How to Apply

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and a junior in high school to apply.

Note: High School students see “IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY” in the Application Process for further details.

Enrollment in the Spring and Fall high school CNA sections is reserved for a limited number of students who are registered in the Patient Care Pathways programs at the following schools:

• Atwater High School – Raj Mehat
• Buhach Colony High School – Jena Ipock
• Delhi High School – Angelica Prado
• El Capitan High School – Randy Barber, Michelle Hernandez, Christina Chacon
• Golden Valley High School – Madison Mott
• Hilmar High School – Lorita Vasquez
• Le Grand High School – Rosa Campos
• Livingston High School – Marielle Valdez
• Merced High School – Krista Leontieff

Please work with the designated Patient Care Pathway Instructor to apply.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
During the summer, ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, regardless of the school they attend, are required to submit an online application if they plan to take the course.

To be eligible to apply, all applicants must attend one of the mandatory workshops.

The purpose of the workshop is to go over the program’s requirements, including how to apply, and answer any questions. You do not need to complete anything to attend a workshop. We recommend bringing a pen and paper to take notes.

Review the Merced College Nurse Assistant Training Program Student Handbook (revised August 29, 2025).

Follow the 5 easy steps to apply at Merced College in order to obtain a student ID and email.

Apply to Merced College the same semester that you apply to the program in order to maintain an active school email address.

After reviewing the Merced College Nurse Assistant Training Program Student Handbook,

Follow these steps:

1. Click on the form:
   Check off Form
2. Print the Check-off Form.
3. Open the saved copy.
4. Enter your information.
5. Sign the form.
6. Verify everything is accurate.
7. Save the document to submit with your application during the designated application window.

Review the examples provided on the website, focusing on the one that corresponds to your course location (e.g., Los Banos Campus, Merced Campus, etc.).

EXAMPLE – CDPH283B – Los Banos Campus
EXAMPLE – CDPH283B – Merced Campus

Complete only the required sections as shown in the example. Ensure that the information in Section IV matches the example exactly.

Follow these steps:

1. Click on the appropriate form.
   CDPH 283B – Los Banos Campus
   CDPH 283B – Merced Campus
2. Download and save to your desktop/computer.
3. Open the saved copy.
4. Enter your information.
5. Verify everything is accurate.
6. Print 2 copies of the document.
7. Save the 2 copies to submit with your application during the designated application window.

Note: All students must be fingerprinted and are required to have a valid California ID or Driver’s License. Fingerprinting typically occurs on the first or second day of class, so it is essential to come prepared. The fee is covered by Merced College.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the form.
   Physical Health Evaluation Form
2. Print the form.
3. Bring to your doctor’s appointment.
4. Have them complete the form.
5. Ensure your Health Care Provider signs and stamps the bottom of the form. If a stamp is not available, a photo of their business card may be submitted in its place.
6. Save the document to submit with your application during the designated application window.

Physicals are good for 1 year. Your physical must remain valid (not expire) while you’re taking the class.

Follow these steps:

1. Review the flyer.
   TB and Flu Information
2. Obtain negative TB test, QuantiFERON blood test, or chest x-ray.
3. Make a copy of the results.
4. Save the copy to submit with your application during the designated application window.

TB tests & chest x-rays are good for 1 year. Your test must remain valid (not expire) while you’re taking the class.

Follow these steps:

1. Review the flyer.
   CPR Certification
2. Print a copy.
3. Save the document to submit with your application during the designated application window.

Your CPR card or certificate must include the American Heart Association (AHA) name or logo. The certification must remain valid (not expire) while you’re taking the class.

Follow these steps:

1. Review the flyer.
   TB and Flu Information
2. Receive flu shot.
3. Make a copy of your results.
4. Save your copy to submit with your application during the designated application window.

The flu vaccine is seasonal:

Spring – required at time of application; Summer – not required; Fall – required once it becomes available, usually around September.

Important for Students Taking Courses in Los Banos:

New Bethany in Los Banos, one of our clinical sites, currently requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

• If you have already completed your COVID-19 vaccination series (whether a single-dose or two-dose vaccine), submit your documentation during the designated application window.
• If you have not yet completed your vaccination series, you will need to receive a vaccination shot. Save a copy of your results to submit with your application during the designated application window.

Review the Estimated Program Costs.

• A new class begins every semester (Spring, Summer & Fall).
• Submit your complete application in-person during the application window listed above. – Only 1 application may be submitted during the application window.
• You are responsible for reading the entire handbook before submitting your application.

Each section can accommodate up to 15 students. The number of sections available varies each semester depending on instructor and clinical site availability.

If there are more qualified applicants than available spots, a random selection will be used to give everyone a fair and equal chance of being admitted.

After the selection process is complete, you will receive notification to the email addresses you provided on your application regarding your status, i.e., “accepted, alternates, not accepted or disqualified.”

• Acceptance: If accepted, further details will be provided at the MANDATORY orientation. The date, time and location of this orientation will be provided in your acceptance notice.
• Alternates: If selected as an alternate, you will be expected to attend the MANDATORY orientation. The date, time and location of this orientation will be provided in your alternate notice. Alternates will fill any spots that become available should an accepted student not attend the orientation.