Skip to page content
  • Apply
In This Section

The Nurse Assistant job skills certificate prepares the student to provide services to those who need health care. The student will learn the role of the caregiver, the healthcare environment, health care safety, adult needs in health and illness, and basic caregiving skills. The mission of the Modesto Junior College (MJC) Nurse Assistant Program is to provide vocational education that will prepare the student to provide basic services to those who need healthcare. The program is committed to improving and advancing the health and welfare of our community by preparing competent, safe, health care professionals. MJC also offers Nurse 53 - Home Health Aide (HHA) course for state-certified nursing assistants to offer in-home support services to clients under supervision of Medical Professionals.

More Information about the Nurse Assistant Skills Recognition Award

The Nurse Assisting (CNA) Program at MJC

Interested in a career in the medical field? MJC has one of the best Nurse Assisting (CNA) programs in California!

How to sign-up for the Nurse Assistant Program

  1. Apply to admission to Modesto Junior College
  2. Sign-up for the Mandatory orientation
  3. Attend the Mandatory orientation
  4. Complete and submit ALL required documents discussed during the Nurse Assistant Program orientation.

All four steps must be completed. Those who complete all four steps will have priority for entry into the program.

Requirements for the Nurse Assistant program

Conditional Enrollment: As a condition of enrollment in any Nursing Assistant Program students are required to submit to and pass a designated a background screening, and physical examination clearance (at the student’s expense). Please note the following:

  • A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies.
  • If a student cannot obtain background clearance from the clinical agencies, it will not be possible to place the student in the clinical areas, which is a required component of the program. If a student cannot obtain a background clearance, the space will be forfeited. Students who are found to be ineligible for clinical placement by the clinical agency after admission to the program shall be subject to dismissal from the program, as they will be unable to complete mandatory clinical rotations.
  • A physical examination completed by a physician of the student’s choice is required after acceptance to the Program to demonstrate that a student meets the technical standards necessary to meet the Program objectives. Appropriate immunizations and/or vaccinations and mask fit testing are also required and are performed at the student’s expense.
  • Admission to Modesto Junior College
  • High School graduation or equivalent (GED or college degree)
    • High School graduation is not required, it is recommended for success.
  • Program prerequisites
    • None required
  • Program application
    • None required

Grade Requirements 

To successfully complete the Nurse Assistant Training Program, students must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Earn a minimum score of 70% (Grade C or better) on all required written examinations and coursework.
  • Successfully demonstrate competency in all required laboratory and clinical skills.
  • Successfully complete all required theory, and clinical training hours as required by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
  • Demonstrate safe, ethical, and professional behavior throughout the program.
  • Meet all attendance requirements outlined in the program handbook. Missed hours must be made up in accordance with program policy.
  • Successfully complete all clinical performance evaluations.

Students who do not meet the minimum academic, skills, clinical, or attendance requirements will not successfully complete the program and will not be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion or be approved to take the California Nurse Assistant Competency Examination.

  • Physical and Health History Form:
    • The History and Physical must be completed within 6 months prior to program start date.
    • The Provider’s NPI number and signature must be included on the form.

AND

  • Influenza Vaccine
    • Documentation of a current flu vaccination is required during flu season (October-April).

AND

  • TB Screening-Two-step TST:
    • The first TST is placed and then a reading is obtained within 48-72 hours. If negative, a second TST is placed 7 days after the first TST was READ. The second TST reading is obtained within 48-72 hours after placement.
    • The last TST must be completed within 6 months prior to program start date.

OR

  • Chest X-Ray
    • If you have a history of positive TST you will need to obtain a chest x-ray for your TB clearance.
    • Your chest x-ray must be dated within 6 months prior to your clearance due date and must include a written report indicating no active disease is present.

OR

  • Quantiferon TB Gold or TSpot:
    • In some cases, you may also provide TB clearance through use of positive reactor screenings such as the Quantiferon TB Gold or T-Spot screenings.
    • Quantiferon TB Gold or T-spot screenings must be negative for the disease and be dated within 6 months prior to program start date.

Criminal Record Review

The purpose of the criminal record review process is to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the elderly, and/or individuals with disabilities cared for by certified nurse assistants (CNA), home health aide (HHA), and/or direct care staff.  The criminal record review process includes the review of convictions substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a CNA, HHA, and direct care staff. 

More Information

Students are expected to have access to the technology necessary to successfully participate in the Nurse Assistant Training Program. At a minimum, students must have:

  • A desktop or laptop computer (tablets and smartphones are not recommended for completing coursework).
  • A reliable high-speed internet connection.
  • A current operating system:
  • Windows 10 or higher, or
  • macOS 12 (Monterey) or higher.
  • A webcam and microphone for online meetings, testing, and virtual appointments.
  • An updated web browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox.
  • The ability to access the institution's Learning Management System (LMS), email, and other required online platforms.
  • Software capable of viewing and creating PDF documents and Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), or equivalent applications.

Students are responsible for maintaining access to the required technology throughout the duration of the program. Lack of access to the required technology will not excuse missed assignments, examinations, or course requirements.

 

Required Program Course

MCNA 52

Nurse Assistant - (Both face-to-face & hybrid will be offered)

 

Continuing Education Units

 

Fall 2026

 

Spring 2027

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Resources

In This Section
Contact Info
Karla Lopez
Program Specialist
Location

MJC West Campus

Glacier Hall GH165

 

Hours

Monday - Friday

8:00am - 5:00pm