Mission College

The CNA Certificate of Proficiency program at Mission College consists of 6.5 units of instruction split across three courses:

• HOC019A – Nursing Assistant Fundamentals (4 units)
• HOC019AL – Fundamentals Laboratory (0.5 units)
• HOC019B – Clinical Experience (2 units)

These courses collectively cover vital CNA competencies, including:

• Direct patient care and safety
• Communication and documentation
• Vital signs and patient monitoring
• Medical and surgical asepsis
• Patient mobility and personal hygiene assistance
• CPR, infection control, and emergency response

The clinical training portion is conducted at local healthcare facilities under the supervision of a licensed nurse, giving students direct exposure to the settings where they’ll eventually work.

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The CNA program runs over approximately 12 weeks, combining daytime classroom instruction with scheduled clinical rotations. Students complete 160 total hours, which satisfies California’s minimum requirements for CNA training and certification eligibility.

Schedules are subject to change each semester, and accepted students are required to attend a program orientation and complete health and background screenings prior to the start of clinical training.

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Mission College is a regionally accredited community college and an approved CNA training provider through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The CNA certificate meets the eligibility criteria for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), ensuring that students are prepared for both the written and skills exams required for state certification.

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Students interested in enrolling must complete the following:

• Apply to Mission College and receive a student ID
• Complete English and Math placements (for general college use)
• Submit a completed health packet including immunizations, physical exam, TB screening, and clearance for clinical participation
• Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
• Order required skills kits and textbooks

While no prior medical experience is required, students must demonstrate the ability to meet the physical and academic demands of the program. Support services are available for placement testing, ESL placement, and credit for prior learning or military training.

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The total program cost is $855, which includes tuition for the CNA certificate coursework. Additional costs may apply for textbooks, clinical uniforms, CPR certification, and background checks, though Mission College strives to keep the program affordable and accessible.

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Santa Clara County’s CNA job market is strong, with a projected 14.8% job growth between 2025 and 2032. CNAs earn an average salary of $55,862 in the region, well above the national median. Mission College prepares students to work in a wide range of care environments, including:

• Hospitals
• Skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers
• Assisted living and residential care facilities
• Adult daycare and mental health facilities
• Hospice and home health

Graduates also have the option to build upon their CNA certification and pursue further nursing education through Mission College’s broader health sciences programs.

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Mission College provides a robust network of student support services, including academic counseling, tutoring, career exploration tools, and prerequisite clearance for advanced programs. ESL and math/English placement resources help students prepare for both the CNA coursework and any future academic pathways.

In addition to coursework support, the college’s career center helps students explore job opportunities and understand how their CNA training fits into broader nursing and healthcare career paths.

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