Embark on an exciting journey in healthcare with Saddleback College's comprehensive CNA training programs combined with English language learning support.

Required for those who have not taken the test yet.

  • Test Location: Adult Education Office, 25632 Peter A Hartman Way, Mission Viejo (Silverado High School)
  • Contact: (949) 348-6850
  • Minimum Level Requirement: Score of 230 or above
  • Purpose: Measures reading skills essential for success in the nursing assistant program.

CNA Training Programs

  • Approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
  • Saddleback College CNA Program began in Fall of 2020
  • Equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a Certified Nurse Assistant.

ELL Support

  • A specialized English Language Learner program tailored to healthcare professionals.
  • AESL - Vocabulary Class
  • Tutor and Success Coach support

NA Skills and Knowledge

  • Master vital nursing skills, including patient care, vital signs monitoring, and infection control.

English Language Development

  • Improve your language proficiency through medical vocabulary, writing, and speaking exercises.

Certified Nurse Assistant Training

  • Gain hands-on experience and expertise in providing essential care to patients.

English Language Learner Support

  • Enhance your communication skills to excel in a diverse healthcare environment.

Saddleback College is the approved testing center for the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) test.

  • Certification may provide additional points on the on the Nursing Program multi-criteria/admission criteria/admission scale (verifiable employment) employment)
  • Max of 15 points if you have CNA certification and work experience within past 5 years
  • ELL CNA Info Session Content (Mandatory review)
  • Application Period
    • Randomized Selection process
    • Provisional and Alternate Acceptance letter
    • Information Packet
  • Clinical Clearance Day
    • Complete Requirements
  • Orientation Day
  • CNA Class begins
  • Graduate
  • State Exam
  • Direct care members of the healthcare team that report to a licensed nurse (LVN or RN)
  • Scope of practice in California - may perform duties within that scope of practice only (Title 22, Section 5, Chapter 2.5)
  • Work in subacute, skilled nursing, or long-term care facility
  • Acute care hospitals require a CNA in various units
  • Activities of Daily Living such as bathing, feeding, dressing, elimination, brushing teeth/dentures, transferring (walking, walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, braces), vital signs, positioning etc.
  • Strong Communication Skills for those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, head injuries (strokes), mental health issues and those within the grieving process.
  • Team Environment with other CNAs, nurses, physical therapists, dietician, occupational therapists, social services, families, etc.
  • Safety Principles, Ergonomics, Infection Control, Ethics, and Legal Information (patients rights, rules and regulations, HIPAA, etc.).

Regional Job Outlook:

  • In 2022 there were 1,585 total job postings in Orange County.
  • Job growth is projected to be +39.1% between 2022-2032
  • Median potential median percentile, and $22.68 in OC

Many positions have flexible schedules, multiple job opportunities, shift differential, weekend differential, registry pay

Source: Lightcast Labor Market Information (LMI) Report

  • Saddleback College / Irvine Valley College
    • Student ID number required to apply
  • Government Issued ID Card
    • Valid/current, non-expired state Driver’s License, State Identification card, or Passport.
  • US Social Security Number or Tax ID number
    • ITIN number or valid SSN (original/non-laminated) with the same name as DL/ID card.
  • Proof of personal health insurance Mandatory Program Health Clearance
  • Clear criminal background and drug screening
    • Completed after provisional acceptance to the program via CastleBranch
  • Basic Live Support (CPR) card by American Heart Association
    • Valid/current card (not to expire throughout the program)
  • NA Student professional liability insurance
    • Obtain this through Nurses Service Organization (www.NSO.com)

The Nursing Assistant Program Application link can be found on the Certified Nursing Assistant page (under "Application Information").

  • “Submittable” is the site you will be directed to.
    • Create an account to submit your application.
    • Know your username and password! Communication is done there.
    • Acceptance letter and more are sent to you through Submittable.
  • Application must be filled out completely to be considered for admission.
  • Applicants are randomly selected from application pool for provisional acceptance once application period ends.

Criteria for random application selection/ranking process:

  • Reading STRPS Scale Score >230 (CASAS)
  • Must review ELL CNA Info Session Content (Mandatory)
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must be a Saddleback or IVC College student (Student ID number required to apply)

Once provisionally accepted, the following must be met:

  • Complete Health Requirements/Program Clearance
  • Clear drug screen
  • Clear background check
  • Obtain professional liability insurance (NSO), AHA BLS card, and proof of health insurance.
  • No high school diploma or GED required.
  • Must have transportation to and from class/clinical sites (In-Person).
  • No make-up time will be allowed. Students cannot miss any class/clinical time.
  • Must enroll in and pass all Nursing Assistant courses:
    • CNA422NC, CNA423NC, and CNA424NC
  • If you are a current high school student, other requirements are needed so reach out after the presentation.
  • “Mandatory Health Assessment and Immunity Status Requirements” form completed and signed by your Health Care Provider or Student Health and Wellness Center.
    • Health and Wellness Center
      Phone: (949) 582-4606
      Fax: (949) 582-4227
      Address: SSC 117 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692

      NOTE: Student Health Center is closed when school is closed (check academic calendar)
  • Physical examination completed within 6 months prior to program begins (Complete within that time).
  • TB clearance (TB Gold or Chest X-ray)
  • Immunizations per clinical sites, may vary (Influenza vaccine, full COVID vaccination status post booster, TDAP)

How much does the Nursing Assistant Program Cost?

NOTE: CNA courses are tuition free.

Item Cost
Nursing Program Tuition $0
Fees (Health) $26
Uniforms $50 - 100
Books $30 - 90 (new vs. used)
Supplies (blood pressure cuff/stethoscope/gait belt) $35 (as low as)
Health Requirements varies
CPR "BLS" issued by AHA $55 - 110
NSO Liability Insurance $35
Background/Drug Test/Castlebranch $132.75
NNAAP State Test $120
Total Estimated Cost $400+

NOTE: This is just an estimate. Costs may vary for each student and are subject to change.

Requirements before applying to the Nursing Assistant program:

Next Steps

  1. Apply for Saddleback College - Begin your journey by applying to Saddleback College and obtaining a student ID/badge.
  2. Saddleback College Counselor - Seek assistance from a Saddleback College counselor to explore course options while waiting for the CNA Program application.
  3. Stay Updated - Check the Saddleback College Nursing Assistant Program page for course updates and important information.
  4. Apply with Confidence - Submit your application and secure your spot in the Nursing Assistant Program to start your journey towards becoming a certified nursing assistant.
  • Solid wine-colored scrub top.
  • Solid wine-colored scrub pants.
  • Solid white socks that cover the ankles.
  • Any solid white, skid-free, waterproof shoes. No open toes or backs, no straps, no heels, no openings. (See example image below.)
  • Uniform-approved long-sleeved plain white tee shirts are permitted under uniforms for warmth or needed if you have arm tattoos.
  • Wristwatch with a sweeping second hand (no smart watches).
  • Fingernails are to be clean, trimmed, and of reasonable length. Light color polish only and in good repair. No artificial nails.
  • Hair must be neat, worn off the face, and off the collar. Neatly braided hair is acceptable.
  • Facial hair must be neatly trimmed and close to the face. Beards must be trimmed to jaw line.
  • Students must meet the professional dress code required for each clinical facility. Dress code requirements are subject to change.

Wine-Colored Scrubs

  • Wine Color Top (Cherokee): Style #WW620 / Style #WW690
  • Wine Color Pant (Cherokee): Style #WW120 / Style #WW140
Wine-colored scrubs examples.

White Shoes

White shoes example.

White Long-sleeves

Optional: for warmth or if you have arm tattoos.

  • White Color Long Sleeve Silky Tee by WonderWink: Item #2009
  • White Color Long Sleeve Men’s crew neck tee: Item #2909
  • White color by Prestige - MS Med Sleeves 17”: Item #PRE-MS
Optional white long-sleeved shirts only needed if you have tattoos on arms.

Theory (N422NC) 67 hours / In-Person

  • 1 class / week
  • Must successfully complete this course with a “C” or better to continue in the clinical course.

Skills (N422NC) 25 hours / In-Person

  • Total 4 skills days
  • On-campus skills lab

Clinical (N423NC): 108 hours / In-Person

  • 16 weeks - 1 clinical per week (10-hour shift)
  • 9 weeks - 2 clinical /week (8-hour shift)
  • Must successfully complete this course with a “Pass” or “P” to complete the program


NOTE: Clinical hours are subject to change per facility availability. No online options are available. Students are randomly placed in clinical groups on Orientation Day. Allocated clinical facilities cannot be replaced.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

Visit CDPH.ca.gov for nursing assistant certification and scope of practice information.

CDPH.ca.gov

Licensing and Certification Program Branch

Access the Licensing and Certification Program Branch to learn more about the NNAAP.

ncsbn.org

Regional Testing Center

The purpose of the Regional Testing Center is to assist students with completing their educational goals of becoming certified in their chosen health occupation. The testing center collaborates with your educational facility, professional testing companies, and certifying boards to provide access to required certifying exams.

Visit the Regional Testing Center for More Information

The School of Health and Wellness at Saddleback College values their students' feedback. The CNA Program would like to know about yourself and your preferences regarding the schedules the program offered.

Take Our Anonymous Survey

2023-2024 Estimated Cost of Attendance

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 $1,426 $1,426
Books & Supplies $938 $938
Living Expenses: Food & Housing $12,656 $22,670
Personal & Misc. $3,608 $4,428
Transportation $1,612 $1,764
Total Resident $20,240 $31,226
Total Non-Resident $32,540 $43,526
Expenses Living with Parents Living Away from Parents
Tuition & Fees $709 $709
Books & Supplies $312 $312
Living Expenses: Food & Housing $4,218 $7,557
Personal & Misc. $1,203 $1,476
Transportation $537 $588
Total Resident $6,979 $10,642
Total Non-Resident $13,129 $16,792
Expenses Living With Parents Living Away from Parents
  Summer Fall & Spring Summer Fall & Spring
Tuition & Fees $1,426 $709 $1,426 $709
Books & Supplies $938 $312 $938 $312
Transportation $1,612 $537 $1,764 $588
Total Resident $3,976 $1,558 $4,128 $1,609
Total Non-Resident $16,275 $7,708 $16,428 $7,759
  • 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): $410 per unit ($365 non-resident tuition fee + $45 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)

Optional fees

  • ASG Sticker - $10
  • Student Representation Fee - $2.00 (per semester)
  • Parking Permit Fee
  • Instructional Material Fees - as listed in the Schedule of Classes