Nursing Assistant
Table of Contents
Click on the topic of interest
| Information Sessions | Program Costs |
| Eligibility Criteria | Health Screening |
We are pleased that you are interested in the Nurse Assistant program at College of the Desert (COD). The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health. The links at the bottom of the page include questions students most frequently ask and information that will provide answers for students.
If you still have questions after reading through the materials below please feel free to contact either the Health Sciences/Nursing Office at (760) 773-2578 or NursingInfo@collegeofthedesert.edu
To make an appointment to see the Nursing Counselor please email NursingCounselor@collegeofthedesert.edu. Be sure to include your full name, availability, phone number and student ID (if applicable). Alternatively, you can also call us directly at 760-773-2578 to make an appointment
Information Sessions
Group information sessions are offered periodically throughout the year which provides an overview of all COD nursing programs (CNA, LVN, RN, & LVN-RN), pre-requisite courses, admissions process, application, cost, etc. and a "question and answer" time.
Zoom Link for all sessions listed below
August 8th 2022 5:00PM
August 25th 2022 1:00PM (In person) N9
August 29th 2022 10:30 AM
September 29th 2022 5:00 PM (In person) N4
October 11th 2022 5:00 PM
October 26th 2022 1:30 PM
November 22nd 2022 3:30 PM
November 30th 2022 5:30 PM (COD/CSUSB BSN)
December 7th 2022 12:00 PM (COD/CSUSB BSN)
December 15th 2022 5:30 PM
January 19th 2023 5:00 PM
February 6th 2023 10:00 AM
February 22nd 2023 5:30PM (In Person) TBA
For more information, please email NursingInfo@collegeofthedesert.edu
To view a pre-recorded information session, click here.
Nursing Assistant Program Information
The Nurse Assistant course (Health Sciences 064) is offered every semester and currently has no separate application process for entry. Register as you would for any other class offered at COD. This is a 6-unit course and costs the same per unit as any other COD course. It is a 12-week course.
The course will include both classroom and clinical settings. Multiple program requirements are due on the first day of class. If requirements are not complete and submitted by the first day of class, students will be dropped. Students are responsible for all associated fees for requirements.
No students will be added to the course after the first class meeting.
- Graduated from high school, or
- Passed the CA high school proficiency exam, or
- Passed the GED, or
- Are 18 or older and can benefit from instruction
All requirements must be completed before the first class meeting, including late add and students "crashing" the course. Students are required to bring copies of all the items below on the first day of class.
|
Valid Social security card |
Physical Exam |
| Valid Government issued ID | Malpractice Insurance (automatically added to your student account when registered for the course) |
| Clear drug screen | Meet Core Performance Standards |
| Clear background check & DOJ Livescan | Communicable disease clearance (Vaccinations) |
| Current American Heart Association CPR card |
A LiveScan will be done during the first class meeting for registered students.
Background check and drug screening must be completed within 30 days before the first class meeting. Students who do not clear the screenings will be unable to complete the course.
Background Check and Drug Screen Instructions
A basic physical exam with proof of COVID-19 vaccination series, recent 2-step TB test, and flu shot must be done within 90 days prior to the first class meeting.
Medical Clearance form for Nursing Assistant Students
Uniform is white scrub top worn over basic white scrub pants. See course syllabus/handbook for further details. Please wait for instruction from your instructor before purchase.
College of the Desert Kinesiology offers American Heart Association (AHA) CPR courses for both the first time certification and for recertification.
For first time certification, students can register for KINE-001
For recertification, students can register for KINE-302
KINE-001 and KINE-302 will be offered during Summer and Winter sessions based on enrollment numbers.
KINE-302 Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 from 8:00AM-12:00 PM
CPR cards are required prior to the start of the semester, please plan accordingly.
Please note the costs are estimated. Depending on insurance coverage and financial assistance, costs may vary. Total cost of program is estimated at $654. Click here for a detailed list of associated costs.
Health and Background Screening (Onboarding)
The affiliation agreements with the clinical facilities, regulated by The Joint Commission (TJC), require that all students have a clear drug screening and background check prior to each clinical rotation. If not, the student may not be allowed to participate in patient care at a clinical agency, which would prevent the student from completing the nursing assistant course.
Drug Screening and Background Checks
Background checks displaying discrepancies will be reviewed by the Nursing Director and facility assigned to determine if you are eligible to continue within the program.
In addition to screening prior to the first class meeting, students may be subject to testing for cause; such as slurred speech, impaired physical coordination, inappropriate behavior, or pupillary changes.
All students must also be medically screened, prior to the first day of class. The screening will include a physical examination, COVID vaccine, TB testing, flu shot, blood tests (titers) which show definitive immunity to communicable disease, and drug and alcohol screening.
Nursing Assistant Certification
Students with qualifying hours in the RN or LVN programs are eligible to undergo examination for the Nursing Assistant certification.
Use the following links to pursue this option:
- Information and instructions from the CA Dept. of Public Health
- Forms and Requirements
- 283B form (make sure to check the "Equivalent Training" box)
- Certified Nurse Assistant Training Regulations
- Certified Nurse Assistant Training Federal Regulations
- It is preferable to FAX information to the CNA/HHA/Certification Unit, FAX (916) 552-8785, or send an email to the CNA email address cna@cdph.ca.gov
Mailing Address:
CA Dept. of Public Health
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
