Coast Health Career College offers a 161-hour Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to help students build a strong foundation in patient care. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training and prepares students to take the California state competency exam. With a tuition of $1,700, the program includes instruction but requires students to cover additional costs like CPR certification, textbooks, uniforms, and other necessary supplies.
Program Overview
The CNA program at Coast Health Career College is a traditional, in-person course located in Anaheim, California. It is designed for those who want to begin working in the healthcare field as quickly and efficiently as possible. The total duration is 161 hours, which includes 100 hours of clinical practice and 61 hours of classroom theory. Clinicals are typically conducted in local long-term care facilities or similar healthcare settings, giving students real-world experience before certification.
While the $1,600 tuition and $100 registration fee cover the core program, there are several out-of-pocket expenses not included in the cost. Students must plan for the costs of textbooks, uniforms, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, liability insurance, CPR certification, fingerprinting for Live Scan, and the state competency exam administered by the American Red Cross. These items are required to meet state regulations and complete clinical training.
Curriculum Details
Students move through a structured series of modules that teach both the theory and practice of nursing care. Topics include the roles and responsibilities of a CNA, patient rights, communication, infection control, body mechanics, emergency procedures, and long-term care skills.
The program also covers technical skills like taking vital signs, assisting with daily living tasks, providing post-mortem care, and responding to emergency situations. Other topics include rehabilitative nursing, charting, and dealing with abuse and end-of-life care. The curriculum is aligned with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirements and prepares students for the State Competency Examination.
Instruction is delivered through lectures, lab practice, and clinical experience. Students are regularly assessed through written and performance-based exams, which simulate state testing standards. To graduate, students must maintain at least a 70% score on coursework and pass clinical assessments.
Clinical Experience
A standout feature of this program is its emphasis on real-life training. The clinical component makes up a major portion of the total hours (100 out of 161) and is conducted under the supervision of experienced instructors in healthcare settings. Students practice everything from hygiene care to safe patient transfers and handling medical equipment.
The internship-style training allows students to develop confidence and fluency in patient care. This real-time exposure is crucial not only for passing the exam but also for becoming job-ready. Graduates of this program are typically prepared to work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
Requirements for Admission
The school sets clear expectations for incoming students. While the program is open to those at least 16 years of age, prospective students must meet several requirements to enroll and begin training.
Admission Requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Valid photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport)
- Valid Social Security Card
- Proof of negative TB test or chest X-ray
- CPR certification with expiration date
- Physical exam
- Live Scan fingerprinting (for background check)
- Liability insurance
- Purchase of required uniform and supplies
- Payment of exam fees (payable to American Red Cross)
All of these steps must be completed before starting the clinical portion of the course, and students must also pass the school’s final written and skills tests before sitting for the state exam.
State Certification
To become a certified CNA in California, students must complete a state-approved program and pass the State Competency Exam, which includes both a written and manual skills component. Coast Health Career College prepares students thoroughly for this process, but the state exam fee is not included in tuition and must be paid separately.
The program ensures that students meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the state exam by ensuring their training complies with CDPH standards. Upon passing, graduates receive their CNA certification and can legally begin work in the state.
Facilities and Instruction
Instruction takes place at the school’s Anaheim campus. While class schedules are not clearly outlined on the school’s website, most CNA programs follow weekday or weekend schedules and require consistent attendance due to the hands-on nature of the curriculum.
The school states that it emphasizes quality healthcare education and is led by instructors with industry experience. Students are evaluated not only on knowledge and technical skills but also on professionalism and communication—traits that matter significantly in healthcare roles.
Financial Considerations
The program is relatively affordable at $1,700 total tuition when compared to other private CNA training options in California. However, the real cost of the program increases when adding up supplies and mandatory fees. Students should realistically budget a few hundred dollars more to cover:
- CPR certification
- Uniform and medical tools
- Liability insurance
- Live Scan and background check
- Textbook and workbook
- State exam fee
It’s important for students to factor in these additional expenses and confirm all costs directly with the school during registration.
Who Should Consider Coast Health Career College?
This program is a good fit for students who want an affordable CNA training option with a strong focus on clinical experience. It’s particularly well-suited for those who thrive in a structured, hands-on learning environment and are ready to meet California’s certification requirements. Because this course does not offer online components and places heavy emphasis on in-person clinicals, it’s best for students who can commit to a fixed classroom and clinical schedule.
Anyone looking for a fast entry into the workforce or those hoping to build experience before applying to nursing school may find this program to be a practical and cost-effective starting point. Just keep in mind that while tuition is reasonable, the added costs can add up—so budget accordingly and confirm all details with the school upfront.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,700 (includes tuition and registration fee; excludes supplies, exam, and other fees) |
| Duration | 161 hours |
| Class Schedules | Not specified; likely weekday and/or weekend based on program type |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Requirements | Valid photo ID, Social Security Card, CPR cert, TB test or chest x-ray, physical exam, Live Scan, state exam fee, uniform and supplies |
| Address | 1741 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92804 |
| Phone | 714-776-8405 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.coasthealthcareercollege.com |
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