Entry Level Nursing

Certified Nursing Assistants handle day-to-day care of patients. The program is state approved and prepares students to work as an entry-level health care provider to patients in a variety of settings including long-term care facilities. The course includes 72 hours of theory and 135 hours of clinical. This course meets Title 22 regulations in caring for the geriatric population in the long-term care setting, utilizing skills in basic care, emergency care, and communication. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam. The course is offered multiple times a year. Students are required to attend a mandatory orientation.

The CNA and CHHA programs are both licensed through the State of California, Health and Human Services, Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification Section. The public, prospective students, and applicants can access information and all requirements and forms.

The CDPH requires a valid Social Security Number (SSN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and California issued photo identification card for certification testing.

The CDPH Licensing and Certification Program, Aide and Technician Certification Section, can be reached at: 916.327.2445, or: P.O. Box 997416, Sacramento, CA 95899-7416.

Get a Río Hondo ID number (if you don’t already have one)

Apply for a Río Hondo Student ID, Apply to Río Hondo College Now! This can take up to two weeks to process. You need a Río Hondo College ID number in order to apply to the CNA program.

Update contact information through Admission and Records by following this link prior to starting the application.

• All communication with the Nursing Division will be via the email address you list on your application.
• New Students – Río Hondo College student email accounts will be inactive for any student who has not previously registered for courses at RHC.

Prerequisites

An applicant for certification as a CNA shall comply with each of the following:

• Be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
• Applicants must provide a valid copy of California Driver’s License or California Identification Card
• Applicants must provide a valid Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification card that is signed and not laminated. The name on all identification must read the same or match. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

The Certified Nursing Assistant Program uses a random selection for all applicants meeting the requirements.

Admission Procedure

Provisionally accepted applicants will complete the following mandatory requirements:

• Attend the Mandatory Advisement/Orientation Meeting
• Health and Physical Examination – form provided by Health Science and Nursing Division
• Health Requirements: COVID Vaccinations, Flu Vaccination, TB Skin tests
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification
• Background check – scheduled by Health Science and Nursing

General Education Requirements

Completion of the Río Hondo College Reading Assessment is recommended.

Attending a nursing information session with the Health Science and Nursing department is recommended.

Curriculum Guide for the Nursing Assistant Pre-Certification Program

CNA Course Content
Introduction	Patient Rights	Interpersonal Skills
Prevention Management of Catastrophe and Unusual Occurrence	Body Mechanics	Medical and Surgical Asepsis
Weights and Measures	Patient Care Skills	Patient Care Procedures
Vital Signs	Nutrition	Emergency Procedures
Long Term Care Patients	Rehabilitative Nursing	Observation and Documentation
Death and Dying	Health and Safety Code Abuse

CNA Course
72 Hours Theory
135 Hours/Clinical
Total Units 6.5

The Acute Care Nursing Assistant is a CNA who works in various departments of acute care hospitals. The class is an additional 96 hours including 27 hours of theory and 81 hours of clinical. Students who take the CNA program and pass the State Exam are eligible for the Acute Care Program.

Get a Río Hondo ID number (if you don’t already have one)

Apply for a Río Hondo Student ID, Apply to Río Hondo College Now! This can take up to two weeks to process. You need a Río Hondo College ID number in order to apply to the VN program.

Update contact information through Admission and Records by following this link prior to starting the application.

• All communication with the Nursing Division will be via the email address you list on your application.
• New Students – Río Hondo College student email accounts will be inactive for any student who has not previously registered for courses at RHC.

Prerequisites

An applicant for certification as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant shall comply with each of the following:

• Be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
• Proof of current CNA certification (copy of certification required)
• Applicants must provide a valid copy of California Driver’s License or California Identification card
• Applicants must provide a valid Social Security card that is signed and not laminated. The name on all identification must read the same or match. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

The Certified Nursing Assistant Program uses a random selection for all applicants meeting the requirements.

Admission Procedure

Provisionally accepted applicants will meet the following mandatory requirements

• Attend the Mandatory Advisement/Orientation Meeting
• Health and Physical Examination – provide by Health Science and Nursing Division
• Health Requirements: COVID Vaccinations, Flu Vaccination, TB Skin tests
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card
• Background check – scheduled by Health Science and Nursing
• Complete a Drug Test – scheduled by Health Science and Nursing

General Education Requirement

Completion of the Río Hondo College Reading Assessment is recommended.

Attending a nursing information session with the nursing counselor is recommended.

Acute Care Content

27 Hours Theory

81 Hours Clinical

Total Units 3.0