materials and learning resources
• Preparation and scheduling support for the California Nurse Assistant Certification Examination

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for completing and covering the cost of certain pre-program and training-related requirements, which may include:

• Health examination
• Drug screening
• Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification
• Required medical equipment and supplies

Costs may vary by provider. Students are encouraged to plan accordingly and complete all required items prior to the start of the clinical portion of the program.

Program requirements, included services, and student responsibilities are subject to change based on regulatory requirements, clinical partner expectations, and program design.

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