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.
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.
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 of the Certified Nurse Assistant Program cohort is made through multifactor point system of qualified applicants.
The Multifactor criteria guidelines include:
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
| 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
