- Offers a comprehensive, UC/CSU-approved high school Nursing Assistant course with 360 total hours of training, including classroom and hands-on clinical experience.
- Designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in healthcare careers; includes internship placements and professional portfolio development.
- While it does not lead directly to CNA certification, it prepares students for future training programs and offers multiple health-related competency certificates.
Program Format and Learning Experience
Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program (MVROP) delivers a robust Nursing Assistant course for high school students exploring healthcare professions. Though not an approved California Department of Public Health CNA certification course, it serves as an ideal preparatory step for future certification. The course spans a full academic year and combines 172 hours of in-class instruction with 188 hours of clinical internship experience, totaling 360 hours of immersive training.
Students choose from two daily class schedules—morning (8:30 AM–10:30 AM) or afternoon (1:45 PM–3:45 PM)—held Monday through Friday at the Mission Valley ROP Center in Fremont. The curriculum covers patient care fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, infection control, medical terminology, CPR and First Aid, and more. Classes are led by experienced instructor Angela Foster, who is credentialed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and brings real-world nursing expertise to the classroom.
Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites
This program is intended for junior and senior high school students in the Fremont, Newark, and New Haven Unified School Districts. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have a valid California ID. No prior medical training is required, but students must demonstrate a commitment to attendance, academics, and professional conduct. Advancement to the clinical internship portion requires students to earn an 84% or higher in the first semester and maintain at least 80% attendance.
Internship Experience
The second semester includes a Community Classroom internship in a long-term care setting, where students apply skills in real-world scenarios under licensed supervision. Internship hours vary by site and may require availability on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Clinical clearance, including vaccinations (Hepatitis B, COVID-19), TB testing, and a background check (for students 18+), is mandatory and strictly enforced. Transportation to clinical sites is not provided.
Course Highlights and Curriculum
Instruction uses a combination of lectures, labs, simulations, guest speakers, role-play, and multimedia. Students gain experience in:
- ADL (Activities of Daily Living) support
- Emergency procedures and CPR
- Vital signs monitoring
- Medical charting and documentation
- Cultural sensitivity in care delivery
- Working with cognitively impaired and aging populations
The program also includes professional development components such as a mandatory professional portfolio (with resume, job application, reference letters, and thank-you notes) to help students pursue employment or further education after program completion.
Certifications and Accreditations
While not a state-approved CNA certification program, students can earn several industry-relevant competency certificates including:
- American Heart Association CPR/BLS
- HIPAA Awareness
- Handwashing and Infection Control
- Medical Terminology
- Observation and Charting
The course also qualifies as a UC/CSU “G” elective, helping students meet college admission requirements.
Instructors and Student Support
Instructor Angela Foster brings practical healthcare knowledge and strong leadership to the program. Students benefit from a classroom environment that emphasizes professionalism, equity, teamwork, and academic integrity. Behavior policies, dress codes, and attendance expectations are closely modeled after real healthcare workplace standards.
Students may be nominated for awards such as Student of the Year or earn Honor Cords for exemplary academic and attendance records. These recognitions are valuable additions to college and job applications.
Costs and Supplies
The course is provided tuition-free to high school students through district funding. However, students must purchase personal items such as:
- Scrubs (color-coded by class)
- Wristwatch with a second hand
- Required school supplies like a binder, pens, and index cards
Discounts on scrubs are available through local vendors like Fremont Uniform & Medical Supply. In cases of financial hardship, students can request support from the program.
Job Placement and Post-Graduation Outcomes
Although Mission Valley ROP does not offer job placement services, the course includes training in job search strategies and career exploration. The professional portfolio assignment and internship exposure are significant assets for students seeking entry-level healthcare employment or applying to certified CNA programs post-graduation.
This program is a good fit for…
- High school juniors and seniors who are curious about nursing or allied health careers
- Students who thrive with hands-on learning and real-world experience
- Future healthcare professionals who want a competitive edge before entering a formal CNA certification program
- Learners who value structure, mentorship, and a professional classroom culture that mirrors the expectations of the healthcare field
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | No (District-funded for eligible high school students) |
| Program Duration | One academic year (360 total hours) |
| Class Schedules | Monday–Friday, 8:30–10:30 AM or 1:45–3:45 PM |
| Prerequisites | High school junior or senior, 16+ with valid CA ID |
| Address | 5019 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538 |
| Phone | (510) 657-1865 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | http://www.mvrop.org/ |
| Job Placement | No |
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