The Certified Nursing Assistant Program at MiraCosta College meets the state educational requirements for a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate 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. (I am wondering if this statement can be revised or removed as it is mentioned above that we meet the requirement of California. Please advise.)
The course work can be completed during an accelerated eight-week program offered twice a semester and once in the summer. Classes meet 23 hours each week during the day. 64 hours are spent studying theory; in addition, 104 hours are devoted to clinical training at local long-term care facilities and 18 hours in the skills lab.
The schedules are posted under Additional Resources at the bottom of the page.
Students who successfully complete the Certified Nurse Assistant course will be eligible to take the state certifying exam which will be arranged each semester.
Participants must enroll in Nursing 160 as a student of MiraCosta College to be admitted into the program. There is a limit of 20 students per class; admittance is on a first-enrolled, first-admitted basis. Before you are eligible to enroll, you must clear the following prerequisites with Admissions and Records:
- Completion of ESL 150 or qualify through the English Assessment or approved equivalent
- A current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR card.
- An unexpired government issued photo ID and valid SSN or ITIN is required for the first week of class for background checks
- Apply to MiraCosta College and receive a student ID number
- Clear the prerequisites with Admissions and Records
- Enroll in NURS 160
If you are enrolled or on the waitlist for NURS 160, you will receive an email from the Director with instructions to submit the following required paperwork in Canvas related to the clinical requirement/arrangement no later than Monday at 11:59 pm, one week prior to the first day of the course:
- CNA Application Form
- CNA Physical Evaluation Requirement
- CNA BLS Certificate Requirement
- CNA Flu Vaccination Requirement
- CNA COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
- CNA TB Clearance Requirement
Please keep in mind:
- It is solely the candidate’s responsibility to submit all required paperwork by the due date.
- Instructors do not provide feedback on submitted work unless specifically requested.
- Email responses from instructors may take up to two business days.
- An unexpired government issued photo ID and valid SSN or ITIN is required for the first week of class for background checks
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 State Exam Pass Rates (2023-2024):
- Written: 100%
- Skills: 100%
California Department of Public Health
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
916.327.2445
