Certified Nursing Assistant

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate prepares students for a career in an area with a high demand for employment. The CNA provides basic nursing care for patients in hospitals, assisted living, or long-term care. The CNA course consists of both classroom and clinical experiences. The course covers basic theory and skills such as patient rights, interpersonal skills, infection control, emergencies, body mechanics, patient care skills and procedures, vital signs, nutrition, observation and charting, long-term care, and rehabilitation. The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health. Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to apply to take the state of California certification examination for CNA. 

Upon successful completion of the CNA course, students will enter the HHA course. This course prepares CNAs for certification as a Home Health Aide (HHA) by the state of California Department of Public Health. HHAs function as an entry-level worker on a health care team in a home health agency. This course includes both classroom and clinical experiences. 

In addition to the policies and standards of West Los Angeles College, the CNA and HHA courses have policies and requirements based on professional standards, clinical agencies, and the state of California. The student must submit verification of specific health requirements, obtain First Aid and basic life support training, and provide a clear background check prior to clinical placement.  Applicants who have been convicted of a criminal offense may not be eligible for certification.

Every semester, we have approximately 50-70 students enrolled in the program, and we expect  75%-80%  passing rates.

The Program Goals and Objectives of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate of Achievement are consistent with the mission of the community colleges under Education Code section 66010.4 which states “A primary mission of the California Community Colleges is to advance California’s economic growth and global competitiveness through education, training and services that contribute to the continuous work force improvement.” CNA Certificate of Achievement will prepare students to be a well-rounded individual ready to serve the needs of patients in long-term care facilities. The Student Learning Outcomes for the students are in line with the Program Goals and Objectives of the CNA program. The 

Student Learning Outcomes for the Certified Nursing Assistant program are as under:  

1. Describe nursing assistants' roles and responsibilities, including ethics, communication, legal obligations, abuse laws, and CA State Board of Nursing regulations.
2. Demonstrate safety and infection control practices that comply with standards of practice for nursing assistants.
3. Adhere to the policies and procedures of clinical sites including effective communication with residents and facility staff. 
4. Nurse Assistant Training will be able to apply the knowledge and skills extracted from courses to pass the required California state certification examination.
5. Identify the rights of patients as specified in Title 22, California Code of Regulations section 72527 & in sections 1599.1, 1599.2 & 1599.3 of the Health & Safety Code and in Title 42 communication skills.  
6. Demonstrate competent and safe patient procedures identified on the “NATP Skills Checklist.
7. Comply with privacy and confidentiality laws. 
8. Demonstrates profession behaviors: 
   • Empathy 
   • Self-motivation 
   • Appearance/personal hygiene 
   • Time management
   • Teamwork 
   • Respect 
   • Patient advocacy 

The Certificate of Achievement: CNA has no pre-requisite requirements. Students are able to finish the entire certificate in one semester.

1. LAHC
2. LAMC
3. LASC

1. Compton College
2. Mt. Sac

150-210

N/A