- Comprehensive 11-week CNA training with classroom, lab, and externship components totaling 303 hours.
- Affordable tuition at $2,609 with payment plans and tuition waiver options available for qualifying students.
- Strong student outcomes with high completion (88%), certification (85%), and job placement (94%) rates.
Program Format and Curriculum
Mt. Diablo Adult Education (MDAE) offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce. The program is delivered in a full-time format over approximately three months and includes 83 hours of lecture, 100 hours of lab, and 120 hours of clinical externship for a total of 303 hours. Instruction is grounded in the state-mandated CNA curriculum required by the California Department of Public Health, covering all 18 modules from patient rights and emergency procedures to rehabilitative nursing and job readiness.
Students will gain a strong foundation in essential CNA competencies such as infection control, personal care, communication, and professionalism, while also developing soft skills critical for long-term career success in healthcare. The program also emphasizes person-centered care, stress management, and working effectively as part of a team under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed vocational nurses.
Schedule and Class Structure
Classes meet five days a week. From Monday through Thursday, students attend sessions from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and on Fridays, instruction is held from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The schedule includes both lecture and skills lab training, followed by a clinical externship in a local skilled nursing facility. The program also includes a mandatory one-week orientation and a week of certification preparation at the end. Makeup hours are available for students who miss required content, in compliance with CDPH regulations.
Admissions Requirements and Enrollment Process
To apply, students must attend a Career Technical Education (CTE) Information Session and complete a CTE Reading Assessment. Additional requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, proof of health insurance, a physician-signed verification form, vaccination records, and a completed background check via Live Scan. Students are also required to meet with the CNA Professional Development Instructor and attend a full orientation week before the program begins.
Enrollment is finalized after all documentation is submitted, and students have the option to pay in full or set up a payment plan. For those who qualify, tuition waivers are also available through the Health Career Pathway initiative.
Tuition and Financial Support
The total cost of the program is $2,609, which includes instruction, clinical training, and course materials. MDAE offers interest-free payment plans and works with community partners like Opportunity Junction and Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa & Solano to provide tuition assistance to low-income and underserved individuals through grant-funded pathways.
Accreditation and Partnerships
Mt. Diablo Adult Education is a state-approved training provider and collaborates with reputable organizations to expand access to healthcare careers. The CNA program is offered in partnership with the John Muir Community Health Fund and local healthcare advocates to support underserved communities and develop a pipeline of qualified nursing assistants in the region.
Experienced Instructors and Practical Training
Instruction is delivered by seasoned professionals with healthcare backgrounds, offering students real-world insights and mentorship. The teaching approach integrates traditional classroom learning with hands-on lab training and supervised externships, giving students both the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to thrive in long-term care and hospital settings.
Student Outcomes and Career Outlook
The program reports excellent student outcomes: an 88% completion rate, 85% pass rate on the National Nurse Assistant Assessment Program (NNAAP), and a 94% job placement rate. Graduates report an average starting wage of $22.00 per hour, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for well-paying, in-demand positions.
Post-Graduation Expectations
Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to take the NNAAP certification exam. After passing the exam, they can pursue employment in a wide range of settings including skilled nursing facilities, long-term care centers, and hospitals. The training serves as a stepping stone to additional healthcare career paths, with many graduates pursuing further education or certifications in nursing or medical specialties.
This program is a good fit for…
This program is well-suited for individuals who want a clear and structured path into the healthcare field, especially those seeking a reliable career with strong job prospects in Northern California. It’s a strong match for students who value hands-on training, need a Monday-to-Friday schedule, and may benefit from financial support options. The program is especially ideal for adult learners, career changers, or recent high school graduates who are ready to enter the healthcare workforce quickly and with confidence.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | $2,609.00 |
| Program Duration | 3 months (approx. 11 weeks) |
| Class Schedules | M–Th 8:30am–3:00pm; F 8:30am–12:30pm |
| Prerequisites | HS diploma/GED, CTE Info Session & Reading Assessment, health clearance, insurance, background check |
| Address | 1266 San Carlos Ave, Concord, CA 94518 |
| Phone | (925) 685-7340 |
| No | |
| Website | http://mdae.mdusd.org/ |
| Job Placement | Yes |
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