Allegiance Career Institute offers multiple ways to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), with flexible schedules and a low tuition rate of $1,700, plus a $260 registration fee. Options include weekday, weekend, evening, and even a 22-day online hybrid program. Clinicals are always in-person and held at multiple locations in Orange County, California. While the program is state-approved in California, it may not meet requirements in other states like Missouri or Kansas, so prospective students outside California should verify compatibility with their state board.
Program Overview
Allegiance Career Institute’s CNA program focuses on giving students solid hands-on experience in a short timeframe. The total program includes 160 hours of training, with 60 hours in the classroom and 100 hours of clinical instruction. All training follows California’s Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines and includes 17 modules that cover both fundamental and advanced care skills—everything from basic hygiene to charting and working with long-term care patients.
What sets ACI apart is its structured yet flexible program layout. Students can choose a class format that suits their schedule—weekday, evening, weekend, or an accelerated 22-day online hybrid. The program is held at multiple campuses across the Orange County region, including sites in Orange, Garden Grove, Fullerton, and Lake Forest. The online option allows for asynchronous theory instruction, but clinicals are always in-person.
Course Format Options
ACI offers four class schedule options, each designed for different types of students:
- 4-Week Weekday Program
Held Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., this is the most accelerated in-person option. It’s ideal for those looking to complete training quickly. - 8-Week Evening Program
Also Monday through Friday but from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., this format is a good fit for those who have daytime jobs or other obligations. - 10-Week Weekend Program
Held on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is another flexible option for those who can’t commit to weekday classes. - 22-Day Online Hybrid Program
Theory is taught asynchronously online with flexible login times, but clinical hours are still in-person. This option provides the most flexibility for students who need to balance training with work or family life.
Tuition and Additional Costs
The tuition for the program is $1,700, with a $260 registration fee. This makes ACI one of the more affordable CNA training options in the region. However, students should plan for an additional $360 or so in third-party costs:
- Textbooks and uniforms: $150
- Live Scan background check: $80
- CNA state exam fee: $130 (paid directly to the testing center)
Importantly, all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. That means once you’re enrolled and have paid, there’s no getting your money back if your plans change. ACI also partners with the Baneen Foundation, which offers scholarships to help reduce tuition costs, especially for students facing financial hardship.
What You’ll Learn
The program is built around 17 essential modules that cover nearly all aspects of basic nursing assistant responsibilities. Some of the topics include:
- Basic patient care (feeding, bathing, dressing)
- Vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse)
- Medical and surgical asepsis
- Emergency procedures
- Long-term and rehabilitative care
- End-of-life care
- Patient rights and abuse prevention
Hands-on practice is emphasized through 21 manual care skills that students must demonstrate during the clinical portion. The goal is to prepare students to pass the California Nurse Assistant Exam, a two-part exam with written and practical components.
Clinical Locations
While theory can be taken online in some versions of the course, clinical training is always in-person. ACI places students in different healthcare settings depending on the cohort. Locations include:
- Garden Grove
- Fullerton
- Lake Forest
- Orange
This variety offers students exposure to different types of care environments and teams. However, the specific clinical site for each student is assigned and not selected by the student.
Enrollment Requirements
To enroll in ACI’s CNA program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Submit two forms of ID
- Provide an original Social Security Card
- Submit a copy of a high school diploma or GED
- Complete a TB test or provide a chest X-ray report
- Show proof of flu vaccination or exemption letter
- Submit COVID-19 vaccination documentation or a declination form
- Pass a Live Scan criminal background check
These requirements are fairly standard for CNA programs in California, though some other states may vary.
Support Services and Student Experience
ACI offers a free student consultation prior to enrollment, which can help potential applicants get their questions answered in a one-on-one setting. The school claims to prioritize a supportive, hands-on learning environment that emphasizes engagement and critical thinking.
While this sounds promising, it’s worth contacting past students or visiting the campus if you can, to get a feel for the teaching style, instructor support, and the overall vibe of the program. According to at least one graduate testimonial, instructors do a good job of preparing students for the state certification exam and offer helpful clinical experience.
Certification and Outcomes
Once the program is completed, students will receive a Certificate of Completion and be eligible to take the California Nurse Assistant Exam. Passing this exam is required to become a licensed CNA in the state. If you’re considering moving out of state or completing the program from out-of-state, check with your local board of nursing to confirm transferability.
Who Should Consider This School
Allegiance Career Institute could be a great choice for students looking for a low-cost, flexible, and fast-track CNA program in California. Its $1,700 tuition, multiple scheduling options, and online theory option make it accessible for working adults, parents, or anyone on a tight schedule. Students who need weekend or evening classes—or a fully online theory component—will especially benefit from the program’s design. The 22-day hybrid format may appeal to self-motivated learners who are comfortable studying on their own but still want in-person clinical experience.
On the flip side, because this is a California-based and state-specific program, students in the Kansas City area or other states should confirm whether the certification would be accepted by their local health department or board of nursing. For California residents or those planning to work in the state, Allegiance Career Institute offers solid training at a price that’s hard to beat.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,700 tuition + $260 registration fee; approx. $360 additional fees for books, Live Scan, exam |
| Duration | 4 weeks (weekday), 8 weeks (evening), 10 weeks (weekend), or 22-day online hybrid |
| Class Schedules | Weekdays (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), Evenings (4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.), Weekends (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) |
| Online Classes? | Yes – 22-day online hybrid option (asynchronous theory + in-person clinicals) |
| Requirements | Must be 16+, 2 forms of ID, Social Security card, HS diploma or GED, TB test, flu & COVID vaccines or exemption, Live Scan background check |
| Address | 2445 W. Chapman Ave. Suite 210, Orange, CA 92868 |
| Phone | (714) 799-1550 or (562) 469-9302 |
| Website | https://allegiancecareerinstitute.com |
All Programs:
See the full list of CNA programs located in Los Angeles and Orange County