CNA FAQ
Q: What will I learn in this class?
A: This class will prepare students for the CNA State Exam and a job as a nursing assistant. Students will learn to take vital signs including: taking and recording temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure; assist with activities of daily living, e.g., patient hygiene, feeding, dressing, and transporting patients, among other things.
Q: What does this class prepare me to do?
A: This class will prepare you to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Home Health Care Aide (HHA) (in some locations). This class and certification qualify as prerequisites to the LVN and RN nursing programs at Napa Valley College. CNAs provide personal care for patients and are an important part of the healthcare team.
Q: What are the prerequisites?
A: In order to take this program, you must attend the CNA Orientation, pass a reading test with results that demonstrate the ability to read English at 8th grade level or higher and pass the CNA interview. All Adult Education students must be 18 years or older or have a high school diploma or equivalent. Individual exceptions may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You must possess a valid California ID and Social Security, pass a physical exam prior to class start date and a TB screening performed by a physician or Nurse Practitioner within six months prior to the class start date, submit proof of the COVID-19 vaccinations, flu shot/Negative TB (PPD) and pass the fingerprinting and criminal background screening. For those that are unvaccinated and have an exception for medical or religious reasons, the following must be adhered to:
- Student must wear N-95 mask while on site
- Student must be tested twice weekly
- Student must complete a medical or religious accommodation request for review and obtain approval for exemption from the Meadows Executive Director.
Q: What are the completion requirements for this course?
A: In order to receive a certificate for this course and take the State Exam, you will need to complete the Nurse Assistant Training Skills required by CDPH. You must also attend at least 60 hours of theory and 113 hours of clinical practice at a local nursing facility. You cannot miss more than 2 days of class time. In order to receive your CNA certification, you will need to pass the State Exam.
Q: When are classes offered?
A: Day and evening classes are offered during the spring and fall semesters. A summer class may be available. Please check our website at adulted.nvusd.org for class details.
Q: Where is the class?
A: The Theory portion of the class takes place at Napa Valley Adult Education (NVAE) for the day class and 1100 Trancas St., Napa, for the evening class. The Clinical takes place at NVAE in our Medical Lab or at a clinical facility (Clinical site locations TBD and dependent on current Covid-19 data).
Q: How do I register?
A: The first step is to sign up on our CNA Interest List. If you are not registered with NVAE, please register at NVAE Registration to speed up the registration process. Attend a CNA Orientation (no cost) through NVAE where you will learn about the program. Then take a reading test at NVAE. Those who pass the test will need to complete and pass an interview in order to register for the class. ALL paperwork & requirements need to be completed 2 weeks prior to class start date in order to hold a spot in class.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The program fee is $450, paid in full. The program fee is non-refundable, unless you request a refund 5 business days prior to class start date only. The textbook, workbook, uniform, shoes, watch, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and Live Scan fingerprints are additional costs and are purchased separately.
Checklist for students:
- Participation in the CNA Orientation
- CASAS reading test results that demonstrate the ability to read English at 8th grade level or higher
- Must be 18 years or older or have a high school diploma or equivalent. Individual exceptions may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
- Possess a current government-approved photo ID (driver’s license, California ID or passport) and Social Security Number
- Complete a CNA interview with a counselor, supervisor and/or CNA instructor
- Pass a physical exam within one year prior to class start date and a TB screening performed by a physician or Nurse Practitioner within six months prior to the class start date and submit a CNA Physical Exam form signed by their physician/Nurse Practitioner
- Proof of the flu shot/Negative TB (PPD) and COVID-19 vaccinations
After passing the Interview:
- Fully and accurately complete a Request for Live Scan Service . Get Live Scan fingerprints and return the form with ALL CNA paperwork to NVAE.
- Accurately complete an Initial Application
- Complete the NVAE Student Support Services form
● Complete the Policy for Screening form. ALL paperwork & requirements need to be completed
prior to the first day of class in order to hold your spot in class.
- Agree to purchase the textbook and complete the first 5 chapters before class begins.
