Bakersfield College CNA Program

Bakersfield College’s Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) prepares students to provide essential health care services to those in need. This comprehensive program equips you with the knowledge and hands-on skills to become a compassionate caregiver in various healthcare settings. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, career changer, or working adult seeking a stable healthcare career, this program provides the foundation for success as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Upon successful completion of the CNA classes in Bakersfield, California, you’ll be eligible to take the competency exam for Certified Nurse Assistant certification. Students who pass both the written and skills portions of this exam demonstrate they understand and can safely perform the job of an entry-level nurse assistant, meeting California Department of Public Health requirements for certification.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 160 hours minimum (60 hours theory, 100 hours supervised clinical training)
• Cost of Program: Estimated total semester cost $1,580.33 (includes tuition, fees, uniforms, textbooks, and certification costs)
• Accreditation: California Department of Public Health approved program
• State Exam Pass Rate: Recent Credentia pass rates: 86.1% (2023), 86.2% (2022), 90.1% (2021)
• CNA Program Schedule: Contact the program directly for current class schedule options at multiple locations

CNA Training Structure

The Bakersfield College NATP is organized into three major components designed to prepare competent, safe healthcare professionals.

Classroom Learning The program covers 16 modules with comprehensive lesson plans that outline essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for nurse assistant practice. Students learn about the role of the caregiver, healthcare environment, healthcare safety, adult needs in health and illness, and basic caregiving skills including patient care fundamentals, infection control, and communication skills.

Clinical Experience Students complete a minimum of 100 hours of supervised training in clinical settings. The clinical laboratory component provides opportunities for application and integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes while providing direct client care. Clinical sites are located in Bakersfield, CA and/or Delano, CA.

Exam Preparation The curriculum prepares students for the California Nurse Assistant Competency Exam through comprehensive training that meets state requirements for certification eligibility.

Admission Requirements

Age and Education Prerequisites Please contact the program directly for specific age and education requirements.

Required Documentation Applications must include proof of immunizations with no exceptions:

• MMR: 2 doses of MMR vaccine OR positive titers for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
• Varicella: 2 doses of Varicella vaccine OR positive Varicella titer
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine OR 2 doses of Heplisav-B OR positive Hepatitis B titer
• Tdap: Vaccination dated within the last 10 years
• Flu shot for current season (Fall courses can complete after August 1st)
• CPR/American Heart Association approved Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (MEDS B52)

Application Deadlines

• June 1st – 30th for Fall courses
• October 1st – 31st for Spring courses
• March 1st – 31st for Summer courses

Applications received outside these periods will not be accepted.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Class Locations NATP courses are offered at multiple convenient locations:

• Wasco Adult Education Center: 1445 Poso Dr. Wasco, CA 93280, Room 303
• Bakersfield College: 1801 Panorama Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93305, MS 58
• McFarland Learning Center: 599 Fifth St. McFarland, CA 93250
• SW Campus: 9400 Camino Media Bakersfield, CA 93311

Schedule Options Fall/Spring laboratory hours are 12 hours on one day. Summer laboratory hours are 12 hours on two days. Please contact the program directly for current class schedule options and specific start dates.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Tuition and Fees The estimated total semester cost is $1,580.33, which includes:

• Tuition: $276.00 (based on $46/unit for nursing courses)
• Student fees: $25.00 (health, center, representative fees)
• Materials fee: $100.33
• Books (Loaner Library Program): $85.00
• Uniform and equipment: $140.00
• Various testing and certification fees: $954.00

Additional Expenses Students are responsible for providing transportation to off-campus clinical education sites. Check with instructors about book and uniform recycling programs and loaner programs available.

Financial Assistance Financial Aid may be available. Students can also apply to borrow a Chromebook through the Electronic Equipment Advance Application if needed for coursework.

How to Apply

Students must submit a completed application to the Nursing/Allied Health office during the designated application periods. Applications must be filled out completely with all requested information provided.

For Current Bakersfield College Students: Submit application during the program application period to the Nursing/Allied Health office by mail or in person in MS-178.

For New Students: First apply for admission to Bakersfield College either in person at the Admissions & Records office or online, then complete the NATP application requirements.

Application Submission: Submit completed applications to Room 178 of the Math-Science Building (MS-178) on the main campus or by mail. Email submissions are not accepted. Submit copies of requirements, not original documents.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Bakersfield College
• Address: 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305
• Phone Number: (661) 395-4011
• Email: Please contact the school directly for program-specific email contacts
• Website: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academics/pathways/hs/natp/

Additional Resources

• NATP Program Brochure – Complete program information and requirements
• NATP Application – Downloadable application form
• Estimated Program Costs – Detailed cost breakdown
• California Department of Public Health – Licensing and certification information
• Criminal Record Review – Information for students with criminal backgrounds

Summary and Next Steps

Bakersfield College’s Nurse Assistant Training Program in Bakersfield, California offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. With strong pass rates, multiple convenient locations, and experienced faculty committed to student success, this program prepares you for a rewarding career in healthcare.

The program’s mission focuses on providing basic patient care directed at the safety, comfort, personal hygiene, and protection of elderly, disabled, or injured individuals. With completion, you’ll be prepared to take the state certification exam and begin your healthcare career.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.