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
Nursing Assistant Program Information
Beginning Fall 2023, Registration for the Nurse Assistant Program will be through an application process. The next CNA application will be open from November 27th - December 15th for a start date in Spring 2024.
The CNA bootcamp is scheduled for January 9th, attendance is mandatory.
Application can be located in the "General Admission Information" Tab
The Nurse Assistant course (Health Sciences 064) is offered every semester including summer. 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.
MANDATORY Boot camp on Tues January 9th from 9am-1pm in N8. Any students not present at the book camp will be removed from the application pool and will not be eligible for registration.
| Date | Time | Location | MANDATORY Item |
| January 9, 2024 | 9am-1pm | Palm Desert Campus Room N8 |
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| January 22, 2024 | 4:30pm | Submitted to Nursing office |
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| January 29, 2024-February 9, 2024 | 4:30pm | Submitted to Nursing office |
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| February 23, 2024 | 4:30pm |
|
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| February 27, 2024 | 8am - 1:05pm | Palm Desert Campus room N9 |
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- Are 16 or older and can benefit from instruction
All requirements must be completed before the first class meeting.
|
Valid Social security card or ITIN |
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.
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 $702.00 Click here for a detailed list of associated costs.
This program is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Mailing Address:
CA Dept. of Public Health
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
