Nurse Assistant (CNA) + Home Health Aide (HHA)
Program Overview
The CNA + HHA pathway at Mission Career College combines Nurse Assistant training with Home Health Aide certification to create a comprehensive entry point into healthcare.
Students complete state-approved Nurse Assistant training as the foundation, then continue directly into Home Health Aide coursework. This integrated approach allows students to earn two credentials without stopping and restarting later.
This pathway is ideal for students seeking hands-on patient care roles, fast entry into the workforce, and flexibility across different healthcare environments.
Why Choose the CNA + HHA Pathway
Healthcare employers value caregivers who can adapt to different care settings. By earning both CNA and HHA certifications, students are not limited to one type of role or environment.
This pathway is designed for students who want:
• Broader job opportunities after graduation
• Flexibility to work in facilities or home-based care
• A stronger foundation for long-term healthcare careers
• An efficient way to earn multiple credentials in one enrollment window
Many students choose this pathway to avoid having to return later for additional training once work and life schedules become busier.
CERTIFICATION PATHWAY
The CNA + HHA pathway follows California Department of Public Health requirements and is structured to guide students step-by-step through certification.
Students begin with Nurse Assistant training, completing classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience. After successfully completing CNA training requirements, students continue into the Home Health Aide portion of the program.
Upon completion:
• Students are eligible to test for California CNA certification
• Students complete the required Home Health Aide training hours
• Graduates qualify for both CNA and HHA credentials
This consecutive structure ensures skills build naturally from clinical care into home-based care.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Throughout the CNA + HHA pathway, students develop essential skills needed for safe, compassionate patient care across multiple environments.
Training includes:
• Assisting with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding)
• Measuring and recording vital signs
• Safe patient movement and positioning
• Infection control and safety practices
• Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams
• Supporting patients in both facility and home settings
• Understanding patient rights, dignity, and ethical caregiving
Instruction emphasizes hands-on learning to prepare students for real-world caregiving responsibilities.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Graduates of the CNA + HHA pathway are prepared for entry-level healthcare roles across a variety of settings.
Employment opportunities include:
• Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care homes
• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Assisted living communities
• Home health agencies and hospice providers
• Adult day care and community care programs
With both certifications, graduates are eligible for a wider range of positions and can adjust their work environment as job availability and personal preferences change.
Many students also use CNA experience as a foundation for future healthcare careers, including LVN or RN pathways.
FAQ
Do I need to already be a CNA to enroll in the CNA + HHA pathway?
No. The CNA + HHA pathway at Mission Career College is designed as a single, consecutive program. Students begin with Nurse Assistant training as the foundation and then continue directly into the Home Health Aide portion. You do not need to already hold an active CNA certification to enroll in the combined pathway.
How long does the CNA + HHA pathway take to complete?
The total length of the pathway depends on your schedule and cohort availability. CNA training is completed first, followed by the Home Health Aide portion as a consecutive add-on. Admissions can provide exact timelines based on your campus and selected schedule.
Is the Home Health Aide portion required, or optional?
The Home Health Aide portion is optional but strongly recommended for students who want broader employment opportunities. Adding HHA allows graduates to work in both facility-based and home-based care settings without having to return later for additional training.
What types of jobs can I qualify for after completing CNA + HHA?
Graduates of the CNA + HHA pathway are eligible for entry-level healthcare roles in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, home health agencies, hospice providers, adult day care programs, and other patient care settings. Having both credentials expands where you can work and the types of roles you can pursue.
Can I work in home health and facilities with both certifications?
Yes. Earning both CNA and HHA certifications allows you to meet requirements for facility-based roles as well as home health positions. This flexibility is one of the main reasons students choose the combined pathway.
Does CNA + HHA help with long-term healthcare career goals?
Yes. CNA experience is commonly used as a foundation for future healthcare education, such as LVN or RN programs. Adding HHA provides additional patient care experience and flexibility while you gain hands-on skills in the field.
What campuses offer the CNA + HHA pathway?
Program availability, schedules, and cohort offerings vary by campus. Mission Career College offers healthcare programs in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Victorville. Admissions can confirm which locations currently offer the CNA + HHA pathway and upcoming start dates.
Are clinical hours required for the program?
Yes. CNA training includes supervised clinical experience as required by California regulations. The HHA portion builds on this foundation and focuses on skills related to home-based care. All clinical requirements must be completed to finish the program.
What if I’m not sure whether CNA + HHA is right for me?
Admissions advisors are available to help you explore your goals, preferred work environments, and schedule needs. They can explain how the CNA + HHA pathway compares to CNA-only options and help you decide which path fits you best.
Do I need to already be a CNA to enroll in the CNA + HHA pathway?
No. The CNA + HHA pathway at Mission Career College is designed as a single, consecutive program. Students begin with Nurse Assistant training as the foundation and then continue directly into the Home Health Aide portion. You do not need to already hold an active CNA certification to enroll in the combined pathway.
How long does the CNA + HHA pathway take to complete?
The total length of the pathway depends on your schedule and cohort availability. CNA training is completed first, followed by the Home Health Aide portion as a consecutive add-on. Admissions can provide exact timelines based on your campus and selected schedule.
Is the Home Health Aide portion required, or optional?
The Home Health Aide portion is optional but strongly recommended for students who want broader employment opportunities. Adding HHA allows graduates to work in both facility-based and home-based care settings without having to return later for additional training.
What types of jobs can I qualify for after completing CNA + HHA?
Graduates of the CNA + HHA pathway are eligible for entry-level healthcare roles in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, home health agencies, hospice providers, adult day care programs, and other patient care settings. Having both credentials expands where you can work and the types of roles you can pursue.
Can I work in home health and facilities with both certifications?
Yes. Earning both CNA and HHA certifications allows you to meet requirements for facility-based roles as well as home health positions. This flexibility is one of the main reasons students choose the combined pathway.
Does CNA + HHA help with long-term healthcare career goals?
Yes. CNA experience is commonly used as a foundation for future healthcare education, such as LVN or RN programs. Adding HHA provides additional patient care experience and flexibility while you gain hands-on skills in the field.
What campuses offer the CNA + HHA pathway?
Program availability, schedules, and cohort offerings vary by campus. Mission Career College offers healthcare programs in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Victorville. Admissions can confirm which locations currently offer the CNA + HHA pathway and upcoming start dates.
Are clinical hours required for the program?
Yes. CNA training includes supervised clinical experience as required by California regulations. The HHA portion builds on this foundation and focuses on skills related to home-based care. All clinical requirements must be completed to finish the program.
What if I’m not sure whether CNA + HHA is right for me?
Admissions advisors are available to help you explore your goals, preferred work environments, and schedule needs. They can explain how the CNA + HHA pathway compares to CNA-only options and help you decide which path fits you best.
What our students say
At Mission Career College, we pride ourselves on empowering students to achieve their career goals.
Mission Career College gave me the hands-on experience I needed to land my dream job as a Nursing Assistant. The instructors were supportive, and the job placement assistance was invaluable!
Enrolling at MCC was the best decision I’ve made for my future. The supportive staff and career services team helped me secure a position right after graduation!
Lives transformed through industry-relevant education and practical skills training.
Over a decade of empowering students to achieve their career goals .
Located in Riverside, Victorville, and San Bernardino.
Our programs are designed to help students secure meaningful employment.