Saddleback College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program with flexible scheduling options, no tuition cost, and strong clinical preparation. Students can complete the program in as little as 8 weeks or take a longer 16-week format. While tuition is advertised as $0, students should expect to pay around $400 or more in additional costs for supplies, insurance, and exam fees. The program is in high demand, has a competitive application process, and requires 100% attendance, making it a better fit for highly organized, committed students.
Program Overview
The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Saddleback College is designed for students who want to enter the healthcare field quickly without taking on student debt. The program is noncredit but leads to a certificate of completion and prepares students to take the California Nurse Assistant Certification Exam (NNAAP). It’s approved by the California Department of Public Health and follows strict training standards to ensure students are workforce-ready.
This program is held fully in person—there are no online or hybrid options. Saddleback emphasizes real-world learning through hands-on lab sessions and clinical training in nearby healthcare facilities. Students can choose between 8-, 9-, or 16-week schedules, depending on the session they apply for.
Class Format and Attendance Expectations
One of the most important things to know is that this program requires 100% attendance. There are no make-up days, and even being five minutes late three times can result in dismissal from the program. If you’re juggling other responsibilities, such as work or caregiving, this strict schedule could be challenging to manage. Clinical shifts may take place on weekends depending on the site assignment, so flexibility is a must.
All theory, lab, and clinical instruction is conducted in person, primarily during weekday evenings. This may appeal to students who have daytime obligations but can dedicate evenings to training. However, you need to be prepared for a rigorous pace, especially in the 8-week accelerated format.
Estimated Program Costs
Although Saddleback promotes the program as having $0 tuition, you should expect to spend at least $400, and possibly more, depending on your personal circumstances. These expenses include:
- $26 in mandatory student health fees
- $50–100 for uniforms
- $30–90 for textbooks
- $35 for basic supplies (e.g., stethoscope, gait belt)
- $55–110 for CPR/BLS certification
- $132.75 for background check and drug testing through CastleBranch
- $120 for the state certification exam
- $35 for liability insurance
Students must also have active health insurance and meet several health and safety requirements before attending clinicals.
Admission Process
Getting into the Saddleback CNA program requires careful attention to detail. The application process includes several steps:
- Apply to Saddleback College
- Watch the mandatory Information Session video and pass a quiz
- Submit a complete CNA application using your legal name only
- Accept your provisional offer and complete orientation requirements
- Submit health documentation, background check, drug screen, and proof of insurance
- Attend the in-person orientation to receive registration codes
Applications are only accepted online and only during specific application periods. Space is limited, with just 15–45 spots per session out of as many as 130 applicants.
Health and Background Requirements
To participate in the clinical portion of the course, students must meet all health clearance requirements:
- Physical examination
- TB screening (2-step test, blood draw, or chest X-ray)
- Vaccinations: Tdap, COVID-19, and seasonal flu
- Background check and drug screening through CastleBranch
- Current BLS certification (American Heart Association only)
- Personal health insurance and professional liability insurance
These documents must be uploaded to the CastleBranch compliance tracker. Failure to meet any of these requirements will prevent participation in clinicals, which would make completing the program impossible.
Certification Path and Course Structure
The Saddleback CNA program consists of three required noncredit courses:
- CNA 422NC – Theory
- CNA 423NC – Practicum
- CNA 424NC – Skills Lab
Students must earn at least 75% in the theory course and a “Pass” grade in both lab and practicum. Only after completing all three successfully are students eligible to take the NNAAP state certification exam.
For those looking to continue their training, Saddleback also offers an Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) course. This short-term course is for current CNAs or recent CNA graduates and focuses on advanced care in acute hospital settings.
Prerequisites
Here’s what you’ll need before you can be accepted into the program:
- Must be 16 years or older
- Be an active Saddleback College student
- Complete a CNA Program application
- Watch the information session video and complete the quiz
- Submit two forms of ID and your Social Security card or ITIN
- Complete all health and background check requirements
- Attend mandatory orientation
- Must be available for 100% attendance
High Demand and Limited Seats
It’s worth noting that this program is competitive. Application periods are only open a few times per year, and seat availability is based on the number of clinical spots available. If accepted, you’ll need to move quickly through the next steps or risk losing your seat.
Additionally, if your schedule is tight or you might need flexibility, this program’s strict punctuality and attendance policy may not be the best fit.
Who Should Consider Saddleback College
Saddleback College’s CNA program is a great fit for students looking for a low-cost, in-person training option and who can commit to a rigid schedule. The tuition-free model offers significant savings, though you should still plan to spend several hundred dollars on required supplies and screenings. The program’s strong reputation, experienced faculty, and direct path to certification make it especially appealing for motivated students who want to work in acute care or skilled nursing environments.
If you’re someone who values structure, in-person interaction, and hands-on training, this program offers all that—plus the chance to transition into other healthcare roles with further education. However, if you need a more flexible schedule or can’t guarantee full attendance, you may want to explore programs that offer online options or more lenient attendance policies.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost: | Approximately $400+ (tuition is $0, but students pay for supplies, CPR, exam, etc.) |
| Duration: | 8 to 16 weeks, depending on the selected session |
| Class Schedules: | Weekday evenings; some clinical sessions may be scheduled on weekends |
| Online Classes?: | No; all instruction is in-person |
| Requirements: | Must be 16+, Saddleback student, complete health/CPR/background check, attend orientation |
| Address: | 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 |
| Phone: | (949) 582-4701 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Website: | https://www.saddleback.edu/programs-degrees/all-programs/certified-nursing-assistant |
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