Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
WINTER 2026 Registration is closed.
Poway Adult School offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course that covers basic nursing skills, medical terminology, and basic anatomy and physiology. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the California State Nurse Assistant Certification exam. The course is taught by a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).
Next CNA Cohort coming SUMMER 2026!
To register for the summer cohort, you must attend ONE free online Spring 2026 information sessions, where you’ll learn about the program, course requirements, tuition, and enrollment process. Our team will also be available to answer any questions. Tuition is subject to change. For more details, contact Miki Blanchard at [email protected]. The Zoom link will be emailed to registered students a few days before the session. Students who attend the information session may apply for scholarships and will receive any updates on registration or student requirements as soon as it becomes available.
Instructional Format
Lectures (Theory) are held on Zoom, while clinical sessions are conducted at a North County Skilled Nursing Facility. The course runs for 17 weeks, with meeting held every Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Zoom (60 hours Theory).
Weekend clinical rotations are either Schedule "A" (Saturdays) or Schedule "B" (Sunday) from 7:30am-4:00pm (100 hours Clinical Skills) at a North County Skilled Nursing Facility. Winter 2026 cohort for schedule A and B are being held at Poway Healthcare Center, Poway CA 92064
Additionally, practice labs and in-person meetings are held at Del Norte High School*.
📍 Del Norte High School, 16601 Nighthawk Ln, San Diego, CA 92127, Room P-116.
Del Norte High School map to classroom parking area on campus
Winter 2026 Class Schedule:
Class Schedule A (Saturday Clinical Rotation)
Class Schedule B (Sunday Clinical Rotation)
📌 All registered CNA students must attend the Mandatory Orientation (In-Person):
on Tuesday August 11th, 2026 from 4-8pm
📍 Address: Del Norte High School, Room P-116, 16601 Nighthawk Ln, San Diego, CA 92127
During this Orientation students will:
- Complete Live Scan Requirement
- Complete 283B Forms
- Create CDPH Oasys accounts and upload required documents
- Receive loaner laptops if needed, technology assistance for the learning management system (Canvas), electronic textbook upload and other digital technology needs for the class
- Review and sign student agreement forms
- Turn in medical paperwork
Program Costs
Registration Fee (August 2026): $1,195.00 includes:
✔ Electronic Textbook
✔ Workbook
✔ Live Scan
✔ A Set of Ceil Blue Scrubs from New Waves Scrubs store in Rancho Bernardo
Additional Fees of $200+ to include but not limited to:
✔ Medical Examination, vaccinations, TB tests and screenings
✔ CPR/BLS training
✔ Clean, closed toe athletic shoes
✔ State Certification Exam $120 - $130 (subject to change based on testing company)
Students can enroll in the payment plan by registering with a $300 down payment, followed by four additional payments of $223.75. To register with a payment plan, call the Poway Adult School office at (858) 668-4024 at the time of registration.
Scholarships are available for qualified students, with more information provided during the informational session.
Student Requirements- A Student Requirement Checklist and any required paperwork will be sent to registered students prior to the start of class. Do NOT get medical exam or TB test until notified!
✔ Live Scan Background Check (conducted during In Person Orientation) – see Criminal Record Review*
✔ Social Security Card
✔ Drivers License (names on all forms of ID need to match)
✔ Physical Examination, current TB test, Paperwork and Vaccine History
✔ California Department of Public Health Form
✔ CPR/BLS certificate
✔ Computer or laptop, Zoom and access to a strong internet connection. Loaner laptops will be available for students who need to borrow for the duration of the course.
✔ A score of 235 or higher on the CTE Readiness Assessment. Email Andre Urbano at [email protected] to schedule. Students who score 234 or lower may be required to participate in ESL dual enrollment is enrolled in the CNA program. For more questions contact Sara Kende at [email protected]
|
*Criminal Record Review |
Attendance, Participation, and Completion Requirements
Full attendance is mandatory. Students may make up one theory (4 hours) and one clinical (8 hours) session within designated times. To qualify for the State certification exam, students must complete 60 theory hours and 100 clinical hours with a minimum 75% passing grade.
Steps to Complete Before Starting Class
Drops and Refund Policy
Overview of Certification and Training Agencies
The School is your training provider. Other agencies have roles in the completion of you receiving your State certification. Please be aware of those agencies and their contact information!
Poway Adult School 2024-2025 CNA Student Handbook
California Department of Public Health
Download a Credentia NATP Candidate Handbook and more here
Association for Certified Nurse Assistants
Job Market Info and more
Your Goals, Our Data
This course is provided by State funds and your fees. In order for the School to comply with State requirements, we need to collect information from students about their goals, job outcomes and starting salaries when hired after our programs. Please help us by answering the data questions when asked during and after your class.
Is Nursing School in your future? It's never too soon to start dreaming and planning!
Palomar College
Mt. San Jacinto College, Menifee Campus
Grossmont Health Occupations Center
Cal State San Marcos