Program Orientation & Application

All applicants must complete an application to the Vocational Nursing Program. These applications will be provided at the mandatory program orientation.

Orientations last approximately two (2) hours. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled Zoom Meeting.

Admission Requirements

• Attend ONE mandatory program orientation.
• Students must be 18 years or older. 
• Recommended Prep: Readiness for College-Level English or ESL 188.
• Completion of the prerequisite: Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), approved by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross, specifically for Basic Life Support (BLS) for Providers. (CCSF offers the EMT 12 BLS Provider course—refer to the current Class Schedule for details.)
• A physical exam and current immunizations; 
• Physical Examination and Immunization Report
• Fingerprinting (Live Scan form) submitted to the Department of Health Services. 
• Criminal background check/drug test.

Application Submission

The application deadline will be given at the mandatory Program Orientation.

Acceptance into the program is through the lottery system. 

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) need diverse physical, mental, and emotional aptitudes to perform their duties effectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on typical job descriptions:

Physical Requirements

• Motor Function: CNAs must have gross and fine motor skills to perform tasks such as moving within confined spaces, transferring patients, and using medical equipment.
  • Feel vibrations (e.g., palpate pulses). 
  • Detect temperature (e.g., skin and/or solutions, etc.).
  • Feel differences in surface characteristics (e.g., skin, rashes). 
• Visual Observation: Accurate visual ability is essential for monitoring patients, reading charts, and observing changes in patient conditions.
• Hearing Ability: Good auditory skills are necessary to hear alarms, and the patient calls light and instruction.
• Tactile Ability: CNAs need tactile sensitivity to perform physical assessments and detect changes in skin texture or temperature.
  • Stand unassisted for long periods of time.

  • Lift patients on and off the bed independently 80% of the time as well as in and out of hospital beds, stretchers, and wheelchairs.

  • Lift and handle medical accessories and equipment of at least 30 lbs. above head.

  • Assist personnel and patients in emergency situations.

Mental Requirements

• Attention to Details: CNAs must be meticulous in monitoring patient conditions and documenting care accurately.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to think critically and respond to unexpected situations is crucial.
• Cognitive Abilities: Understanding medical terminology, following care plans, and making informed decisions are key aspects of the role. 

Emotional Requirements

• Compassion and Empathy: Building trust and providing emotional support to patients is a fundamental part of a CNA's job. 
• Stress Management: CNAs often work in high-pressure environments and manage stress effectively to maintain their well-being and provide quality care.
• Emotional Resilience: Dealing with patients who are ill or near the end of life requires strong emotional resilience. 

Visual Observation

• Observe and evaluate reasonably, patient's condition using signs and symptoms.
• Interpret medical charts, materials, and types of equipment.

Hearing Ability

• Normal hearing or have hearing corrected to within normal range when facing patients or with back turned toward patient.
• Hear in situations when not able to see lips (i.e., when masks are worn).
• Hear auditory alarms (i.e. monitors, fire alarms).

Communication Skills

• Verbal Communication: Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members. 
• Written Communication: CNAs must document patient care accurately and clearly. 
• The student must be able to transfer information by verbal and non-verbal means to personnel and patients. 
  • The student must be able to receive and interpret communication from personnel and patients and adhere to appropriate Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) confidentiality laws. 
  • The student must be computer literate and able to operate a variety of computer programs, and instructions, and compile data on a routine basis. 

Behavioral and Social Skills

• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds is important. 
• Teamwork: CNAs must work well within a healthcare team, following instructions and collaborating with others. 

  • The student's behavioral and social skills must be acceptable within the college and clinical locations.