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 botto​m 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

 

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The Nurse Assistant course (Health Sciences 064) is offered every semester including summer. This is a 6-unit course and costs the same per unit as any other COD course. It is a 12-week course.

The course will include both classroom and clinical settings. Multiple program requirements are due before the first day of class. If requirements are not complete and submitted, students will be dropped. Students are responsible for all associated fees for requirements.

No students will be enrolled to the course after the first class meeting.

MANDATORY Boot camp on Wednesday November 6th from 9:30am-1:30pm in N8. Any students not present at the boot camp will be removed from the application pool and will not be eligible for registration.

Date Time Location Mandatory Item
November 6th, 2024 9:30A-1:30P Palm Desert Campus Room N8
  • Orientation
  • Uniform fitting

 

January 13th, 2025

 Submit to office  
  • BLS/CPR certification (American Heart Association)
  • Receipt for CNA uniform Patch
  • Covid Vaccination series + booster or updated single dose
  • Flu Vaccination
  • TB Screening
  • Physical Exam
  • Copy of Student NA Badge
January 15th-January 31st, 2025    
  • Complete background check and drug screen
  • Purchase Malpractice insurance

February 18th, 2025

First Day of class + Live Scan

8:00A-1:15P Palm Desert Campus Room N9
  • First Day of Class 
  • Livescan (must bring valid State issued DL/ID, Military ID, or Passport)

 

 

Application for Summer 2025 term TBA.

  • Are 16 or older and can benefit from instruction.

All requirements must be completed before the first class meeting. 

Valid Social security card or ITIN

Physical Exam
Valid Government issued ID Malpractice Insurance (automatically added to your student account when registered for the course)
Clear drug screen Meet Core Performance Standards 
Clear background check & DOJ Livescan  Communicable disease clearance (Vaccinations)
Current American Heart Association CPR card  

A LiveScan will be done during the first class meeting for registered students. 

Background check and drug screening must be completed within 30 days before the first class meeting. Students who do not clear the screenings will be unable to complete the course.

DO NOT SUBMIT FOR SCREENING EARLY. INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE GIVEN DURING BOOTCAMP.

Background Check and Drug Screen Instructions

A basic physical exam with proof of COVID-19 vaccination series, recent 2-step TB test, and flu shot must be done within 90 days prior to the first class meeting. 

Medical Clearance form for Nursing Assistant Students

Uniform is white scrub top worn over basic white scrub pants. See course syllabus/handbook for further details. Please wait for instruction from your instructor before purchase.​ 

College of the Desert Kinesiology offers American Heart Association (AHA) CPR courses for both the first time certification and for recertification. 

For first time certification, students can register for KINE-001

For recertification, students can register for KINE-302

KINE-001 and KINE-302 will be offered during Summer and Winter sessions based on enrollment numbers. 

CPR cards are required prior to the start of the semester, please plan accordingly. 

Please note the costs are estimated. Depending on insurance coverage and financial assistance, costs may vary. Total cost of program is estimated at $702.00 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
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377​