5-week CNA training program

Program length

The CNA Pathways training program is 5 weeks total (25 instructional days), Monday through Friday. The same 5-week schedule applies to both the online and the in-person class.

Two programs offered

CNA Pathways offers two separate programs, each filed as its own application with the California Department of Public Health. Both programs are pending state approval.

• Online Program (Hybrid) — theory delivered via live remote instruction. Clinicals are conducted in person in Visalia, California.
• In-Person Program — theory and clinicals both delivered on-site in Visalia, California.

Both programs run the same 5-week, Monday-through-Friday length and are submitted, reviewed, and approved by the state separately.

Brief description of required coursework

The program provides 160 total instructional hours — 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical training — delivered across the 17 CDPH-mandated modules. Coursework covers patient rights, interpersonal communication, body mechanics, infection control, vital signs, patient care skills and procedures, nutrition, emergency procedures, long-term care for special-needs populations, rehabilitative nursing, observation and charting, death and dying, and abuse prevention. Modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, and 14 constitute the 16 federally required training hours that must be completed before any student may begin direct patient care during clinical instruction.

Program requirements

To enroll in the CNA Pathways Nurse Assistant Training Program, applicants must meet each of the following:

1. Be at least 16 years of age at time of enrollment (applicants under 18 require a parent or guardian signature and parent/guardian presence at orientation).
2. Provide a valid government-issued photo ID (California Driver's License or CA State ID) and Social Security card with the application.
3. Demonstrate English reading, writing, and speaking skills sufficient for healthcare training. An English literacy assessment may be administered.
4. Pass a Live Scan criminal background check; fingerprints must reach the state at least 10 days prior to the first class.
5. Complete a TB test (or chest X-ray clearance if positive) before clinical training begins.
6. Complete a physical examination by a physician, PA, or NP, dated within 90 days before clinical training begins.
7. Submit all enrollment forms, identification, medical clearance, and immunization documentation by the program deadline.
8. Attend a mandatory orientation session scheduled before classes begin.

A GED or high school diploma is preferred but not required for program entry.

Grade requirements for passing the program

• Module exams: Minimum 70% on each of the 17 module tests.
• Theory hours: Completion of all 60 instructional hours of theory content.
• Clinical hours: Completion of all 100 supervised clinical hours.
• Clinical skills: Successful demonstration of all required clinical skills with a Satisfactory rating from a CDPH-approved instructor.
• Independent resident care: Before the clinical rotation ends, the student must independently and safely care for 4 residents.
• Attendance: No more than 8 hours of theory absences and no more than 8 hours of clinical absences (per Policy #5). Exceeding either triggers an Attendance Contract and may result in removal.
• Financial: All tuition fully paid by graduation day.

The CDPH 283B form (required to take the California CNA state exam) is issued only after the student has graduated and resolved all program and financial requirements.

Course deadlines

Upcoming cohorts

How to enroll (once cohorts open)

1. Apply online — submit the application through this website.
2. Book your orientation appointment — in-person or via Zoom.
3. Pay the $500 non-refundable deposit at registration to secure your seat.
4. Attend orientation before classes begin.
5. Complete and submit all pre-clinical documents by the program deadline: government ID, Social Security card, Live Scan fingerprint receipt, medical clearance, TB test, and immunization records.
6. Pay the tuition balance on the first day of class, or per a signed Payment Plan.
7. Begin the program on your cohort's start date.

Other key deadlines

• Live Scan fingerprints: must reach the state at least 10 days prior to the first class.
• Medical / health clearance: physician's exam must be dated within 90 days before the first clinical day.
• TB test: required before clinical training begins; a positive test requires a chest X-ray and healthcare-worker clearance.
• Tuition deposit: $500 non-refundable, due at registration.
• Tuition balance: due on the first day of class, or per signed Payment Plan.
• Refund policy: a complete refund and withdrawal policy is provided in writing at registration and reviewed during your enrollment appointment.
• All module exams passed (70%+): by the last theory class day.
• Maximum program completion: within 4 months from the date of enrollment (per 22 CCR §71835(j)).

Specific cohort start and end dates will be added to the table above once state approval is received and the first cohorts are scheduled.

Cities where clinical sites are located

All clinical training is conducted in Visalia, California at CDPH-approved skilled nursing or intermediate care facilities. The in-person class is also held in Visalia, California. The program is designed to serve students from across the Central Valley, including Fresno, Bakersfield, Hanford, Tulare, Porterville, and surrounding communities.

Technology requirements for the online class

Online students must have access to the following (per the Student Handbook):

• Device: A computer, laptop, or tablet (iPad or current-generation Android tablet) with a working camera, microphone, and speakers. Cell phones are not sufficient for full coursework.
• Processor: 2 GHz or faster.
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8–16 GB recommended).
• Storage: 256 GB minimum.
• Screen resolution: 1024×768 or higher.
• Operating system: Windows 10 or 11 Pro, latest Android, macOS 10.10 or higher, or latest Apple iOS.
• Internet: Fast, reliable connection required for live online classes.
• Required software and access: Adobe PDF Reader, Microsoft Office Suite (Word and PowerPoint at minimum), Moodle (the program's Learning Management System — course content, assignments, and module exams), Microsoft Teams (live synchronous class platform), and Zoom (the backup platform).
• Webcam: Required to remain on with the student's face visible throughout each class.
• Power: Device fully charged before each class; a second device available as backup.

In-person class students do not need the above technology for course access. Additional standard student supplies (notebook, pens, analog watch with second hand, closed-toe slip-resistant shoes, khaki scrub bottoms) are reviewed at orientation.

Exam preparation

Students will be prepared specifically for the California state CNA certification examination. Note: the state exam is administered by California's testing partner, not by CNA Pathways.