Healthcare
CERTIFIED NURSE AIDE TRAINING PROGRAM
CERTIFIED NURSE AIDE TRAINING PROGRAM
Windward Community College offers a rigorous, community-centered Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training Program designed to prepare students for successful entry into the healthcare field. Our program blends classroom instruction, skills lab, and clinical immersion to ensure graduates are confident, competent, and compassionate care providers.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT STUDENTS LEARN
INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS
- 14-week training program aligned with state CNA certification requirements
- Includes 2 hour orientation, plus 108 hours of in-person classroom and lab instruction (3 days/week,
- 9 hours/week), concluding with a 2-week, 40-hour clinical immersion at a local long-term care facility
- Emphasizes culturally responsive care, Hawaiian values, and reflective learning.
- Prepares students for the Hawai‘i Nurse Aide Certification Exam
WHAT STUDENTS LEARN
- Infection control, vital signs, personal care skills, and body mechanics
- Communication, patient rights, dementia care, and end-of-life care
- State-tested CNA skill sets and medical terminology using Mosby’s Textbook for Nursing Assistants
INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of nursing experience, with at least 1 year in long-term care
- A background in adult instruction or nurse aide supervision
- A deep commitment to workforce development and student success
JOIN OUR MISSION
If you are passionate about healthcare education and interested in helping us grow and sustain a high-quality CNA training program that supports Hawai‘i’s healthcare workforce, we’d love to connect with you.
If you are passionate about healthcare education and interested in helping us grow and sustain a high-quality CNA training program that supports Hawai‘i’s healthcare workforce, we’d love to connect with you.
Course Description
Windward Community College’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program prepares students to provide quality care in long-term and clinical care settings. Over 14 weeks, students complete 102 hours of classroom instruction and 48 hours of supervised clinical training in a skilled nursing facility. Our program emphasizes professionalism, compassion, and cultural awareness rooted in Hawaiian values. Upon successful completion of the course and clinical hours, students will be awarded a certificate of professional development that will provide eligibility to apply for the Hawai’i State CNA Certification Exam.
Upon successful completion of the course and clinical hours, students will be awarded a certificate of professional development that will provide eligibility to apply for the Hawai’i State CNA Certification Exam. Student's are required to sit for the exam at the end of the course.
Upon successful completion of the course and clinical hours, students will be awarded a certificate of professional development that will provide eligibility to apply for the Hawai’i State CNA Certification Exam. Student's are required to sit for the exam at the end of the course.
Program History
Windward Community College established a Certified Nurse Aide - Nursing Pathway in 2007 to support students on their journey to becoming registered nurses. In 2017, WCC launched an Apprenticeship Program that connects students with employer partners aligned with their career goals, providing valuable hands-on experience and professional development opportunities.
