The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program at Saddleback College is designed to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge required to deliver basic patient care as a vital member of the healthcare team. The program prepares students for certification as a CNA and for employment in various healthcare settings, including Acute Care Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities. It is approved by the Department of Public Health, State of California (CDPH).

This semester-based program is offered in multiple formats, including 16-week, 9-week, and 8-week options, and provides the essential nursing skills and knowledge needed to pass the state exam for Nurse Aide Certification.

The CNA program is offered multiple times each year in the following formats:

  • Traditional CNA 16-week program
  • Traditional CNA 9-week program
  • Traditional CNA 8-week program
  • Acute Nursing Assistant (ACNA) 8-week program
  • CNA + English Language Learner 16-week program


English Language Learner Students: Visit the ELL Healthcare Programs Page
Learn more about the Acute Nursing Assistant (ACNA) program

Degrees and Certificates

View Classes in the Class Schedule


The Saddleback Certified Nursing Assistant program does not currently offer virtual classes. All classes are held in person. You may be assigned to a clinical day on a weekend. All skills labs and most lectures are held on campus and are held on weekdays evening.

Admission and Applications: CNA Program

Pre-Acceptance Requirements

  1. Must be 16 years of age or older
  2. Must be a Saddleback Student
    1. Apply to Saddleback College
  3. Must watch the Information Session Video.
  4. Must complete an application form using your Legal Name only!
  5. Must answer correctly all quiz questions about the Information session.

Post-Acceptance Requirements

  1. Sign the Provisional or Alternate Acceptance letter by the provided deadline.
  2. Complete all the Health requirements by the provided deadline.
  3. Complete all the Information Packet requirements by the provided deadline.
  4. Attend the Mandatory Orientation at Saddleback College (date, time, and details will be provided).

Notes

  • All communications with the college must be conducted through your college email account. Emails sent through your personal accounts will not be accepted. Please make sure your student email account is activated and ready for use. When applying for the CNA program and creating your account, please make sure you use your LEGAL NAME ONLY. Please don't use your nickname or preferred name.
  • Once accepted into the program, make sure to check your student email daily for any upcoming announcements.
  • Please be aware that the program is in high demand with limited seat availability. If, for any reason, you are unable to continue in the program, kindly notify us immediately so we can offer the seat to someone else on the alternate list.
  • Step 1: Apply to Saddleback College
  • Step 2: Academic Counseling
    • When you receive your Saddleback ID#, it is recommended, but not required, to speak with a counselor to ensure that your prior coursework will satisfy our prerequisites and meet the graduation requirements.
  • Step 3: Submit your CNA application
    • Find the the Nursing Assistant Program Application link in the “Application Information" section below.
    • The application must be filled out completely to be considered for admission.
    • Applications and application related communications (such as your acceptance letter) are done through the Submittable website. It is important that you know your username and password.
  • Step 4: Once provisionally accepted, the following must be met:
    • Complete Health Requirements/Program Clearance
    • Clear drug screening
    • Clear background check
    • Obtain professional liability insurance (NSO), AHA BLS card, and proof of health insurance
  • Step 5: Attend Orientation 
    • Applicants who complete all requirements will participate in an orientation which will discuss the designation of clinical locations and CNA class registration among other important topics.

Viewing this mandatory information session is a key requirement for applying to the CNA program. You must watch the entire video, as it contains important details that will be tested in a short quiz within the application form. The video covers most of the necessary information and will answer any questions you may have about the program. Please be sure to watch it in full.

View the CNA Information Session

Applications for the CNA Program are only accepted through Submittable for online submission, (we do not accept applications via email, mail, or in-person).

The CNA program typically receives between 50-130 applications each period, and we accept between 30-45 students, depending on the availability of clinical spots.

The program is offered five times a year:

  • Fall (16 weeks)
  • Fall (8 weeks)
  • Spring (16 weeks)
  • Spring (8 weeks)
  • Summer (8 weeks)


To apply, you will be directed to Submittable, where you will need to create an account using your LEGAL NAME ONLY to submit your application. Please remember to keep track of your username and password, as all communication will take place through Submittable.

NOTE: An application link for each program will be made available here as the application period opens.

Upcoming Application Dates

Fall 2025 Programs:

  • CNA Fall 2025 (16 weeks)
  • CNA Fall 2025 (8 weeks)
  • ACNA Fall 2025 (8 weeks)

Students assigned to clinical rotations must meet the health requirements mandated by the clinical facilities. The following health requirements must be completed and maintained throughout the clinical rotation:

  • Background Check
  • Drug Test
  • Physical Examination
  • Two steps Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
  • Tdap Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Current Seasonal Flu vaccine


Students who do not meet the health requirements established by the clinical facilities may not be permitted to attend clinical rotations. Failure to complete the required clinical hours may result in an inability to successfully complete the course. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all health requirements are met by the deadlines provided.

For any questions or concerns regarding these requirements, students should contact the CNA Program Assistant at sccna@saddleback.edu as soon as possible.


Download the CNA Mandatory Health Requirements

Accepted students into the CNA program are required to register at Castle Branch website. The Castle Branch compliance tracker will be used to complete your registration for the background check and drug test, as well as to upload all the following required documents:

  1. CPR/BLS Certificate
  2. Physical Examination Form
  3. Health Insurance Card
  4. Professional Liability Insurance
  5. Professional Behavior Form
  6. Program Clearance Form (Received from Saddleback Health Center)
  7. FERPA Release Form
  8. Photo Release Form
  9. Handbook Acknowledgment Form
  10. Lab Manual Receipt

Please do not email us any of these documents, as we can access your results on Castle Branch and will review them there. Feel free to email us if you have any questions or concerns.
 

Date:
Summer 2025 CNA Program: 05/29/2025

Location:
School of Health & Wellness
Health Science and Human Services Building
Saddleback college
28000 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92692

View Maps and Directions

Items to Bring to the Mandatory Orientation

Bring your Original, Non-Expired State ID, Driver License or Passport, and your Original, Non-Laminated Social Security card or ITIN Document.

Important Notes

  • Digital or printed copies of your ID, Driver License or Passport will NOT be accepted.
  • Your name at the ID should EXCATLY match your name at the SS card or ITIN document.

How much does the Nursing Assistant Program Cost?

NOTE: CNA courses are tuition free.

ItemCost
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 Requirementsvaries
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.

2024-2025 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.

ExpensesLiving With Parents (2 Semesters)Living Away from Parents (2 semesters)
Tuition & Fees$1,432$1,432
Books & Supplies$1,062$1,062
Living Expenses: Food & Housing$14,480 $25,916
Personal & Misc.$4,059 $4,968
Transportation$1,791 $1,962
Total Resident$22,824$35,340
Total Non-Resident$35,124$47,640
ExpensesLiving with ParentsLiving Away from Parents
Tuition & Fees$712$712
Books & Supplies$354$354
Living Expenses: Food & Housing$4,827$9,276
Personal & Misc.$1,353$1,656
Transportation$597$654
Total Resident$7,843 $12,652
Total Non-Resident$13,993$18,802
ExpensesLiving With ParentsLiving Away from Parents
 Fall & SpringSummerFall & SpringSummer
Tuition & Fees$1,432$712$1,432$712
Books & Supplies$1,062$354 $1,062$354 
Transportation$1,791 $597 $1,962 $654
Total Resident$4,291 $1,666 $4,462 $1,723
Total Non-Resident$16,591 $7,816 $16,762 $7,873
  • 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): $446 per unit ($376 non-resident tuition fee + $70 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

Contact the Certified Nursing Assistant Program

Please use this contact information to email our department to avoid duplicate emails being sent to individuals.