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Certified Nurse Assistant

Nurse helping a young patient

Certified Nurse Assistant

Program Description & Goals:

The Certified Nurse Assistant program prepares students to work as entry-level healthcare workers for patients in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Certified Nurse Assistants play a vital role in patient care by providing direct assistance and support to patients, and helping them maintain their comfort, dignity, and overall well-being while working under the supervision of registered and vocational nurses.  

This program meets Title 22 regulations in care of the geriatric population in the hospital, assisted living, and long-term care setting and utilizing skills in basic care, safety precautions, infection control and prevention, emergency responses, and communication. It is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). 

The GWC CNA's Program is a 16-week program and consists of 60 theory hours and 100 clinical hours. The program includes hands-on clinical training, which provides valuable experience in patient care, vital signs monitoring, assisting with activities of daily living, infection control, and basic medical procedures. Students can complete the program within a semester and be ready to take the Competency Evaluation Examination to become licensed Certified Nurse Assistants.

The Benefits of Becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant:

  • Becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant is an excellent way to start a career in the healthcare industry, as it is a foundational step for those interested in pursuing a career in nursing or other healthcare professions.
  • The CNA program includes hands-on clinical training, which provides valuable experience in patient care, vital signs monitoring, assisting with activities of daily living, infection control, and basic medical procedures. This practical experience is invaluable for building skills and confidence in a healthcare environment. 
  • The students will also be able to:
    • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they assist nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide the best care for the patients by addressing and treating any health issues in a timely manner for successful job performances
    • Develop a well-rounded skill set that includes compassion, empathy, communication, attention to detail, patience, flexibility, teamwork, physical fitness, and emotional resilience. These skills are important in providing quality care to ensure patients feel comfortable, understood, respected, and heard.
    • Improve multitasking skill as there are many responsibilities and skills required to perform tasks effectively and efficiently
    • Learn Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws and abide by them
    • Demonstrate professional behavior and adhere to legal and ethical standards

Prerequisites to the Nursing Assistant program:

  • Must be 16 years of age or older
  • Must have a GWC application on file and be eligible to attend GWC to be considered for admission
  • Must have valid Government issued picture ID and United States Social Security (SSN) or ITIN number
  • Must attend a mandatory Information Session (GWC Student ID required)
  • Complete CNA program application
  • Must attend a mandatory Orientation Session once admitted to the program
  • Must have valid American Heart Association Healthcare BLS Provider CPR card and health insurance
  • Complete/Clear Drug screen, Background check including Live Scan Fingerprint
  • Complete Physical Exams and immunizations by designated date on pre-program checklist

Students should wait until after attending mandatory orientation session to obtain a physical exam or immunization. If the exams are obtained too early, they may be invalid and must be repeated.

Mandatory Information Sessions:

Students must attend a mandatory Information Session before enrollment. The information session is 2 hours and includes an English and Mathematics CASAS assessment to determine the readiness to enter the Nurse Assistant Program. During the information session, the entrance criteria and requirements are explained.

Complete an interest form using the link below to receive updates on the Spring 2025 CNA program (GWC Student ID required).
GWC Noncredit Program Interest Form (cccd.edu)

Selection Procedure

Selection of the Certified Nurse Assistant Program cohort is made through multifactor point system of qualified applicants.

The Multifactor criteria guidelines include:

  • English and mathematics assessment scores
  • Completion of GWC ELL Level 3 and/or Transitional ELL courses
  • Program Interest Essay
  • Current students from community partners and the CAEC consortium
  • Life Experience (bilinguals, veterans, past healthcare professionals, etc.

Eligibility Requirements:

Students are required to demonstrate a clear background check and drug screening to be enrolled in the courses. Live Scan will also fingerprint students. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will review Live Scan/Department of Justice results and determine if an individual is qualified for the State Certification Exam. CDPH evaluates criminal convictions for any offense. Health and Safety Code Section 1337.9(c) explains that individuals who have convictions or questions about their ability to obtain clearance can request an "inquiry" with the California Department of Public Health. Please visit the CDPH website or contact 916-327-2445 or cna@cdph.ca.gov

Estimated Expenses of the Program
Fees Cost
Physical Examination and vaccinations (Cost dependent on health insurance) * $300.00
Criminal Background Check, Drug Test, & Immunization Tracking System $112.00
NSO Professional Liability Insurance $30.00
BLS CPR Certification $75.00
Uniform $60.00
State Certification Exam Fee $120.00
Live Scan ($32 DOJ Fee + Rolling Fee: Varies by location) $72.00
Total Estimated Program Cost $751.00**

**Fees are an approximation and subject to change

Frequently Asked Questions

How many classes are needed to complete this program?
When does this program offer?
Will this program provide me with a CNA license?
Does being part of the Certified Nurse Assistant Program give students points toward the multi-criteria guidelines for the Nursing program at GWC?
Can these classes be transferred to another college?
What if I cannot complete all the courses or fail one of the courses?
How long will it take to complete this program?
How much does this program cost?
Will students be placed at a clinical site?
Where are the clinical sites located?
What if I do not have my COVID vaccine?
Do I need a High School Diploma or GED to participate?
How often do CNAs need to renew their license?
Does Golden West offer continuing education courses for CNA?
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