Nursing Assistant
We are pleased that you are interested in the Nurse Assistant program at College of the Desert (COD). The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health. The links at the bottom of the page include questions students most frequently ask and information that will provide answers for students.
If you still have questions after reading through the materials below, please feel free to contact either the Health Sciences/Nursing Office at (760) 773-2578 or NursingInfo@collegeofthedesert.edu
To make an appointment to see the Nursing Counselor, please email NursingCounselor@collegeofthedesert.edu. Be sure to include your full name, availability, phone number, and student ID (if applicable). Alternatively, you can also call us directly at 760-773-2578 to make an appointment
Nursing Assistant Program Information
The Nurse Assistant course (NNA-364) is offered in an accelerated 8-week format, with two sessions available each term.
The course includes instruction in both classroom and clinical experience. Several program requirements must be completed and submitted before the first day of class. Failure to meet these requirements will result in being dropped from the course. Students are responsible for all associated costs associated with meeting these requirements.
Spring 2026: October 1st-29th, 2025
Fall 2026: June 3rd-24th, 2026
- Must be 16 years or older
- COD student ID and email
- Must be able to benefit from instruction
- Must meet health, background, and technical standards before the first day of class
- Apply and attend CNA program orientation
All requirements will be reviewed during orientation and will be issued deadlines. Requirements must be completed before the first day of class to attend clinical rotations.
- American Heart Association BLS Certification
- Proof of required immunization (COVID-19 and Flu)
- TB Screening (2-step PPD, or TB Gold, or Chest X-Ray Report if history of positive TB results)
- Physical Exam meeting ADA technical standards (Must be completed on COD Form)
- Malpractice Insurance (automatically added to your student account when registered for the program)
- Valid Social Security card or ITIN
- Valid Government ID/DL
- Clear background check and negative drug screening
DO NOT SUBMIT FOR SCREENING EARLY. INSTRUCTION WILL BE GIVEN DURING ORIENTATION.
Background check and drug screening must be completed within 30 days before the first class meeting. Students must clear both screenings, no exceptions.
Live Scan will be completed during the first class meeting for registered students.
College of the Desert Kinesiology offers American Heart Association (AHA) CPR courses for both first-time certification and recertification.
For first-time certification, students can register for KINE-001 (in-person/hybrid)
KINE-001 will be offered during Summer and Winter sessions based on enrollment numbers.
CPR cards are required during the onboarding process. Please plan accordingly.
Please note the costs are estimated. Depending on insurance coverage and financial assistance, costs may vary. The total cost of the program is estimated at $601.00. Click here for a detailed list of associated costs.
This program is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Mailing Address:
CA Dept. of Public Health
PO Box 997416, MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
