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Certified Nursing Assisting

As a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you will be on the front lines of patient care. If you enjoy caring for people who are sick or unable to care for themselves, than a career as a certified nursing assistant may be right for you.  CNAs, also known as nurses' aides, orderlies, patient care technicians, and home health aides, work under the supervision of a nurse to provide assistance to patients with daily living tasks.  Your compassion and skill in patient care will help minimize the stress of patients and provide much needed support for registered nurses. For many, CNA is the first step to becoming a RN.

CNA Requirements At A Glance

Application Process

Prerequisite

program Dates

CNA application has two application periods: 

  • October 1-November 1
  • May 1-June 1

CNA program is offered at two locations: Santa Maria and Lompoc.

There is a current 0-1 semester waitlist.  Students are required to apply every semester to maintain a waitlist position. 

Applications can be hand delivered or mailed.  Mailed applications must be postmarked by the scheduled deadline.

If you completed or currently enrolled in the prerequisite course at another college, you are required to include an official transcript with your application.

You will be notified within a month regarding your application status. Information regarding the status of your application will not be given over the phone or email. 

Students accepted into the program must comply with background checks and drug screening required by clinical agencies.

The application will be posted below during the scheduled filing periods.

CNA Application Link Here

Prerequisite must be completed or be in progress at the time of submitting the CNA application. 

  • ENGL C1000- Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101)

If you completed or currently enrolled in the prerequisite course at another college, you are required to submit an official transcript to the Admissions and Records Office. 

 

CNA program is offered twice a year: 

  • August-December
  • January-May

Meet with a Counselor

It is important for all nursing students to schedule a counseling appointment to develop a comprehensive student education plan.  The plan will capture your nursing goal to ensure you complete the necessary classes.  If you attended other colleges, submit all external transcripts to our Admissions and Records before scheduling your counseling appointment.  Wait for your email confirmation that your transcripts were received and evaluated, once confirmed, schedule your counseling appointment. 

Scheduling a Counseling Appointment


Continuing Education Units (CEU)

Hancock offers the oppotunity for CNAs to earn CEUs to stay current in their profession. 

Home health aides provide essential support to clients by assisting with daily living activities, personal care, and ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment.

The state has very strict guidelines in order to be qualified for the CEU program. You must have a background check and physical within the last year. 

You must verify with the state of California for CEU courses. 

Program

NURS 416- Certified Home Health Aide

Summer Program- June to August

Application Filling Period

March 15 - April 15

Prerequisites

  • Current CNA license
  • Current CPR card (Healthcare Provider, Professional Rescuer or BLS)
  • Proof of TB Skin Test (Expires 1 year after date given. Chest x-ray expires every two years)
  • Proof of Hepatitis B Vaccination Series 

Admission Process

Seats are determined based on a randomized lottery.  24 students will be selected.

EKG and monitor observers are responsible for the continuous observation and interpretation of the heart's electrical activity.

EKG is no longer a CEU course at Hancock, however it is a valuable tool to have with your nursing career. 

Program

NURS 422- EKG/Monitor Observer

Summer Program- June to August

Application Filling Period

April 15 - May 15

Prerequisite

  • Current CNA, LVN, or RN license

Admission Process

Seats are determined based on a randomized lottery.  30 students will be selected.