International School of Nursing

Quick Program Overview:

Comprehensive 180-hour CNA program combining classroom, skills lab, and clinical training.
Day, evening, and weekend schedules available to accommodate different lifestyles.
Affordable tuition with transparent fee breakdown and a strong focus on preparing students for the state certification exam.

Program Format and Curriculum

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at International School of Nursing in Vallejo, California, is designed to deliver a well-rounded, rigorous, and career-focused educational experience. Totaling 180 hours, the program combines 60 hours of classroom instruction, 100 hours of clinical training in an accredited long-term care facility, and an additional 20 hours of skills lab practice (optional and not state-mandated). The curriculum is based on the Nurse Assistant Training & Assessment Program (NATAP) and is approved by the California Department of Public Health.

The training is structured across 17 modules, which cover essential topics such as patient rights, infection control, emergency procedures, rehabilitative nursing, and abuse prevention. This modular design helps ensure students are well-prepared not just for the state competency exam administered by the American Red Cross, but also for the realities of working in diverse healthcare environments.

Flexible Class Scheduling

The program offers day, evening, and weekend class formats to accommodate different student needs. The day class runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM and can be completed in approximately 30 days. The evening class meets from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, also Monday through Friday, with a slightly longer completion time of 37 days. For those with weekday obligations, a weekend class is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM over 25 sessions. This flexibility makes it a practical option for working adults, parents, or individuals balancing other responsibilities.

Admissions Requirements and Enrollment Process

Prospective students must be at least 17 years old, able to read and understand English, and possess a valid California ID and Social Security Number or ITIN. Admission also requires a physical examination, TB screening (or chest X-ray for those with a positive PPD), and fingerprint-based background clearance. Additionally, students must pass an entrance exam and complete all enrollment documentation, including the HS 283B form, before attending orientation.

Program Costs and Additional Fees

The total cost of the CNA program is $1,835, which includes a $195 registration fee, $1,300 in tuition, and required fees for the book, uniform, live scan, and state exam. Optional supplies such as gait belts, blood pressure equipment, CPR training, shoes, and extra uniforms can be added for an additional $320, offering students the ability to customize their toolkits based on their future work environment.

Accreditation and Institutional Oversight

International School of Nursing is a private institution approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and fully recognized by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). These approvals ensure that the curriculum meets statewide compliance standards and that students are eligible for state certification upon successful completion of the course and exam.

Instruction and Learning Environment

Instruction is led by licensed nurses who bring professional experience and real-world clinical insights to the classroom. The instructors are committed to not only teaching foundational knowledge but also fostering the emotional intelligence and ethical awareness required of CNAs. Students will learn through lectures, skills demonstrations, and supervised clinical rotations, with ongoing assessments via quizzes and clinical evaluations. The program uses the textbook Skills and Techniques for the New Nursing Assistant Training, 8th Edition by Barbara Gillogly and edited by Molly Conley, ensuring students have access to current and relevant material.

Career Outlook and Post-Graduation Support

While specific job placement services are not advertised, the school’s mission and program objectives clearly prioritize preparing students to enter the workforce with confidence. The curriculum is crafted to align with the requirements of local healthcare employers and includes training in communication, legal and ethical responsibilities, and effective care delivery in long-term care settings.

This program is a good fit for…

This program is ideal for students who want a fast, affordable path into healthcare and are seeking a supportive learning environment with structured, state-approved curriculum. It’s particularly well-suited for adult learners balancing work or family responsibilities, thanks to its flexible scheduling. Those who value hands-on instruction from experienced nurses and want a clear path to CNA certification in California will find this program highly practical.

Program Information	Details
Cost	$1,835.00 (plus optional $320 in extras)
Program Duration	180 hours (30–37 days depending on schedule)
Class Schedules	Day, evening, and weekend classes available
Prerequisites	Age 17+, CA ID, Social Security/ITIN, TB test, physical, live scan, background check
Address	1330 Springs Rd, Vallejo, CA 94591
Phone	(707) 557-7173
Email	[email protected]
Website	http://intlsch-nursing.org/
Job Placement	No