This hands-on program is delivered in person, giving you direct access to instructors, real-time feedback, and a supportive learning environment. You’ll build confidence and competence through:

• 5-week accelerated program
• 60 hours of face-to-face classroom instruction
• Foundational knowledge in patient care, medical terminology, safety procedures, and professional ethics
• 100 hours of clinical experience
• Real-world healthcare settings under the guidance of licensed professionals
• Preparation for the California State Competency Evaluation Examination

The cost of this program includes:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) training
• Free physical exam and TB test
• One uniform
• Textbook and workbook

• Persons looking for an entry-level opportunity in healthcare
• Students seeking clinical experience with direct patient care
• Students continuing their healthcare education to become nurses or physician assistants
• International or out-of-state healthcare workers who want to transfer their experience to California settings

• Patient care techniques
• Monitoring of vital signs
• Personal hygiene assistance
• Bedside manners and communication
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance and patient privacy
• Emotional resilience and teamwork
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Empathy, patience, adaptability, and attention to detail

No, the program itself does not issue you a CNA license. However, it provides all the state-required training and clinical hours you need to become eligible to take the California State Competency Evaluation Examination. This includes 60 hours of classroom lecture and 100 hours of supervised clinical training, which is required to be eligible to take the exam. The program also provides practice tests to prepare you for the exam. You must complete all components of the training program to be eligible to take the exam.

This is a cohort-based program and students enroll in one integrated course, not separate classes. Upon completing the full training program, you will receive a Nursing Assistant Certificate of Completion and become eligible to take the California CNA state licensure exam.

To successfully complete the program, you must finish the following:

• All classroom instruction
• All clinical training hours
• All required assessments

Because the program is cohort-based, if any component is incomplete or failed, you must re-enroll and repeat the entire program in a future cohort.

Yes, a high school diploma or GED is needed to participate in this program.

CNAs must complete 48 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU) every two years to continue practicing as a CNA.

This program is presented in partnership with a third-party provider and is not taught by California State University, Long Beach faculty.

Classroom lectures on theory are provided at the third party's office: VSK Nursing Healthcare Learning Institute, 631 South Brookhurst St., Suite 210, Anaheim, CA 92804.

Clinical hours are completed at another facility: Courtyard Care Center, 1880 Dawson Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

The attendance policy is created under the discretion of the VSK Nursing Healthcare Learning Institute. Students are allowed a maximum of two excused absences. Any absence makeups will need to be scheduled with VSK Nursing Healthcare Learning Institute. If a student is absent for any class days, a fee of $180 per day of absence is required for scheduled makeups, paid to VSK Nursing Healthcare Learning Institute.