Solano Community College

The foundational CNA course, NURS 103, spans 8 to 9 weeks and includes both theory and clinical practice. Classes are held at Solano College’s Vallejo Center and the Health Sciences Building on the Fairfield main campus. Students also complete clinical hours at approved nursing facilities throughout the Solano County area.

This immersive format helps students gain hands-on experience with basic care responsibilities, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding assistance, mobility support, and vital sign monitoring. Classroom topics include infection control, communication skills, and proper body mechanics, all taught under the supervision of licensed instructors.

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Students are encouraged to complete all three offerings:

• NURS 103: Certified Nursing Assistant (6.5 units) – Covers foundational CNA knowledge and qualifies students for the California State Exam.
• NURS 104: Home Health Aide (2.0 units) – Focuses on caring for patients in the home, including meal planning, infection control, and home maintenance.
• NURS 105: Acute Care (2.0 units) – Prepares certified CNAs for work in hospitals and fast-paced acute care environments.

Each subsequent course builds upon the prior, offering a more advanced and specialized look at patient care. While NURS 104 and 105 are not mandatory, they are valuable for students seeking to increase their employability and flexibility in healthcare settings.

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Students must meet several requirements before enrollment:

• Pass a background check via Live Scan fingerprinting
• Provide proof of immunizations, TB testing, and a physical exam
• Complete a drug screening (must test negative, including for cannabis)
• Own a uniform (including white shoes), watch with a second hand, gait belt, stethoscope with BP cuff, and CPR certification for healthcare providers

Those with past convictions may still take the course, but eligibility for certification is subject to approval by the California Department of Public Health.

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The total estimated cost of the program ranges from $750 to $950, which includes tuition, textbooks, uniform and equipment, exam fees, and other related expenses. However, thanks to funding from the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation, students can receive financial support covering textbooks, certification exams, background screenings, and uniforms. This support is explained in detail during a required information session before the course begins.

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Classes are typically held during the spring and fall semesters and last for eight weeks. The schedule includes a blend of classroom instruction, skills labs, and clinical rotations. Specific dates and times are shared during a mandatory information meeting prior to the start of each term.

While online learning is available for some of Solano’s general college offerings, the CNA program is primarily in-person due to its hands-on nature and clinical training requirements.

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Solano Community College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The CNA and HHA programs are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, ensuring the curriculum meets state-mandated standards.

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Courses are led by experienced nursing professionals with real-world healthcare backgrounds. Program Director Olivia Marzan, MSN, RN, DSD, and HHA Director Joyce Averett bring practical and academic expertise to the classroom. Students benefit from small class sizes, direct access to faculty, and clear expectations for skill development and performance.

Additionally, Solano Community College offers counseling services and academic advising to help students stay on track and plan next steps after certification.

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After passing both the theory and clinical components of NURS 103 with a minimum grade of C, students are eligible to sit for the California CNA State Certification Exam. Once certified, they can apply for employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, or acute care settings, especially if they complete the optional NURS 104 and 105 modules.

While Solano Community College does not explicitly list job placement services for the CNA program, the additional training and state-approved curriculum are highly regarded by regional employers, giving students an edge in the job market.

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