- 160-hour CNA program with 100% in-person instruction and a strong focus on hands-on clinical experience.
- Affordable tuition of $1,650, with flexible payment options and additional job support services included.
- Small class sizes (15:1 ratio), personalized attention, and job readiness coaching for healthcare careers in the Bay Area.
Program Format and Curriculum
Nightingale Healthcare Professionals (NHP) in El Cerrito, CA offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program approved by the California Department of Public Health. This 160-hour course is structured to give students both the theoretical foundation and practical experience needed to begin a career in healthcare. The program is divided into 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of hands-on clinical training in local skilled nursing facilities. All attendance must be in-person, as the school does not currently offer online or hybrid formats.
The curriculum follows California’s state-approved CNA guidelines and prepares students for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) certification exam. Students are trained in essential areas such as patient hygiene, ambulation, vital signs, feeding assistance, infection control, and care planning. The course places a strong emphasis on real-world training through direct care of elderly residents, ensuring that students graduate with meaningful experience and the confidence to succeed in their first healthcare role.
Class Schedule and Structure
New CNA classes typically start every month. The program’s consistent enrollment cycle makes it easy for students to plan their training around other life commitments. All classes are in-person and conducted at NHP’s El Cerrito location and affiliated skilled nursing facilities. The school keeps class sizes small with a maximum 15:1 student-to-instructor ratio, providing focused instruction and support. Students benefit from personalized learning and a “no student left behind” philosophy that fosters a supportive environment for learners from all backgrounds.
Admissions and Prerequisites
Unlike many programs, Nightingale Healthcare Professionals does not require a high school diploma or GED to enroll. However, students must meet health-related and legal prerequisites, including a negative COVID-19 test, TB test, physical exam, and seasonal flu shot. Additionally, a Live Scan fingerprint-based background check is required for clinical clearance. All health documentation must be current within six months of the program start date, and COVID-19 test results must be updated weekly during the course.
Program Costs and Additional Fees
Tuition for the CNA program is $1,650, which includes a $350 non-refundable application and registration fee and $1,300 for training and instruction. The school offers payment plans to make tuition more accessible. Students should also budget for out-of-pocket costs such as uniforms, shoes, medical screenings, and certification testing, which may add approximately $150–$300 to total expenses. Optional supplies such as blood pressure cuffs, gait belts, and CPR certification are available at discounted student rates.
Support Services and Job Assistance
One of Nightingale Healthcare Professionals’ standout features is its dedication to job placement and professional development. Students are connected with over 50 local nursing homes and healthcare facilities across the East Bay, South Bay, and North Bay areas. The school provides contact lists, referrals, and personalized assistance in resume building, interview preparation, and professional presentation. Letters of recommendation are also available for students in good standing.
NHP’s deep ties to the community and its long-standing relationships with local nursing facilities mean that many graduates transition directly into employment at their clinical training sites. The school’s staff works closely with students to help them secure opportunities as soon as they complete the program and pass the certification exam.
Instructors and Teaching Philosophy
Founded by a registered nurse with firsthand experience as a CNA, NHP is grounded in a mission of accessibility and empowerment. The school is driven by a staff committed to excellence in healthcare training and rooted in community advancement. The instructors bring real-world nursing experience and a supportive teaching style designed to build confidence and competence in every student.
The small class sizes and practical clinical experience help students develop critical thinking, communication, and bedside care skills that prepare them to work effectively in team-based healthcare environments. The organization is also an authorized American Heart Association training site, allowing students to earn Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, further enhancing their credentials.
What to Expect After Graduation
Upon completion of the 160-hour CNA program and successful passage of the NNAAP exam, graduates are officially certified by the California Department of Public Health. Entry-level CNA positions are widely available throughout the region, and NHP graduates report competitive starting pay of around $18 per hour, with opportunities for full-time benefits and overtime. For many, this certification serves as a first step toward more advanced roles, such as Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Registered Nurse (RN), or other clinical professions.
This program is a good fit for…
This CNA training program is an ideal match for individuals who thrive in small, supportive class settings and are looking for a fast and affordable path into healthcare. It’s well-suited for adult learners, career changers, and those without a high school diploma but with a strong desire to enter the healthcare workforce. Students seeking personalized instruction, real-world clinical training, and job search support will find a valuable starting point here.
Program Information | Details |
Cost | $1,650.00 |
Program Duration | 160 hours |
Class Schedules | In-person; new sessions monthly |
Prerequisites | Live Scan, TB Test, Physical, COVID-19 test, Flu Shot |
Address | 743 El Cerrito Plaza, El Cerrito, CA 94530 |
Phone | (510) 553-1800 |
[email protected] | |
Website | http://nhp.training/ |
Job Placement | Yes |
Explore More Programs!
Browse our full directory of medical assistant programs in the Bay Area.