School of Health and Public Service

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Step into a career where your work genuinely matters.

Our Certified Nurse Assistant Program is built to prepare you for real-world patient care—hands-on, fast-paced, and grounded in the skills today’s healthcare settings expect. You’ll learn directly from experienced instructors, train with modern equipment, and gain the clinical experience required to step confidently into long-term care, hospitals, and other healthcare environments.

This program is offered through a collaborative partnership between Cabrillo College and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, combining resources and expertise to expand access to high-quality healthcare training in our community.

Whether you’re starting your career or planning your next move in healthcare, this program gives you the foundation, credentials, and support to move forward with purpose.

Interested?

Please register HERE for the Mandatory Orientation.

To be eligible for the program you must attend the register and attend the Orientation.

Information Session Details

  • Wednesday, May 13th : 6:00PM - 8:00PM at Sequoia Schools, 229 Green Valley Rd, Freedom, CA 95019

  • Register Here

Students graduate with the knowledge and skills required by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), including:

  • Safe and effective patient care techniques

  • Infection control and universal precautions

  • Vital signs, mobility assistance, and personal care

  • Communication skills and patient interaction

  • Legal and ethical responsibilities

  • Long-term care, rehabilitation, and acute care basics

  • Professionalism and workplace expectations

Total Hours:

  • 160 hours: 60 classroom & 100 clinical

  • All hours are mandatory and regulated by California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

Formats:

  • In-person instruction & supervised clinical training off site

Fall 2026 Schedule:

  • Mondays (Classroom): 9:30 AM – 2:50 PM (Sept 21 – Nov 16)

  • Tuesdays & Wednesdays (Clinical Site): 7:00 AM – 3:20 PM (Sept 22 – Nov 18)

Location:

  • 399 Encinal St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Applicants must meet the following to be considered:

  • Be at least 18 years old at time of course completion

  • Government-issued photo ID

  • Proof of U.S. work eligibility (required for state certification testing)

  • Clear TB test within the last 6 months

  • Clear background check and Live Scan clearance

  • Immunizations required by clinical sites (often: MMR, Varicella, Flu, COVID-19, Hep B, Tdap)

  • Ability to meet physical demands of patient care

  1. Attend the Mandatory CNA Program Information Session
    Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Sequoia Schools Gymnasium (229 Green Valley Rd. Freedom, CA 95019).

  2. Apply to Cabrillo College
    Receive a Student ID number and your Registration Date.

  3. Register
    First come first served after attending Mandatory Information Session.

    1. Students must register for NURS400 and NURS400L concurrently.

  4. Complete Health Requirements & Background Check
    Instructions provided at the mandatory information session. Must be completed by July 1st to maintain enrollment. Those on the waitlist are encouraged to begin this process.

  5. Purchase Required Materials & Uniform
    See the section below.

As of Fall 2026, we received a grant and all costs (receipts required) will be reimbursed to students upon completion of program.

  • Tuition & Fees:

    • Tuition: Free

    • Clinical Compliance Fee: $100

  • Required Uniform and Course Materials:

    • Scrub Tops and Pants: $100

    • Watch with a second hand: $40

    • Textbook: 0

  • Requirements (Pre-Clinical Clearance)

    • Student Health Services: $35

    • Personal Healthcare Provider: Varies

    • Mask Fit Testing: $20

    • CPR- American Heart Association: $120

    • Hep B Titer: $18

    • QFT-G: $54

    • Drug screen Test: $33

    • Background Check: $50

  • State Certification Exam Fee: TBD

Many students qualify for financial assistance through:

  • Workforce innovation programs (WIOA)

  • Scholarships

  • Fee waivers

  • Grants or community funding

Contact our Financial Aid Office to explore your options.

Students will need:

  • Scrubs

    • Details coming soon

  • Closed-toe, non-slip shoes (sneaker or equivalent)

  • Watch with a second hand

  • Access to a computer

  • Notebook + basic school supplies

Clinical hours are completed at approved long-term care facilities under direct supervision of licensed nursing staff.

Students must:

  • Maintain professional behavior

  • Follow facility policies

  • Meet attendance requirements

  • Complete all required competencies

Clinical placement may require additional documentation depending on the site.

After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the California Nurse Assistant Competency Examination.
Upon passing, students are placed on the California CNA Registry.

Career settings include:

  • Long-term care facilities

  • Skilled nursing facilities

  • Hospitals

  • Home health

  • Rehabilitation centers

  • Adult day health programs

Future pathways:

  • LVN

  • RN / ADN

  • BSN

  • Medical Assistant

  • EMT / healthcare technician roles