Join the Frontline of Patient Care – Become a CNA!
Certified Nurse Assistant
The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program at American West College (AWC) is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in patient care. CNAs play a crucial role in healthcare settings, providing direct hands-on assistance to patients while supporting nurses and medical staff.
6 Weeks Program
Real-life Medical Setting
Flexible Class Format
Training for Real-World Success
The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program at American West College (AWC) provides students with the essential skills and hands-on training needed for a career in patient care and healthcare support. Throughout the program, you will gain knowledge in patient care.
What You’ll Learn:
Accredited Program
AWC’s Certified Nurse Assistant program is accredited by the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA).
Is the Certified Nurse Assistant Training Program Right for you?
Flexible Class Format to Fit Your Schedule
Our blended class format allows you to complete coursework online while attending in-person training just two days per week. Plus, our weekend class option is available at both locations, making it easier than ever to start your healthcare career.
Major Learning in Certified Nurse Assistant Program
Gain hands-on training in clinical and administrative healthcare skills to jump-start your career as a Certified Nurse Assistant.
Assist Living Activities
Record Vital Signs
Exam preparation
Manage an Office
Communicate Effectively
Assist Living Activities
Exam preparation
Communicate Effectively
Record Vital Signs
Manage an Office
Certified Nurse Assistant Course List
Learn more about what’s in store for you in the Certified Nurse Assistant diploma program. For more on CNA courses, visit the college catalog.
| Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Clinical Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Module I | Introduction | 2 | 0 | 1.0 |
| Module II | Patients’ Rights | 3 | 1 | 2.0 |
| Module Ill | Interpersonal Skills | 2 | 0 | 1.0 |
| Module IV | Prevention & Management of Catastrophe & Unusual Occurrences | 1 | 1 | 1.0 |
| Module V | Body Mechanics | 2 | 4 | 3.0 |
| Module VI | Medical and Surgical Asepsis; Infection Control | 2 | 8 | 5.0 |
| Module VII | Weights and Measures | 1 | 1 | 1.0 |
| Module VIII | Patient Care Skills | 14.5 | 40 | 22 |
| Module IX | Patient Care Procedures | 7 | 20 | 13 |
| Module X | Vital Signs | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Module XI | Nutrition | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Module XII | Emergency Procedures | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Module XIII | Long -Term Care Patient | 7 | 4 | 5 |
| Module XIV | Rehabilitative Nursing | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Module XV | Observation and Charting | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Module XVI | Death and Dying | 2.5 | 0 | 2 |
| Module XVII | Abuse | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| Total hours | 63 | 100 | 75 |
‡ Courses offered in a blended format, a combination of online and on ground.
§ Courses offered on ground.
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 75
| Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Clinical Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Module I | Introduction | 2 | 0 | 1.0 |
| Module II | Patients’ Rights | 3 | 1 | 2.0 |
| Module Ill | Interpersonal Skills | 2 | 0 | 1.0 |
| Module IV | Prevention & Management of Catastrophe & Unusual Occurrences | 1 | 1 | 1.0 |
| Module V | Body Mechanics | 2 | 4 | 3.0 |
| Module VI | Medical and Surgical Asepsis; Infection Control | 2 | 8 | 5.0 |
| Module VII | Weights and Measures | 1 | 1 | 1.0 |
| Module VIII | Patient Care Skills | 14.5 | 27 | 22 |
| Module IX | Patient Care Procedures | 7 | 17 | 12 |
| Module X | Vital Signs | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Module XI | Nutrition | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Module XII | Emergency Procedures | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Module XIII | Long -Term Care Patient | 4 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Module XIV | Rehabilitative Nursing | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Module XV | Observation and Charting | 9 | 1 | 5 |
| Module XVI | Death and Dying | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Module XVII | Abuse | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| Total hours | 63 | 117.5 | 75 |
‡ Courses offered in a blended format, a combination of online and on ground.
§ Courses offered on ground.
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 75
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program Overview
The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program at American West College (AWC) is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in patient care. CNAs play a crucial role in healthcare settings, providing direct hands-on assistance to patients while supporting nurses and medical staff.
What Does a CNA Do?
A Certified Nurse Assistant is responsible for essential patient care tasks, including:
✔ Assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
✔ Monitoring and recording vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
✔ Repositioning and transferring patients to prevent bedsores and ensure comfort.
✔ Providing emotional support and companionship to patients and their families.
✔ Maintaining a clean and safe healthcare environment for optimal patient care.
Hands-On Training for Real-World Success
At AWC, our CNA program includes practical training that mirrors real-life healthcare environments. Students will gain hands-on experience through clinical practice and supervised externships, ensuring they are fully prepared for their role upon graduation.
Career Opportunities for CNAs
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
– Hospitals
– Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities
– Home Healthcare Services
– Rehabilitation Centers & Hospices
With a strong demand for CNAs in the healthcare industry, this program provides a fast and fulfilling path into the medical field.
Take the first step toward your career in patient care with AWC’s CNA Program!
The Info You Need — All in One Place
Download the Certified Nurse Assistant Diploma Program Brochure!
Looking for more information about what AWC’s Certified Nurse Assistant training program has to offer? Our brochure has important details about the program including:
- Program curriculum and course highlights
- Accreditation
- Enrollment requirements
- And more!
Download the brochure to explore everything that AWC’s Certified Nurse Assistant program has to offer and take the next step toward your future in healthcare.
CERTIFIED NURSE PROGRAM OFFERED
A Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) can work in various healthcare settings, performing both clinical and administrative tasks. Here are eight career opportunities for Certified Nurse Assistant
Join us for a virtual tour or schedule an appointment today.
Why Choose AWC?
Here’s why American West College is the perfect choice for your education and career success!
Comprehensive Hands-On Training
At American West College (AWC), our Certified Nurse Assistant (MA) Program provides the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a medical office, clinic, or healthcare facility. Through hands-on training, students develop expertise in patient care, medical procedures, and administrative tasks, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world healthcare environments.
Fast-Track Your Healthcare Career
At American West College (AWC), you can train to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in as little as 1.5 month. Our accelerated program provides hands-on training to prepare you for real-world medical settings, so you can enter the workforce quickly and confidently.
Real-World, Career-Focused Learning
Our career-driven curriculum is designed to equip students with the essential clinical and administrative skills required in today’s healthcare industry. You’ll gain hands-on experience in taking vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, performing EKGs, collecting lab samples, and managing medical office operations. Additionally, our program includes a 200-hour clinical externship, allowing you to apply your skills in a real healthcare setting.
Flexible and Supportive Learning Environment
We understand that balancing education with work and personal commitments can be challenging. That’s why AWC’s Certified Nurse Assistant Program offers a blended format, combining online coursework with just two days per week of on-campus training. Our small class sizes, experienced instructors, and dedicated student support services ensure that you receive the guidance and mentorship needed to succeed in your training and beyond.
Take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career with a program that emphasizes practical skills, real-world experience, and career readiness—enroll in the Certified Nurse Assistant Program at AWC today!
Certified Nurse Assistant Gallery
Certified Nurse Assistant Gallery
FAQs
Frequently asked questions from the previous prospective students and their parents.
You might be a great fit for the CNA program if you:
✔ Enjoy helping others and want to make a difference in patient care
✔ Are compassionate, patient, and detail-oriented
✔ Can work in a fast-paced healthcare setting
✔ Want to start a rewarding career in healthcare quickly
Ready to start your CNA journey? Contact AWC today to learn more and enroll in the program!
CNAs have job opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
✔ Hospitals
✔ Nursing homes
✔ Assisted living facilities
✔ Rehabilitation centers
✔ Home healthcare agencies
✔ Hospices
For a detailed course description, please refer to the AWC Catalog.
The CNA program at AWC provides hands-on training in:
✔ Patient care (bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility assistance)
✔ Vital sign monitoring (blood pressure, temperature, pulse)
✔ Safety and infection control
✔ Basic medical procedures and assisting nurses with healthcare tasks
✔ Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
For a detailed course description, please refer to the AWC Catalog.
The CNA program at AWC is an accelerated healthcare program that can be completed in a few weeks or months, depending on the course schedule. This program includes both classroom learning and hands-on clinical training. Weekend classes are available at all two campuses: Los Angeles, and Anaheim.
You can apply to AWC online. To be eligible for admission into the Certified Nurse Assistant program, you will need to:
- Meet with an admissions advisor
- Show proof of high school graduation or a recognized equivalent
- Pass a standardized entrance exam
- Complete an enrollment agreement
- Pay a non-refundable application fee upon enrollment
For the full list of admission requirements, please visit the AWC Catalog.
Tuition costs vary depending on program length, materials, and additional fees. For a detailed breakdown of costs, contact the AWC admissions office.
Yes! Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans may be available to those who qualify. Contact our financial aid office to explore your options.
Absolutely! The CNA program includes hands-on clinical training in a real healthcare setting, ensuring you gain practical experience before entering the workforce.
As a CNA, you will be trained to:
✔ Assist patients with daily activities (bathing, dressing, feeding)
✔ Monitor and record vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse)
✔ Help with mobility and rehabilitation exercises
✔ Maintain infection control and hygiene
✔ Provide emotional support to patients and families
CNAs provide basic patient care, such as assisting with daily activities, monitoring vitals, and ensuring patient
Nurses (RNs & LVNs) perform more advanced medical tasks, such as administering medications, developing treatment plans, and providing direct medical care.
Nurses require a license, while CNAs require certification but not a nursing degree.
Source: California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Medical Assistants
The CNA program at AWC provides hands-on training in:
– Patient care (bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility assistance)
– Vital sign monitoring (blood pressure, temperature, pulse)
– Safety and infection control
– Basic medical procedures and assisting nurses with healthcare tasks
– Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams
¹ Source: California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Medical Assistants.
A Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care and support under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). CNAs assist with daily living activities, monitor vital signs, and ensure patient comfort in medical settings.
If these skills sound like you, then a Certified Nurse Assistant career might be the perfect path for your future!
Hands-On Training to Prepare You for Your Career
With over 200 hours of externship experience, you’ll be fully prepared to launch your career as a Certified Nurse Assistant.
With over 200 hours of externship experience, you’ll be fully prepared to launch your career as a Certified Nurse Assistant.
Our classes are designed to simulate real-life medical environments, utilizing the same equipment and proceduresyou’ll encounter in your first job. This hands-on training ensures you’ll feel confident and ready to step into your new role from day one!
“Becoming a pharmacy technician is more than a career—it’s my calling to help and protect others. Attending American Career College has been one of the proudest moments of my life.”
– Susan K. ’24
Hands-On Training to Prepare You for Your Career
How to Become a Certified Nurse Assistant in California
Are you interested in entering into the field of healthcare? If so, you may want to consider pursuing a career as a Certified Nurse assistant. This role gives you the opportunity to positively impact the patient experience while also boosting efficiency within a healthcare organization. Certified Nurse provide both administrative and clinical support, which means they’re performing important office duties as well as assisting with the process of patient care.
Contact Us
Contact Us
If you prefer to contact over the phone, our team is available 5 days a week, 9 am-5 pm PT.
Call 1-800-800-8000
If you prefer to schedule over an email, send us an email.
contact@americanwestcollege.com
If you prefer to contact over the chat, our team can chat with you.
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