Certified Nursing Assistant Program

Program Details

• AUDIENCE

  This program is designed for: 

  • Individuals seeking a quick entry into the healthcare field 
  • Those looking for a flexible schedule to balance work and personal commitments 
  • Career changers interested in starting a healthcare career 
  • Aspiring nurses wanting a foundational step toward becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) 
  • High school graduates or GED holders seeking vocational training 
• SCHEDULE, REGISTRATION & FEES

  Course	Dates	Registration
  Certified Nursing Assistant Program	Spring 2025 TBA	CNA Application - Coming Soon

  Course Details

  Classes are held both online and at the CSUSM Temecula Campus.

  Schedule

  • • Theory classes: Online, Mondays and Tuesdays, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
    • Skills Lab: Wednesdays or Thursdays (depending on cohort),  onsite at CSUSM Temecula, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
    • Clinical Experience: Saturdays (or possibly Fridays), 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

  CNA Program Costs

  Item	Cost
  Tuition	$2,400
  Materials*	Approx. $500
  TOTAL (Approximately)	$2,900.00

  *Includes textbook, workbook, scrubs, CA State Exam for CNA license, TB test, physical exam, Livescan fingerprint, BLS/CPR for healthcare professionals, CPR book and card

  Mandatory Pre-Admission Orientation

  Students interested in enrolling in the CNA program will need to attend an online pre-admission orientation session. Registering for one of the orientation sessions will be the first step of the admission process. Pre-admission orientation dates will be available on this webpage soon.

• COURSE TOPICS

  The following essential topics are covered during the 10-week CNA program. 

  Theory Topics 

  Fundamentals 

  • Roles and responsibilities 
  • Legal issues 
  • Ethics 
  • Patient communications 
  • Anatomy and physiology
    
    

  Safety 

  • Controlling infection 
  • Preventing injuries 
  • Responding to emergencies 
    
    

   Providing Care 

  • Vital signs 
  • Positioning/transferring patients 
  • Restorative care 
  • Environmental comfort and rest 
  • Cleanliness/grooming 
  • Meals/fluids 
  • Elimination 
  • Admissions/transfers/discharges 
    
    

   Special Care Situations 

  • Specific illnesses 
  • Dementia/cognitive changes 
  • End-of-life care 
  • Infants/children 
  • Home care 
    
    

   Transitioning From Student to Employee 

  Skills Lab Topics 

   Personal Care 

  • Bathing 
  • Feeding 
  • Grooming 
     

  Patient Positioning and Transferring

  Taking Vital Signs 

  Clinical Training Topics 

   Direct Patient Care 

  • Working with residents of a long-term care facility 
     

  Supervised Practice 

  • Supervision by a licensed nurse certified by CDPH as a training instructor 
• INSTRUCTOR

  Dr. Sonia Valdez DNP, RN, ACNP, GANP, PHN, CVRN-BC, FAAN

  Dr. Sonia Valdez has been a registered nurse for over 10 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Cal State Dominguez Hills University in Carson, Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) specializing in Geriatrics and Acute Care from Walden University, and her Doctrine Degree (DNP) from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona California, and holds a national certification as a Cardiovascular & Geriatric Nurse, and Remote Instruction. Sonia has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, ambulatory centers, and managed care plans. Sonia believes in focusing on the whole person when caring for her patients. She is passionate about providing quality care while remaining mindful of her patients’ individual preferences and needs. In addition to her career in nursing, Sonia volunteers her time in her local community.

• FAQ

  What are the key features of the CNA program? 

  • 10-Week Hybrid Program: Combines online and in-person learning
  • Inclusive Tuition: Study guides and skill supplies are included
  • Financial Assistance: Available for those who qualify
  • Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art skills classroom
  • Clinical Experience: Rotations in a supportive environment
  • Exam Preparation: Includes a 2-day review for the State Exam
  • Job Placement Assistance: Helping you find employment when you finish the program
  • Tutoring: Available before and after classes
  • Career Mentoring: Guidance for advancing your nursing career upon program completion
    
    

  What are the requirements to enroll in the CNA program? 

  To enroll in the CNA program, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Be at least 18 years old on the first day of class 
  • Possess a state-issued ID or driver’s license 
  • Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including all boosters 
  • Have a Social Security card 
  • Pass a TB test or provide a clear chest X-ray 
  • Pass a physical exam confirming good health and ability to participate in the program 
  • Pass a background check (Live Scan fingerprints)
  • Possess certification in BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals
    
    

  What will I learn in the Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program?

  In the Certified Nursing Assistant Program, you'll learn essential skills, terminology and techniques to succeed as a CNA. You'll cover basic duties and responsibilities, including patient rights, vital signs, nutrition, emergency procedures and long-term care. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of patient care from admission to discharge. The program includes a mix of classroom, lab and clinical hours to ensure a well-rounded education. 

  In what settings might I work as a CNA? 

  The training and skills you gain in the Certified Nursing Assistant Program will prepare you for various entry-level roles. As a CNA, you can work in diverse settings such as hospitals, urgent care centers, assisted living facilities, doctor's offices and clinics. CNAs are in high demand across the healthcare field, offering you numerous opportunities to start your career. 

  What is a cohort? 

  A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together from the outset of a program until its completion. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and finish together, students in cohorts tend to form a strong support system and professional network that benefit them during their program and beyond. 

  Sources: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm 

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