Nurse Assistant

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program equips individuals to offer healthcare services to those in need. Participants will acquire knowledge of the caregiver's responsibilities, healthcare settings, safety protocols, adult health requirements, essential caregiving abilities, and more. The faculty acknowledges and respects each student's distinct educational, experiential, cultural, spiritual, economic, and social backgrounds, understanding the importance of a unique support system for every student. 

Upon completing the training, students become eligible to undertake the competency evaluation to become a CNA. Those who pass both the written and practical assessments affirm their understanding and capability to safely carry out entry-level nursing assistant duties. This achievement certifies to the California Department of Public Health that all prerequisites for certification have been fulfilled.

Enrollment Requirements for Allied Health Courses with Clinical Laboratory Component

Background Check and Documentation Submission

• Before enrollment, students must complete and send in a background check, which is the student's responsibility.

Fingerprint Submission for Screening

• Submission of fingerprints for Department of Justice screening is mandatory.

Identification Documents

• A Social Security card/Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card and a valid government-issued photo ID must be provided.

American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Card

• Students must demonstrate possession of a valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) card throughout their enrollment in the NATP course.

Pre-Program Medical Assessment

• Before commencing the program, students are required to undergo a medical assessment by a designated Healthcare Provider. This assessment ensures that students meet the necessary technical standards and are physically and mentally fit to achieve the course objectives.

Immunizations and Vaccinations

• Students must obtain the required immunizations and vaccinations at their own expense.

Licensure/Certification Eligibility

Proof of Immunization

• Submission of proof of immunization is mandatory with the application, without exceptions.

Immunization Requirements

MMR

• Students must provide proof of either:
  • 2 doses of the MMR Vaccine, OR
  • Positive Titers for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (Blood Test)

Varicella

• Students must provide proof of either:
  • 2 doses of the Varicella Vaccine, OR
  • Positive Varicella Titer (Blood Test)

Hepatitis B

• Students must provide proof of either:
  • 3 doses of the Hepatitis B Vaccine, OR
  • 2 doses of Heplisav-B, OR
  • Positive Hepatitis B Titer (Blood Test)

Tdap

• Tdap Vaccination within the last 10 years is required.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster

• Completion of COVID-19 vaccination requirements with Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax vaccine series with a booster administered after 6 months.

Additional Requirements

• Flu Shot for the current season (Fall courses can be completed after August 1st)
• CPR/American Heart Association approved Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers 

Requirements Upon Acceptance to NATP Program

• Drug Screen
• Background Check
• Physical Exam
• Live Scan
• TB Test 2-step PPD/TST or QuantiFERON/T-Spot test

Note: Students with misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may face obstacles in obtaining certification or licensure from the State. For further information, contact the Department of Public Health at CNA@CDPH.CA.GOV.