Are you interested in a career in healthcare? This self-assessment tool will help you decide if Healthcare is a good fit for you. The Certified Nursing Assistant Program at MiraCosta College has been in place since 1987. Since then, hundreds of students have successfully completed the program, qualifying them for certificates from the California Department of Public Health.
The Certified Nursing Assistant Program at MiraCosta College meets the state educational requirements for a Certified Nursing Assistant license in the state of California. MiraCosta College has not determined if the program at MiraCosta College meets the state educational requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
California Department of Public Health
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301; Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
916.327.2445
Graduates of the program have found entry-level employment in acute care and long-term care facilities, in home care, and in clinics. Many graduates continue their education and increase their career potential by enrolling in Licensed Vocational Nursing and Registered Nursing programs.
- CNA Information Flyer
- CNA Application Form
- CNA Physical Evaluation Requirement
- CNA BLS Certificate Requirement
- CNA Flu Vaccination Requirement
- CNA COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
- CNA TB Clearance Requirement
- Spring 2025 Q1 CNA Course Schedule
- Spring 2025 Q2 CNA Course Schedule
Participants must enroll in Nursing 160 as students of MiraCosta College in order to be admitted into the program. There is a limit of 20 students per class; admittance is on a first-enrolled, first-admitted basis. Class prerequisite is completion of ESL 150 or qualify through the English Assessment or approved equivalent AND submission of a current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR card. BEFORE you are eligible to enroll into NURS160, you must clear the English requirement AND bring your American Heart Association BLS Provider Card (formerly known as the Health Care Provider CPR Card) to the Admissions & Records Office, OC3300.
The course work can be completed during an accelerated eight-week program offered twice a semester or a six-week program offered once in the summer. Classes meet 23 hours each week during the day (32 hours a week in the summer). Seventy-nine hours are spent studying theory; in addition, 104 hours are devoted to clinical training at local long-term care facilities.
Please be aware the course times may vary from what is listed in the course schedule. Students enrolled in the course will attend class on campus Mondays and Tuesdays and clinical sites on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. For more information regarding the schedule please contact the nursing office at (760) 757-2121 ext. 6466.
Students who successfully complete the Certified Nurse Assistant course will be eligible to take the state certifying exam which will be arranged each semester.
On the average, a California resident in the CNA Program spends approximately $600 for expenses. This includes tuition, the cost of books, uniforms, physical exam, tuberculosis skin test, CPR card and State exam. **The tuition is subject to change due to legislative action.**
CNA State Exam Pass Rates (2023-2024):
- Written: 100%
- Skills: 100%
Home Health Aide
The Home Health Aide Program is an opportunity for certified nursing assistants to expand their employability. Offered once a year in the spring, this short program meets six hours once a week for eight weeks. Designed to meet state requirements for the Home Health Aide Certificate, the program includes a review of personal care services, nutritional needs of home care patients, and medical and social needs of clients. Graduates are eligible for a variety of jobs, including private-duty nursing, hospice work, or employment at home-health agencies.
The next program is expected to start Spring 2025. Prerequisites are 1) Current California Certified Nursing Assistant certificate (by California Department of Public Health, CDPH) and 2) Current BLS Provider CPR card (by American Heart Association, AHA).
