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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certificate Program
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role on healthcare teams by providing essential support to patients that ensures their comfort, dignity, and well-being. From recording vital signs to assisting with daily activities like meals and hygiene, CNAs help create a safe and compassionate environment for healing while working under the supervision of registered or vocational nurses.
CNAs in California earn an average of $19.80 an hour and up to $25.00 an hour in certain counties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow 4–5% through 2032, making it a stable and rewarding career path.
The Certified Nursing Assistant certificate program prepares students to become entry-level healthcare professionals in diverse settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, and more. In just five weeks, students learn to work under the supervision of registered and vocational nurses while providing direct care to support patients physically and emotionally.
Preparation to Get Certified
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the California State Competency Evaluation Examination to become certified as a CNA. The course includes exam-focused instruction and practice tests to help prepare with confidence.
Whether you're just starting out or making a career change, the CNA program offers a practical path to making a difference in healthcare.
Who Can Become a CNA?
To enroll in the Certified Nursing Assistant program and qualify for certification in California, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old to begin training
- Be in good physical health and able to perform essential caregiving tasks
- Provide updated immunization records
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal background check
- Successfully complete a California-approved CNA training program
- Be at least 18 years old to take the California State Competency Evaluation Examination
- Maintain your CNA license certification through regular updates and renewals
- 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
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:
- 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
Please Note:
This program is presented in partnership with a third-party provider and is not taught by California State University, Long Beach faculty. The course is not offered for academic credit and is not degree-eligible.
Classes are offered at VSK Healthcare Learning Institute, 631 South Brookhurst St., Suite 210, Anaheim, CA 92804.
