Nursing
Overview
Folsom Lake College’s Nurse Assistant course is an 8-week long course that provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Students successfully completing the course become eligible to take the State of California Nurse Assistant Certification exam.
The course is designed for students who are:
- Interested in the direct patient care experience
- Seeking employment as an entry level provider
- Interested in exploring the healthcare environment as a career option
Career Options
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) helps patients with daily healthcare needs under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Many CNAs use their knowledge and experience as a launchpad to further their careers and become an LVN or RN with education and training.
Highlights
- Course taught by healthcare professionals
- Included in a variety of degree programs and career certificates in health care
- Completed in 8 weeks
Requirements
- Proof of health history/physical exam no older than three months.
- Proof of negative tuberculin (TB) skin test no older than three months.
- If TB skin test result is positive, proof of inactive TB chest x-ray no older than three months.
- Spring semester students must submit proof of having a current season influenza vaccine.
- LiveScan Fingerprinting – Paperwork and instructions will be given during orientation and will be paid for by the college. Course candidate must submit the Nurse Assistant initial application (CDPH 283B) that will include disclosure of prior or current criminal convictions.
COVID-19: All students entering the CNA program are required to provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccine series and bivalent booster when due. Proof of vaccination must include the vaccine you received and the date(s) of vaccination(s). Exemption to full vaccination cannot be accepted for clinical placement in skilled nursing facilities due to risk factors for vulnerable populations.
NOTE: There is no automatic denial to take the course, however, the California Department of Public Health can determine that the candidate is not eligible to be in the clinical setting or to take the state certification based on the criminal offense.
Approximate Costs
To benefit Certified Nursing Assistant students and elder care communities, Folsom Lake College endeavors to cover some student expenses through grant funding when possible. Grant funding varies from year to year.
The items under "Who pays" are subject to change.
"Reference cost" is the cost to students if grant funding cannot cover the expense.
| Item | Who Pays? | Reference Cost | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprinting | Paid for by college/grant | N/A | Paid for by FLC. Student is not responsible for this payment |
| Certification Exam | When possible, paid for by college/grant |
$100 | |
| Textbook | Free loaners from FLC | $17 to $32 | |
| Workbook | Student OR possible free options |
$6 to $24 | |
| Uniform (top and bottom) | When possible, one uniform paid for by college/grant |
$60 to $100 | Dark blue scrubs |
| Shoes | Student | $30 | Closed toe and heel |
| I.D. Badge | Student | $20 | |
| Gait Belt | Free loaners from FLC | $7 to $25 | |
| BP Cuff | Free loaners from FLC | $40 | |
| Stethoscope | Free loaners from FLC | $50 | |
| Wrist Watch | Student | $20 to $40 | Analog watch with second hand |
| Mileage to El Dorado Center and clinical site | Student | Varies | El Dorado Center 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, CA 95667 Western Slope Health Center 3280 Washington St, Placerville, CA 95667 The Pines at Placerville Healthcare Center 1040 Marshall Way, Placerville, CA 95667 |
Course Schedule
Location
Lab Sites
El Dorado Center
6699 Campus Drive
Placerville, CA 95667
Rancho Cordova Center
10259 Folsom Blvd.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Folsom Lake College
10 College Pkwy
Folsom, CA 95630
Clinical Sites
Folsom Care Center
510 Mill Street
Folsom, CA 95630
Whitney Oaks Care Center
3529 Walnut Ave,
Carmichael, CA 95608
NURSE 100
SCHEDULE TBD
- Mandatory In-Person Orientation: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Date: TBD, Location: TBD
- Theory: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, Location: TBD
- Clinical: 7:00 am to 4:10 pm, Location: TBD
For additional information, please see Frequently Asked Questions or contact CareerPrograms@flc.losrios.edu.
- Division Dean John Skellenger
- Department Chair Jason Pedro
- Meta-Major Public Service, Health, and Education
- Phone (916) 608-6927
- Email skellej@flc.losrios.edu
Certificate of Achievement
Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate
The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate program provides instruction in the holistic care and health needs of people over 65 years of age, who live in long-term care facilities. Students who successfully complete the program receive a certificate of program completion and become eligible to take the California state exam to become a Certified Nurse Assistant.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AH 311 | Medical Language for Health-Care Providers | 3 |
| NURSE 100 | Nurse Assistant | 7 |
| Total Units: | 10 |
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Upon admission into the Certified Nursing Assistant Program, and before the first class, students must have completed the following: (1) Proof of physical exam no older than three months. (2) Proof of negative tuberculin (TB) skin test no older than three months. (3) If TB skin test result is positive, proof of inactive TB chest x-ray no older than three months. (4) Spring semester students must submit proof of having a current season influenza vaccine. Fall semester students must submit proof of current season influenza vaccine when the vaccine becomes available. (5) Course candidate must submit the Nurse Assistant initial application (CDPH 283B) that will include disclosure of prior or current criminal convictions. There is no automatic denial to take the course however, the California Department of Public Health can determine that the candidate is not eligible to be in the clinical setting or to take the state certification based on the criminal offense. The program reserves the right to make changes in the enrollment criteria, academic requirements, grading standards, and other processes without notice at any time.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- identify and discuss state and federal law relative to the role and responsibilities of the Certified Nurse Assistant with regards to professionalism, ethics and confidentiality.
- demonstrate medical asepsis for infection control and identify ways to prevent the spread of infection.
- demonstrate emergency procedures and discuss the responsibilities of the Certified Nurse Assistant during unusual occurrences.
- demonstrate routine patient care skills and procedures.
Career Information
Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) have a wide variety of work opportunities. The most common work placement is in long-term care facilities. Additionally, CNA work may be found in acute care settings, assisted care facilities, and rehabilitation care centers.
Nursing (NURSE) Courses
NURSE 100 Nurse Assistant
- Units:7
- Hours:81 hours LEC; 135 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:AH 311
- Enrollment Limitation:Enrollment Limitations: Students enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant Program are required to meet the onboarding requirements of their clinical facilities and California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Instructions for how to meet these requirements will be provided to students by the instructor during the mandatory in-person orientation prior to the first day of class. Orientation date and time will be sent via email. These items include but are not limited to: (1) Proof of physical exam no older than three months. (2) Proof of negative 2-step tuberculin (TB) skin test no older than three months or QuantiFERON (Gold) blood test. (3) If the TB skin test result is positive, proof of inactive TB chest x-rays no older than three months. (4) Spring semester students must submit proof of having a current season influenza vaccine. Fall semester students must submit proof of the current season influenza vaccine when the vaccine becomes available. (5) Before the first day of class, students must submit the Nurse Assistant initial application (CDPH 283B) that will include disclosure of prior or current criminal convictions. While the college has no automatic denial for students with a criminal background wishing to enroll in the course, students should be advised that the California Department of Public Health will ultimately determine if a student is eligible to be in a clinical setting and receive state certification based on their criminal background.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course leads to the certified nurse assistant (CNA) certification exam. It emphasizes the gerontological nursing assistant’s role and responsibilities as a healthcare team member. It also covers principles of asepsis, infection control, resident care skills, nutrition, body mechanics, and emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the resident. Students will be responsible for costs associated with obtaining a clinical uniform, clinical name tag, their portion of the college's malpractice insurance, and any fees required for state certification.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and discuss state and federal law relative to the role and responsibilities of the Certified Nurse Assistant with regards to professionalism, ethics and confidentiality.
- demonstrate medical asepsis for infection control and identify ways to prevent the spread of infection.
- demonstrate emergency procedures and discuss the responsibilities of the Certified Nurse Assistant during unusual occurrences.
- demonstrate routine patient care skills and procedures.
NURSE 299 Experimental Offering in Nursing
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
NURSE 499 Experimental Offering in Nursing
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Public Service, Health, and Education
This class is part of the Public Service, Health, and Education meta-major.