Nursing Assistant

The objective of the Nursing Assistant (NA) program is to prepare students with the knowledge, technical skills and work habits required to become a Nursing Assistant. IOT instructors provide Nurse Assistant training in classroom and clinical settings, and students receive a basic knowledge of terminology, an overview of California regulations, and the law and ethics associated with the role.

The content of the program is designed to meet the curriculum requirements of the State of California Department of Public Health. Graduates may be eligible to sit for their competency evaluation exam and apply for certification with the California Department of Public Health. The program is offered at the Redding campus.

IOT prepares students for the real world of health care through hands-on training in Redding, with a supportive network of peers and instructors. The school’s goal is to help students be successfully employed: prior to graduation it helps students with interview skills, resumes and cover letters, and upon graduation it assists in connecting graduates with employers by setting up interviews and networking in the labor market.

All students interested in applying must first meet with an Admissions Representative and successfully pass a 12-minute assessment test. Students must be a minimum of 18 years of age, or 17 years of age with the written consent of a parent or guardian, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid government or state issued GED, or proof of completing an officially recognized and accredited home schooling program (home-school applicants must also pass an entrance examination). Foreign education documents that cannot be confirmed must be evaluated by a third-party agency at the applicant’s expense.

Non-ATB applicants take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam; diploma programs require a minimum score of 10. Students with delinquent student loans must resolve them before being considered, and students who have defaulted on a student loan will not be considered for admission.

The program consists of NA 110: Nursing Assistant Theory/Lab (85.5 hours) and NA 120: Nursing Assistant Clinical (100 hours). The Training Program Schedule approved by the State of California Health and Human Services Agency is a day program, with classes held Monday through Friday for approximately 7 weeks.

Redding start dates in late 2026 are September 14, 2026 (ending October 28) and November 2, 2026 (ending December 18); the school notes that Nursing Assistant start dates may change.

Graduates will be prepared to find an entry-level position in a medical setting. The school lists nursing homes, assisted living and long-term care facilities among the settings where nursing assistants work.

IOT states that its Nursing Assistant curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in California; individuals who wish to move to another state should research licensure requirements there.

Uniforms are required and are available for purchase; textbooks are provided as classroom resources or are purchased by the student. Training takes place in both the classroom and clinical settings.

Financial aid is not available for the Nursing Assistant program; the Financial Aid department can provide information regarding payment options.