The Certified Nursing Assistant Program at Saddleback College was established to empower students to gain the skills and knowledge of providing basic patient care as a member of the healthcare team. The Nursing Assistant Program prepares students for employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a variety of health care settings ranging from acute care hospitals to skilled nursing facilities. This program is approved by the Department of Public Health, State of California (CDPH).
We are delighted to welcome you to Saddleback College and the CNA program! Whether you are beginning or continuing your educational journey with us we look forward to learning, exploring, and growing together.
This semester-based program (16 and 9 weeks) for the Certified Nursing Assistant certificate introduces you to the basic information and nursing skills needed to pass the state exam required for Nurse Aide Certification which enables you to work in various healthcare environments including acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Within the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program there are several sub-programs to help you achieve your goals:
The Saddleback Certified Nursing Assistant program does not currently offer virtual classes. All classes are held in person. You may be assigned to a clinical day on a weekend. All skills labs and most lectures are held on campus and are held on weekdays evening.
Admission Requirements and Application Information
Prerequisites to the Nursing Assistant program:
Must attend an Information Session (See information session dates and registration links below)
Must be 16 years of age or older
Apply to Saddleback College to become a student (must have a student ID number to submit a CNA application)
Complete health requirements – More information given at the Information Session (students must show proof of personal health insurance)
Complete/Clear Drug screen – More information given at the Information Session
Complete/Clear Background check – More information given at the Information Session
When you receive your Saddleback ID#, it is recommended, but not required, to speak with a counselor to ensure that your prior coursework will satisfy our prerequisites and meet the graduation requirements.
Step 3: Submit your CNA application
Find the the Nursing Assistant Program Application link in the “Application Information" section below.
The application must be filled out completely to be considered for admission.
Applications and application related communications (such as your acceptance letter) are done through the Submittable website. It is important that you know your username and password.
Step 4: Once provisionally accepted, the following must be met:
Complete Health Requirements/Program Clearance
Clear drug screening
Clear background check
Obtain professional liability insurance (NSO), AHA BLS card, and proof of health insurance
Step 5: Attend Orientation
Applicants who complete all requirements will participate in an orientation which will discuss the designation of clinical locations and CNA class registration among other important topics.
Applications are not accepted via email, by mail or in-person. The Certified Nursing Assistant program receives approximately 50-130 applications each period. The program accepts between 30 to 45 students twice a year (for fall, summer and spring), and varies based on how many clinical spots we have. The program does keep an alternate list, in case students are unable to move forward. Please read below for information on submitting your CNA program application.
Application requirements for the Nursing Assistant Program
Must attend a virtual Information Session (must attend a total of 45 out of 60 minutes).
Must be 16 years of age or older.
Must have a Saddleback College/IVC student ID number.
Must possess one of the following: California identification card, California driver's license, or passport.
Must have a Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN).
Admission requirements for the Nursing Assistant Program
Must complete health requirements and physical examination within 3 months of admission. The following immunizations/titers will be required: TDAP, TB clearance, full COVID vaccine status with booster & seasonal flu shot.
Must show proof of personal health insurance and obtain professional liability insurance prior to registering for classes.
Must obtain a valid BLS/CPR card through the American Heart Association.
Must complete/clear a drug screening through CastleBranch.
NOTE: Q&A Sessions will be conducted on the premise that prospective applicants or applicants have reviewed the Information Session information linked above. You must review the information session information and participate after understanding them.
Spring 25 9-Week CNA Program Informational Session Dates
Students will also be required to complete a background check, drug screening, obtain Professional Liability insurance, and possess a valid BLS/CPR card through the American Heart Association (no other providers) prior to registering for classes. These courses are reserved only for students accepted into the Nursing Assistant Program and students will not be cleared to register until all of the requirements have been completed. Failure to complete any of the programs requirements/deadlines (which are provided to students upon acceptance), will result in students signing a Non-Compliance Form. Depending on the situation, students may or may not be eligible to continue in the program after signing a Non-Compliance Form.
Spring 2025 16 weeks CNA Program: 2/8/2025
Spring 2025 9 weeks CNA Program: 2/27/2025
Bring money order or cashier's check for $120 for test fees to the mandatory orientation. Make check payable to The Regional Testing Center. Make sure to add your name in the memo line.
Items to bring to orientation day for fingerprinting:
Students will need to bring a non-expired state ID, DL or passport and original, non-laminated SS card or ITIN paperwork with same name as ID.
Bring money order or cashier's check for $120 for test fees to the mandatory orientation. Make sure to add your name in the memo line. Pay to "Regional Testing Center".
No late entry will be permitted for anyone who arrives 10 minutes after the start of the mandatory orientation session.
Students are required to register with Castlebranch and purchase the CastleBranch (CB) Compliance Tracker. Click on this link to go to the CastleBranch portal. https://discover.castlebranch.com.
The estimated cost of attendance at Saddleback College includes an estimate for tuition and fees, books and supplies as well as basic living expenses like food and housing, and personal and miscellaneous expenses. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower than the amounts listed below.
Expenses
Living With Parents (2 Semesters)
Living Away from Parents (2 semesters)
Tuition & Fees
$1,432
$1,432
Books & Supplies
$1,062
$1,062
Living Expenses: Food & Housing
$14,480
$25,916
Personal & Misc.
$4,059
$4,968
Transportation
$1,791
$1,962
Total Resident
$22,824
$35,340
Total Non-Resident
$35,124
$47,640
Expenses
Living with Parents
Living Away from Parents
Tuition & Fees
$712
$712
Books & Supplies
$354
$354
Living Expenses: Food & Housing
$4,827
$9,276
Personal & Misc.
$1,353
$1,656
Transportation
$597
$654
Total Resident
$7,843
$12,652
Total Non-Resident
$13,993
$18,802
Expenses
Living With Parents
Living Away from Parents
Fall & Spring
Summer
Fall & Spring
Summer
Tuition & Fees
$1,432
$712
$1,432
$712
Books & Supplies
$1,062
$354
$1,062
$354
Transportation
$1,791
$597
$1,962
$654
Total Resident
$4,291
$1,666
$4,462
$1,723
Total Non-Resident
$16,591
$7,816
$16,762
$7,873
Enrollment Fee: $46 per unit
Based on 15-units for Fall, Spring and Summer
Health Fee $26 for Fall and Spring, $22 for Summer
Non-Resident Tuition (in addition to the $46 per unit enrollment fee): $446 per unit ($376 non-resident tuition fee + $70 capital outlay fee)
Estimated cost of attendance may be adjusted for documented circumstances such as dependent care expenses, purchase of a computer, and other special circumstances (except for students enrolled less than half-time)
