CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (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. This class prepares students to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
This class and certificate qualify as prerequisites to the nursing program 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, students are required to:
● Watch the CNA Orientation video and complete the form at the end.
● Pass a reading test with results that demonstrate the ability to read English at 9th grade level or
higher.
● Pass the CNA interview.
● You must possess a valid government-approved photo ID and Social Security card (full name on
your ID and your SSN card must be the same, otherwise you will not be able to take the CNA
State Exam)
● Pass a physical exam prior to class start date.
● Complete TB screening performed by a physician or Nurse Practitioner within six months prior
to the class start date.
● Submit proof of flu shot and Negative TB (PPD).
● Complete and pass the fingerprinting and criminal background screening.
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 must also attend at least 60
hours of theory and 113 hours of clinical practice. You cannot miss more than 2 days of class time. In
order to receive your CNA certificate, you will need to pass the State Exam.
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. This class prepares students to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
This class and certificate qualify as prerequisites to the nursing program 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, students are required to:
● Watch the CNA Orientation video and complete the form at the end.
● Pass a reading test with results that demonstrate the ability to read English at 9th grade level or
higher.
● Pass the CNA interview.
● You must possess a valid government-approved photo ID and Social Security card (full name on
your ID and your SSN card must be the same, otherwise you will not be able to take the CNA
State Exam)
● Pass a physical exam prior to class start date.
● Complete TB screening performed by a physician or Nurse Practitioner within six months prior
to the class start date.
● Submit proof of flu shot and Negative TB (PPD).
● Complete and pass the fingerprinting and criminal background screening.
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 must also attend at least 60
hours of theory and 113 hours of clinical practice. You cannot miss more than 2 days of class time. In
order to receive your CNA certificate, 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). The Clinical takes
place at a clinical facility. (Clinical site location may vary.)
Q: How do I register?
A: The first step is to watch the orientation video and complete the form at the end. If you are not
registered with NVAE, please do so to speed up the registration process. Next, students take a reading test
at NVAE. Those who pass the test will need to complete and pass an interview. ALL paperwork &
requirements need to be completed in order to register for the CNA Program along with payment.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The program fee is on our website, and in the catalog. 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.
If you do not complete the class and need to reenroll or makeup hours, additional fees will apply.
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). The Clinical takes
place at a clinical facility. (Clinical site location may vary.)
Q: How do I register?
A: The first step is to watch the orientation video and complete the form at the end. If you are not
registered with NVAE, please do so to speed up the registration process. Next, students take a reading test
at NVAE. Those who pass the test will need to complete and pass an interview. ALL paperwork &
requirements need to be completed in order to register for the CNA Program along with payment.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The program fee is on our website, and in the catalog. 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.
If you do not complete the class and need to reenroll or makeup hours, additional fees will apply.
CNA Enrollment Requirements
Checklist for Students:
● Watch the CNA Orientation Video Presentation, Complete the Form
● CASAS reading test results that demonstrate the ability to read English at 9th grade
level or higher
● Verify that you have a current government-approved photo ID (driver’s license,
California ID, passport, Permanent Resident Visa/Alien Registration card or
U.S. Military ID card) and Social Security card (non-laminated). Your name on
ID needs to match the name on your Social Security card. Otherwise, you will
not be able to take the CNA State exam.
● Complete a CNA interview.
After passing the Interview:
● 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 and Negative TB (PPD)
● 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 and
register for the program.
● Agree to purchase the textbook and complete the first 5 chapters before class
begins.
