Application requirements for the ELL Nursing Assistant Program:

1. Must watch the ELL CNA Information Session video.
2. Must be 18 years of age or older.
3. Must have a CASAS score of 230 or higher. CASAS testing can be scheduled directly with the Adult Education office at Saddleback College at (949) 348-6850.
4. Must have a Saddleback College/IVC student ID number.

Students must be able to attend Compliance Day on April 7th, 2026 (9am-12pm) as well as the mandatory orientation on May 21st, 2026. The CNA program does not allow for absences, so please review the calendar on our website to ensure you can attend all classes (https://www.saddleback.edu/programs-degrees/all-programs/english-language-learner-ell-healthcare-programs).    

Notifications:

• Please check your Submittable accounts/email used to sign up for all communication regarding your application status. Applicants will be notified of their status on or after March 26th, 2026.
• If accepted to the program, you must return the signed Provisional Acceptance form by April 2nd, 2026.

Application requirements for the Nursing Assistant Program:

1. Must be 16 years of age or older.
2. Must watch the prerecorded Information Session video.
3. Must have a Saddleback College or IVC student ID number.
4. Must possess a valid ID, such as;  California ID card or California Driver's License or passport.
5. Must have a Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN).

Admission requirements for the Nursing Assistant Program:

1. Must complete health requirements and physical examination within 3 months of admission. The following immunizations/titers will be required: TDAP, TB clearance, full COVID vaccine status with booster & seasonal flu shot.  
2. Must show proof of personal health insurance and obtain professional liability insurance prior to registering for classes.
3. Must obtain a valid BLS card through the American Heart Association.
4. Must complete a clear drug screening through CastleBranch. 
5. Must complete a clear background check through CastleBranch - CRIMINAL SCREENING POLICY: Prior to entering the program, each student will be required to complete an application that will screen for conviction of a crime other than a minor traffic infraction. Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 483.13 Section (c), Subsection (1) (ii), prohibits long term care facilities from employing individuals who have been convicted of abusing, neglecting or mistreating individuals. To extend similar protection to patients, Title 22, California Code of Regulations Part 71828 Section ©, prohibits a student from practicing clinical skills on patients if the student has been convicted of crimes which could present a danger to patients. If the student answers yes to a criminal conviction, that student shall be advised to contact the enforcement consultant at (916) 327-2445. The revised application procedure requires any student shall not be admitted to class who has not shown proof that a fingerprint card has been sent to the Department of Public Health. Any student that is found to have a criminal conviction and has not received a letter of approval from the enforcement consultant will be dropped from the training program. Falsification of the Nurse Assistant Certification application may result in adverse action pursuant to the Health and Safely Code, Section 1337.8.

Notifications:

• Please check your submittable account used to sign up, for all communication regarding your application status.
• Applicants will be notified of their application status by March 26, 2026 (dates subject to change). 
• Selected students must accept or deny the invitation to the program by April 04, 2026.
• Accepted students must complete their health requirements and receive a program clearance by May 14, 2026. 
• Mandatory Orientation is in-person on May 21, 2026.

SADDLEBACK COLLEGE / IVC STUDENT ID:

• Student's must have a Saddleback College/IVC student ID # to apply. If you do not have one, please apply to the college here. 

TRANSCRIPTS:

• Official relevant transcripts from outside colleges other than Saddleback/IVC must be sent to the Admissions & Records office PRIOR to submitting your application.
• International transcripts must be evaluated by an acceptable third party, at: https://www.naces.org/member

PETITION FOR COURSE SUBSTITUTION OR WAIVER:

• All course petitions (if  applicable) for credit of courses taken outside of Saddleback/IVC should  be submitted in advance and prior to the application period opening up,  to allow time to be processed/reviewed.
• We encourage all students interested in applying to the MLT program, to make an appointment with Elizabeth Weiss in the Counseling Office before applying to:

1. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.   
2. Submit any Petitions for Course Waiver/Substitutions. 

• Schedule an appointment by calling the Counseling Office, (949) 582-4572.

NOTIFICATIONS: 

• Please check your Submittable accounts/email used to sign up with for all communication regarding your application status.
• Acceptance notifications will be sent no later than April 25th.