Are you a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California seeking to expand your skills and work in a hospital environment? While standard CNA training provides a strong foundation for roles in skilled nursing facilities, Acute Care Cna Programs offer specialized education and clinical experience focused on the fast-paced and complex world of hospital care. These programs bridge the gap, equipping CNAs with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in acute care settings.
Acute care CNA courses are designed to broaden your understanding beyond the typical nursing home setting. They delve into the specifics of patient care within hospitals, covering a wider range of medical conditions and treatments. If you’re interested in a more challenging and dynamic role within healthcare, an acute care CNA program could be your ideal next step. Prior coursework in biology, microbiology, medical terminology, and anatomy can be beneficial as these programs often explore the pathophysiology, treatment protocols, and specialized nursing care related to various diseases and disorders encountered in acute settings.
Program Curriculum and Structure
Our acute care CNA program is an intensive 8-week course offered each Spring and Fall semester, designed to fit the schedules of working professionals.
Class Schedule:
- Wednesdays: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CNA-21: 3 Units)
- Saturdays: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CNA-21L: 1 Unit)
Schedule is subject to minor adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances.
Location:
Classes are held at the Southwestern College (SWC) Higher Education Center (HEC) at Otay Mesa, located at 8100 Gigantic Street, San Diego, CA 92154. The clinical component of the program takes place at various hospital facilities in the region, providing real-world experience in diverse acute care environments. Clinical site locations may vary.
Program Costs and Enrollment Options
Starting Fall 2024, we are pleased to offer the acute care CNA program with flexible enrollment options to suit your individual needs. You can choose to enroll for college credit or as a non-credit course.
For students requiring credit courses for financial aid eligibility or other program requirements, the credit option is available. The estimated total cost for the credit course is $500 (subject to change). For those who do not require course credit, the non-credit option offers a more affordable path, with an estimated total cost of $200 (subject to change). Students enrolled in the credit option may be eligible for financial aid to help offset tuition costs.
Application and Admission
Admission to the acute care CNA program is selective and requires a completed application submitted during the designated application periods. Enrollment is restricted to individuals who have applied and been formally accepted by the Nursing Office.
Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must possess an active CNA certification from the State of California prior to applying.
Application Process:
To apply, you must submit a complete application packet. This packet includes a checklist to ensure all required documents are included, along with physical exam and immunization forms that must be completed by your healthcare provider. These forms and copies of your immunization records are essential for clinical placement within the program.
Applications can be submitted in person or via U.S. Mail. If mailing your application, ensure it is postmarked by the application deadline to be considered.
Download and carefully review the Acute Care CNA Checklist & Application (PDF) and the Physical Exam/Immunization forms (PDF) for comprehensive details on application requirements.
Acceptance letters will be sent via email to your official SWC student email accounts following the application deadline and after all applications have been thoroughly reviewed. Please note that notifications will not be sent to personal email addresses.
The program admits a limited number of 20 students per class, with up to five additional students placed on an alternate list. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. The first 20 applicants who submit a complete application packet will be accepted into the program. All applicants will receive notification regarding their application status (accepted, alternate, or not accepted).
Key Application Periods for Upcoming Semesters
Mark your calendars with the upcoming application periods for our acute care CNA programs:
| Application Period | Program Start |
|---|---|
| August 5, 2024 – September 18, 2024 | Fall 2024 (Class runs from October – December) |
| December 2, 2024 – February 10, 2025 | Spring 2025 (Class runs from March – May) |
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee admission into the program.
Essential Application Documents and Instructions
Before commencing your application, it is crucial to thoroughly review the Acute Care CNA Application Checklist (PDF) to ensure you gather all necessary documents and forms. Click on the link provided to download a copy of the checklist (PDF).
Download, print, and complete the physical exam and immunization forms (pages 1-7). Pages 1-2 are to be filled out by you. Your healthcare provider/physician will complete pages 3-4 (physical exam) and pages 5-7 (immunizations, TB test results, and flu shot form).
Submit the completed physical exam and immunization forms (pages 1-7), along with copies of your immunization records and/or titers (lab work) for MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, TDAP, COVID-19, flu shot, and TB test results as part of your Acute Care CNA application packet.
Important Reminder: Allocate sufficient time for yourself and your healthcare provider to complete the physical exam/immunization forms. A significant portion of the application process involves ensuring these forms are accurately filled out and providing copies of your immunization records and/or titers.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update: Major Healthcare Systems in San Diego County currently mandate that students and faculty be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This requirement includes receiving the most recent Covid-19 booster recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Applicants to any Nursing and Health Occupations Program (ADN, VN-Step-up, VN, CNA, Acute Care CNA, Surgical Technology, Central Service Technician, and Operating Room Nurse) are required to submit proof of their vaccine status and most recent booster at the time of application (Revision date: 10-10-24).
Take the next step in your nursing career and apply to our acute care CNA program today! Gain the specialized skills and knowledge to thrive in a hospital setting and make a significant impact on patient care.
