Coalinga College CNA Program

The Nurse Assistant Training program at Coalinga College in Coalinga, California offers an accelerated pathway to becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant in just nine weeks. Designed for compassionate individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, this program provides the essential skills and knowledge needed to begin a rewarding healthcare career. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or looking for a career change, Coalinga College’s CNA training combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for the state certification examination. Located in California’s Central Valley, this certified nursing assistant program offers a supportive environment where you can begin your journey into healthcare with confidence.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 9 weeks
• Cost of Program: Approximately $1,095 (includes tuition, supplies, certification exam, and required documentation)
• Accreditation: Approved by the California Department of Public Health Licensing and Certification Program
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for pass rate information
• CNA Program Schedule: Weekday classes available (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday); specific schedules vary by campus location

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning
  The program includes comprehensive classroom instruction covering essential nursing assistant skills. Students use the Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care textbook and workbook (Long-Term Care, 2nd Edition) to learn fundamental patient care concepts. Theory classes are conducted at Coalinga College’s main campus or the Firebaugh Center, depending on your chosen location.
• Clinical Experience
  Students receive valuable hands-on training through in-hospital clinical experiences. The program includes dedicated skills lab sessions where you can practice and refine your nursing assistant techniques before working with actual patients. Clinical rotations take place at healthcare facilities in Coalinga or Chowchilla, depending on your campus location.
• Exam Preparation
  The Nurse Assistant Training course is specifically designed to prepare students for the California state certification examination. Upon completion of the program, students will be fully prepared to take the certification exam and begin their careers as Certified Nursing Assistants.

Admission Requirements

• Must be at least 17 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Pass a physical examination
• Submit LiveScan for FBI and DOJ clearances
• Complete background check and drug screening through American Data Bank
• Complete TB test prior to admission
• Obtain CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS for healthcare providers only)
• Attend mandatory orientation if selected for the program

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Coalinga College Nurse Assistant Training program offers different scheduling options based on your chosen campus location:

Coalinga Campus (Summer 2025):

• Theory: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from May 27th to July 23rd, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• Skills Lab: Wednesdays (June 4th, 11th, 18th, and July 23rd) from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• Clinical: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from June 24th to July 21st in Coalinga, CA

Firebaugh Center (Spring 2025):

• Theory: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from March 19th to April 16th, 8:00 AM to 2:50 PM (Room 218)
• Clinical: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from April 17th to May 16th, 6:30 AM to 2:45 PM in Chowchilla, CA

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The approximate total cost for the Nurse Assistant Training program is $1,095, which includes:

• Tuition Fees: $276 ($46 per unit for 6 units)
• Background Check and Drug Screen: $82
• Live Scan: $52
• Physical & TB Test: $150
• Textbook & Workbook: $60
• Classroom Supplies: $30
• Required Equipment:
  • Watch with Second Hand: $30
  • Uniform (2 Sets): $90
  • White Nurse Shoes: $75
  • Blood Pressure Cuff: $25
  • Stethoscope: $60
• State Certification Test: $100
• CPR Card (American Heart Association Only): $65

While this program is not eligible for federal student aid funding, students may seek financial assistance through the California Promise Grant, which can help pay for enrollment fees if eligible. Contact the program directly for more information about financial aid options.

How to Apply

1. Apply for Admission to Coalinga College
   • Visit the Coalinga College admissions page to complete your general college application
2. Complete the Nurse Assistant Training Application
   • Submit the NAT Application and related forms through the online portal
   • For Coalinga campus: Complete the Coalinga application packet
   • For Firebaugh Center: Complete the Firebaugh application packet
3. Application Process Notes:
   • Applications must be completed entirely before submitting
   • Only completed applications with required documents are accepted for placement
   • The first 15 students who submit completed applications will be registered due to high demand
   • Selected students must attend a mandatory orientation to submit required documents and order background check/drug screening and LiveScan

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Coalinga College
• Address: 300 Cherry Lane, Coalinga, CA 93210
• Phone Number: (559) 934-2760
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://coalingacollege.edu/degrees-and-certificates/nurse-assistant-training/

Additional Resources

• Uniform Requirements: Royal Blue Scrubs, Second Hand Watch, Stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and all white shoes (must be completely white/no cloth material)
• Background Check Information: Please see the Complio student guide for instructions
• Program Documents:
  • NATP Cost Estimates
  • NATP Calendar
• CPR Certification Resources:
  • Coalinga College Health Career Programs only accept American Heart Association BLS for healthcare providers
  • Visit the American Heart Association website (https://cpr.heart.org/) to locate classes near you

Summary and Next Steps

The Coalinga College Nurse Assistant Training program in Coalinga, California offers an efficient, hands-on pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant in just nine weeks. With comprehensive classroom instruction, skills lab practice, and clinical experience, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the state certification exam and begin your healthcare career. Whether you choose the Coalinga campus or Firebaugh Center location, you’ll receive quality training approved by the California Department of Public Health. Take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare by contacting the Health Careers Department today at (559) 934-2760 or email [email protected] to learn more about upcoming application periods and start dates.

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