NURSE ASSISTANT (CNA)
TRAINING PROGRAM

COURSE TITLE: Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP)

TOTAL HOURS:160 hours (60 Theory/100 Clinical)

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This 160-hour California Department of Public Health–approved Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) prepares students for entry-level employment as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination and pursue certification as a CNA in the state of California.

 

The curriculum integrates classroom instruction, skills laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experience to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required for safe and effective patient care.

 

COURSE OFFERINGS & SCHEDULES:

The Nurse Assistant Training Program is offered in multiple formats to accommodate diverse student schedules:

 

Full-Time (AM) – “16-Day Fast Track”

Monday–Friday

7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Program length: 16 instructional days

 

Part-Time (PM) / Evenings

Monday–Friday

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Program length: 8 weeks

 

Weekend Program

Saturday & Sunday

7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Program length: 8 weekends

 

START DATES:

Full-Time (AM): Offered every month

Part-Time (PM) & Weekend: Offered every other month

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum age: 16 years

• No high school diploma or GED required

• Valid government-issued photo identification

• Social Security card

• Physical examination and tuberculosis (TB) test required for participation in clinical training. Documentation must be completed prior to clinical placement or may be accepted if completed within three (3) months prior to the program start date

• Live Scan: A background check will be completed during the course. Live Scan is a California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint-based background check required for participation in clinical training and future certification.

 

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW:

 Part I: Classroom / Theory Instruction (60 Hours)

The classroom component introduces foundational nursing concepts and essential patient-care principles through structured modules delivered in a classroom and/or laboratory setting. Coursework emphasizes patient safety, communication, legal and ethical responsibilities, and preparation for clinical practice.

 

Theory Modules:

1. Introduction to Nurse Assistant

2. Patient/Resident Rights

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

4. Prevention and Management of Catastrophe and Unusual Occurrences

5. Body Mechanics

6. Medical and Surgical Asepsis

7. Weights and Measures

8. Patient Care Skills

9. Patient Care Procedures

10. Vital Signs

11. Nutrition

12. Emergency Procedures

13. Long-Term Care Patient/Resident

14. Rehabilitative Nursing

15. Observation and Charting

16. Death and Dying

17. Patient/Resident Abuse

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 Part II: Clinical Practice (100 Hours)

Following successful completion of theory instruction, students participate in supervised clinical training in approved healthcare facilities. Clinical practice emphasizes hands-on skill development, patient interaction, and application of classroom concepts in real-world healthcare environments under the guidance of licensed nurse instructors.

 

Clinical Skills Competencies:

1. Hand Hygiene (Hand Washing)

2. Applies One Knee-High Elastic Stocking

3. Assist to Ambulate Using Transfer Belt

4. Assist with Use of Bedpan

5. Cleans Upper or Lower Denture

6. Counts and Records Radial Pulse

7. Counts and Records Respirations

8. Donning and Removing PPE (Gown & Gloves)

9. Dresses Client with Affected (Weak) Right Arm

10. Feeds Client Who Cannot Feed Self

11. Gives Modified Bed Bath (Face, One Arm, Hand, and Underarm)

12. Measures and Records Electronic Blood Pressure

13. Measures and Records Urinary Output

14. Measures and Records Weight of Ambulatory Client

15. Performs Modified Passive Range of Motion (PROM): One Knee and One Ankle

16. Performs Modified Passive Range of Motion (PROM): One Shoulder

17. Positions Client on Side

18. Provides Catheter Care for Female

19. Provides Foot Care on One Foot

20. Provides Mouth Care

21. Provides Perineal Care (Peri-Care) for Female

22. Transfers from Bed to Wheelchair Using Transfer Belt

23. Measures and Records Manual Blood Pressure

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of the Nurse Assistant Training Program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate safe, ethical, and effective basic nursing care skills

2. Communicate professionally with patients, families, and healthcare team members

3. Apply infection control and safety protocols in clinical settings

4. Perform essential CNA skills in compliance with CDPH and NNAAP standards

5. Prepare for successful completion of the California CNA certification examination