Nursing Assistant Program - Frequently Asked Questions

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 A nursing assistant, also known as a  certified nursing assistant (CNA), assists patients with various activities of daily living in hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities under the direction of a nurse in charge.  

• You must successfully complete a training program approved by the Department of Public Health in California. 
•  Approved California programs include at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised training. 
• Once you have completed the CDPH-approved training program, you will need to successfully pass the State Competency Evaluation Examination to be Certified as a Nursing Assistant. 

•  Be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED is not required at this time
• Have a valid Social Security Number and Card 
• Complete the Student Application Checklist 

• As a full-time student, you can complete the NA Program in 23 days.
• As a part-time student, you can complete the NA Program in 46 days.

• Full-Time: Mornings  8-4:30pm Mon-Friday 
• Part-Time: Evenings  5-9:00pm Mon-Friday
• Weekends: Mornings 8-4:30pm Sat-Sunday

The total cost of the program is $2,320 

• Textbook (rental)
• Workbook
• Skills Book
• Gait Belt
• 1 pair of Uniform
• Name Badge
• Stethoscope & Manual BP Cuff
• CPR Certification 

Cellan Central Valley College (CCVC) is an approved testing site.  Along with other schools in Central Valley, you will be completing your State Certification Exam at CCVC.  State Testing is typically scheduled only on Saturdays. You must first register and create an account through Credentia's CNA365 Portal. From there, you will be given options on when and where you can complete your State Certification Exam.