Nursing Assistant
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Take a deep dive on the Nursing Assistant certificate to see if it's a right fit for you!
Nursing Assistants play an important role in patient care as part of the healthcare team. Working closely with nurses, nursing assistants help patients with daily activities, take vital signs, assist with basic medical equipment, and provide comfort and support. They also observe patient conditions and share important information with nursing staff.
This 13-week certification program prepares students for entry-level employment as a Nursing Assistant and for the state certification exam. The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health, and students who complete the course earn a certificate of completion.
Tuition is free, though students may be responsible for costs such as uniforms, supplies, CPR certification, health requirements, and background checks.
- Attend Orientation (VHLTH 101: Overview of the Nursing Assistant Certificate)
- Submit a completed admission package
- If selected, you can enroll in VHLTH 102: Nursing Assistant Training.
- Take the Nursing Assistant state exam and pass.
- Possess a State Issued ID or Driver's License
- Possess a Social Security Card/ITIN Number
- Pass a TB Test (Tuberculosis) or Clear Chest X-Ray
- Pass a Physical Exam to confirm good health
- Pass a Background Check (Live Scan Fingerprints)
- Possess Immunity/Passed immunization forms (Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Hep B & Influenza). COVID vaccine and boosters may be required depending on the clinical facility.
- Attend a mandatory information orientation, VHLTH 101
- Possess a current BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals certification from the American Heart Association
- VHLTH 101: Overview of the Nursing Assistant Training Program
- VHLTH 102: Nursing Assistant Training - Theory
- VHLTH 103: Nursing Assistant Training - Skills Lab
- VHLTH 104: Nursing Assistant Training - Clinical
- VBUS 402: WorkForce Power Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Healthcare Specialization!)
Important Note: Students will be selected into the program. Completion of the requirements above does not guarantee admission into the program.