Program Overview
CNEI’s Certified Nurse Assistant Program is one of our most popular programs. Many graduates are hired from local employers such as Indio Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and Monterey Palms Healthcare Center to name a few.
One of our most popular programs, The CNEI Certified Nurse Assistant Program prepares students to perform the rewarding work of caring for patients in skilled nursing facilities. Since aides have extensive daily contact with each patient, they are key to providing vital information on the patients’ conditions to the nurse.

Job Summary
Graduates of this program find work as certified nursing assistants and patient care technicians. They may work in hospitals, both public and private, in nursing and convalescent homes, in medical clinics and for health service agencies, government agencies such as the Peace Corps, and in the military. Some are self-employed working through nursing agencies for private duty service.
Nursing Assistants carry out critical tasks such as:
- Bathing, grooming, and dressing, according to patients’ needs, ranging from minimal assistance to totally dependent
- Help patients and their families understand instructions given by medically trained staff
- Measure and record food and liquid intake, and output
- Provide daily documentation on the care provided to each patient
Time to Complete:
Days – 8 weeks 160 hours (Theory and Clinical Externship)
Evening – 13 weeks 160 hours (Theory and Clinical Externship)
Weekends – 14 weeks 160 hours (Theory and Clinical Externship)
Semester Units:
5
Lecture Levels:
3
Format:
In-Person
Start Dates/Class times:
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Program Details
Program Objective
Our objective is to train and prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience to get an entry-level position as a CNA.

Program Description
The 160-hour program takes 8 weeks (day time) or 13 weeks (evening) to complete or 14 weeks (weekends). The 4th level consists of 100 hours of clinical experience.
Students can choose between taking the course during the day, evening or weekends. Graduation of the program requires successful completion of all levels and required hours.
Requirements
In order to graduate from the CNA program, students must meet the below requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent educational diploma
(e.g., a GED or foreign diploma) - Complete 60 hours of theory instruction
- Complete 100 hours of clinical externship
Students Must Complete:
- Lecture Levels I – III (60 Hours)
- 100-hours of Clinical Externship is incorporated in the levels 1 -3.
Career Outcome & More Information
Certified Nursing Assistant in California
The data below shows the job market for Certified Nursing Assistants for the State of
California. CNEI cannot guarantee employment, salary levels, or career advancement.
The data is not specific to CNEI students or graduates.
1. Salary Range
$28,900 - $52,650
2020 median pay from BLS
2. Job Outlook
14.3% Increase
California Projected Growth(2018-2028)
- Salary ranges reflect the 25th and 75th percentile for the occupation in California, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of CNEI. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location, and other factors specific to the individual. CNEI does not guarantee employment, salary level, or career advancement.
- Job Outlook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm