Launch Your Healthcare Career at Santa Monica College: Certified Nursing Assistant Training

Launch Your Healthcare Career at Santa Monica College: Certified Nursing Assistant Training

With the growing demand for frontline healthcare professionals across the nation, Santa Monica College (SMC) offers a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking a practical entry point into the medical field. Through its state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) pre-certification program, students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to pursue meaningful roles in patient care.

Program Overview

Starting March 17, 2025, Santa Monica College will open applications for its Summer 2025 CNA cohort. This noncredit course is open to individuals aged 18 and above and is designed for those eager to establish a foundation in healthcare—whether as a first career, a midlife change, or a stepping stone toward further medical education.

Upon successful completion, participants will be eligible to sit for the California Nurse Assistant Competency Examination, a critical credential for entry into roles in long-term care, hospital assistance, and residential facilities.

What You Will Learn

The program consists of a comprehensive 180-hour curriculum, combining theoretical instruction and supervised clinical practice. Unlike short-term workshops, this training is structured to meet California Department of Public Health (CDPH) certification requirements and prepares students for real-world patient care environments.

Breakdown of Hours:

  • 60 hours of classroom instruction (covering theory, procedures, safety, and communication)
  • 120 hours of clinical training (conducted at an approved healthcare facility)

Core Skills Taught:

  • Assisting patients with daily living activities
  • Taking and recording vital signs
  • Ensuring safety, hygiene, and infection control
  • Effective patient communication and documentation
  • Understanding patients' rights and elder care ethics
  • Observing and reporting changes in patient conditions
  • Applying basic medical and emergency procedures under supervision

This well-rounded education prepares students to serve with competence and compassion in a variety of settings, from skilled nursing facilities to acute care units.

Who Should Apply?

This program welcomes:

  • Career changers interested in healthcare
  • High school graduates exploring clinical fields
  • Individuals preparing for further studies in nursing or allied health
  • Adult learners seeking stable and impactful career opportunities

No prior medical background is required. The minimum eligibility criteria include:

  • Age 18 years or older
  • Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Physical ability to perform care-related tasks
  • Commitment to completing background clearance, immunizations, TB testing, and drug screening
  • Willingness to obtain CPR/BLS certification (Basic Life Support)

There is no requirement to be a California resident to participate in the program. However, students must be eligible to complete clinical hours within California and meet legal and health screening requirements applicable to medical trainees.

Program Costs

While the instructional component is noncredit, there are associated student expenses for:

  • Fingerprinting and background checks
  • Health screenings and immunizations
  • Uniform and closed-toe shoes
  • CPR/BLS training
  • Course materials and textbooks

Estimated out-of-pocket costs typically range between $350–$450, varying based on individual needs and vendor pricing.

Career Outlook

Becoming a CNA opens the door to a variety of healthcare roles and future growth opportunities. Certified Nurse Assistants are among the most in-demand healthcare professionals, especially as long-term care facilities and hospitals continue to experience staffing shortages.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for nursing assistants is expected to remain strong, with a projected need for thousands of new professionals annually. Completing a CNA program also serves as a stepping stone for those aiming to become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs) later on.

How to Apply

Enrollment is limited. Early preparation and submission are encouraged.

Steps to Apply:

  1. Visit the official program page
  2. Complete the interest and intake form
  3. Attend a required orientation session
  4. Submit documentation for health clearance, background check, and CPR certification

A Gateway to Purposeful Work

Healthcare is not only a career—it’s a calling. Through this program, Santa Monica College empowers individuals to step confidently into a profession that values compassion, technical skill, and human connection. Whether your goal is to enter the workforce quickly or pursue a long-term career in healthcare, the CNA program offers a direct, structured path forward.

👉 Learn More:

For application deadlines, eligibility, and detailed program information, visit:
🔗 Santa Monica College – CNA/HHA Program