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CNA/CLS Program Steps to Apply

  1. Apply to the College
    Complete a and view important dates and deadlines. If you have questions, contact the Admissions and Records Office.

  2. Complete Required Program Interest Form
    Complete and submit this online program interest form that directly informs our department about your intent to apply to one of our programs.

    Don't skip this important step, or your application may be delayed!

    Fill out my .
  3. Complete the Following Requirements
    Allow six weeks for this process. Background checks and drug tests can take time. Multiple TB tests and vaccine courses can also take several weeks. Please submit your items in the order listed.

    • Background Check, Drug Screen and Immunizations (valid for one year; cost: $118)
      Items are verified by PreCheck, Inc., a firm specializing in healthcare worker screening.

      Note: PreCheck will specify where you can complete your drug test and they'll provide instructions on how to submit your immunization information.

      • Go to the ("Truckee Meadows Community College – CNA/CLS" should be pre-populated).
      • Select your Program (CNA or CLS).
      • Then check all three services: "Background Check," "Drug Test," and "Immunizations".
      • Click "Start Application" and complete the required fields.
      • Note about Immunizations: You will need to provide documentation of your current immunization status. Read more about the required immunizations.
    • Insurance and CPR Cards
      • Insurance: You will need to provide proof of your Major Medical Insurance Coverage for the class term.
      • CPR Card: If you’re enrolling in the CNA Program you are required to have an American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) card. No other CPR certification will be accepted. Your card must be valid for the class term and cannot expire during that term.
  4. Register for Classes
    When documents are complete and uploaded, all information will be verified and we will contact you via email indicating your "release" date. You must be released by the Nursing Assistant Department in order to enroll in the class.

Background Checks and Drug Screening

Background checks and drug screens are a requirement of clinical rotations.

If a student declines, or if the background or drug screen is unsatisfactory to the facility, the student will not be permitted to participate in the clinical portion of the program. Students are admitted to each course, subject to the results of the background check and drug screen, and acceptance at the clinical site.

ÃÛÑ¿app is not responsible for obtaining background checks or drug screens, and will not receive the results of any investigations.

Current students are advised that they will be withdrawn from the program if clinical requirements are not met for any reason.

Immunizations

Immunization verification is a requirement of clinical rotations. Candidates are expected to comply with vaccine requirements.

CNA Students Meeting

COVID-19 Immunization

As of March 2025, COVID-19 immunization is required by some of the facilities you may be assigned to for your clinical rotations. You are considered compliant if you have completed the COVID-19 vaccination series, which includes either two doses of Pfizer, two doses of Moderna, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, if you are currently unvaccinated or have only received one monovalent vaccine dose, it is encouraged that you receive the newest mRNA vaccine to help protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. You will need to upload your COVID-19 vaccination documentation to your Precheck account.

If you have not received any COVID-19 vaccinations, you must complete the necessary exemption documentation required by each clinical facility during your rotation, provided that the facility permits exemptions. Please be advised that individual facilities may implement additional requirements, such as weekly COVID-19 testing with negative results or mandatory use of an N95 mask at all times. Any costs resulting from these requirements will be incurred by the student. Additionally, if you have an exemption, it could delay the timely completion of the program, as all 40 clinical hours must be completed. 

Efforts will be made to accommodate exemptions for medical or religious reasons; however, please be aware that due to the specific requirements of certain facilities, this may result in an incomplete grade until all clinical hours are completed, which could further delay the certification process.

TB Screening

Evidence of a negative TB status can be provided one of the following ways:

  • Option 1: QuantiFERON Gold blood titer test results (negative results).
  • Option 2: Two TB skin tests are required (one test and then a second in 7-14 days) unless annual skin tests have been performed.
  • Option 3: If TB skin test is known to be positive, a current negative chest x-ray is required (good for 5 years). A yearly questionnaire will be performed thereafter.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Immunity

One MMR immunization plus a booster is required if you were born after 1957. Proof of immunity by blood titer will suffice but must be for all three diseases.

Hepatitis B Series

The series of 3 immunizations, 1 initially. A second should be given within 1 month, and the third in 6 months is recommended. Evidence of immunity is acceptable.

Diphtheria/Tetanus Immunization with Pertussis Booster

The injection must have been received within the past 10 years.

Varicella

Two doses of varicella vaccine, 4 weeks or more apart, or a positive titer.

Influenza Vaccination

Required in flu season (typically October–March).

CPR

A valid Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card, sponsored by the American Heart Association. This is generally valid for two years and must be renewed if expiration occurs prior to the end of clinical experience.