Santa Ana College’s School of Continuing Education offers a tuition-free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to be accessible, supportive, and practical. The course runs for 13 weeks and includes classroom and clinical components. While tuition is free, students are responsible for costs like CPR certification, background checks, uniforms, and immunizations. A mandatory orientation is required before acceptance, and the program prepares students for the California State CNA certification exam.
Program Overview
Santa Ana College’s CNA training is structured to provide both hands-on clinical experience and foundational classroom learning. The goal is to prepare students for immediate entry into the healthcare field and to help them successfully pass the state certification exam. The 13-week training includes two key classes: VHLTH 101, which is the orientation and program overview, and VHLTH 102, the main CNA training course. An additional soft skills course, VBUS 402 – Workforce Power Skills, is also required for certification.
Instruction is held either on-campus or in a virtual hybrid format, depending on the orientation course selected. The main training class is in-person and includes clinical rotations that prepare students for working in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and similar environments.
Cost Breakdown
The CNA courses themselves are advertised as free, which is a major benefit. However, students should expect some costs. Expenses include uniforms, background checks (Live Scan), CPR/BLS certification, physical exams, and required immunizations. The school doesn’t provide exact total cost estimates, but students should expect to spend a few hundred dollars to meet all program and clinical site requirements.
It’s also important to note that passing the state CNA certification exam is not included in the program. Students will need to pay for and schedule that exam on their own once training is complete.
Orientation and Enrollment
The first step to get into this program is to attend an orientation session, referred to as VHLTH 101. This class can be taken on campus or in a hybrid format using Zoom and Canvas. It introduces students to the requirements of the program, how to succeed, and what to expect in clinicals. You must complete this step before you can move forward.
Santa Ana College offers a range of session times for the orientation to fit different schedules, including both daytime and evening options. The orientation helps determine if students are ready for the training phase and ensures that they understand all requirements and expectations upfront.
Admission Requirements
Santa Ana College has several health, legal, and ID-related requirements for CNA students. These are important to keep in mind before applying:
- Government-issued photo ID (State ID or Driver’s License)
- Social Security card or ITIN number
- Negative TB test or clear chest X-ray
- Physical exam confirming good health
- BLS/CPR certification for Healthcare Providers
- LiveScan fingerprint background check
- Immunization records including Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Hep B, Influenza
- COVID-19 vaccine and boosters may be required depending on clinical site
These are standard for most CNA programs in California and are especially important to meet clinical site eligibility.
Instruction Format
Once accepted, students are enrolled in VHLTH 102 – CNA Training, where they learn both theory and skills needed to pass the state exam. Training takes place in person and includes supervised clinical hours, where students apply what they’ve learned in real healthcare settings. Santa Ana College places a strong emphasis on patient care, communication skills, and teamwork—all essential components for success in the field.
The school also strongly encourages non-native English speakers or students needing help with healthcare terminology to enroll in ESL 520 – English for Work 2, which is a free support course aimed at improving communication in medical environments.
Job Outlook and Career Support
Santa Ana College reports that CNAs in Orange County can expect to earn around $37,000 per year, and there are over 800 job openings annually in the region. While the college doesn’t advertise dedicated job placement services, the training provided meets the standards of California’s Department of Public Health, which qualifies students to apply for jobs in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home care.
By completing this program and passing the certification exam, students will be well-positioned to pursue entry-level healthcare jobs quickly.
Scheduling Options
Santa Ana College’s program starts multiple times throughout the year, with the next cohort beginning May 27th. The orientation class offers multiple date and time options, both virtual and in-person, making it flexible for busy students.
Classes are held in Santa Ana, which is centrally located for students commuting from nearby areas like Anaheim, Garden Grove, Irvine, and Tustin.
Who Should Consider Santa Ana College
Students looking for a free or low-cost CNA training program in the Orange County area should give this one serious consideration. It’s especially appealing for those who are budget-conscious but still want access to a state-approved, in-person training program. While there are some out-of-pocket costs for health and background requirements, the absence of tuition is a major benefit.
This program could be a great fit for individuals who are new to healthcare and need a structured, supportive environment. The college also provides free English for Work in Healthcare classes, which makes it accessible to English language learners.
The application process requires attention to detail—especially with deadlines, health documentation, and mandatory orientation—but the structure is clear and well-communicated. Students should be comfortable with strict attendance rules and ready to meet all the health and safety standards required for clinical work.
If you’re looking for a reliable training path with minimal tuition and access to strong local job prospects, Santa Ana College’s CNA program is worth a closer look.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost: | Free tuition; students must cover costs for uniforms, CPR, health screenings, background check, and exam. |
| Duration: | 13 weeks |
| Class Schedules: | Schedule varies by cohort; orientation and training held on weekdays with multiple time options including morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. |
| Online Classes?: | Hybrid (orientation only); core CNA training is in-person only. |
| Requirements: | Government-issued ID, Social Security card or ITIN, negative TB test or chest X-ray, physical exam, CPR certification, LiveScan, immunizations, COVID-19 vaccine may be required. |
| Address: | 1530 W 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706 |
| Phone: | (714) 241-5737 |
| Email: | Not directly listed; students are encouraged to contact the School of Continuing Education through the CNA program page. |
| Website: | https://sac.edu/sce/programs/careereducation/Pages/CNA.aspx |
All Programs:
See the full list of CNA programs located in Los Angeles and Orange County