Nursing assistants are the backbone of daily patient care in the Antelope Valley — in the 420-bed Antelope Valley Medical Center, in Kaiser Permanente's six Lancaster and Palmdale locations, and across the valley's skilled nursing and long-term care facilities.
As the high desert's population grows and ages, demand for direct-care workers keeps climbing — and nursing assistant training is the fastest entry point into the field.
For Lancaster students, six weeks of training can open the door to healthcare employment and serve as the first step toward LVN and RN careers.
Imagine America has partnered with High Desert Medical College (HDMC) at its Lancaster campus — training Antelope Valley healthcare workers since 2003 and voted the Antelope Valley Press 'Best Career College' five years running. The Nursing Assistant program is HDMC's fastest route into patient care.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your Nursing Assistant Career with High Desert Medical College
HDMC's Nursing Assistant program runs just 6 weeks — 164 clock hours combining online theory with 104 hours of hands-on clinical externship. It's designed to take students from no experience to entry-level patient care readiness in about a month and a half.
- 6-week program — the fastest path into healthcare
- 164 clock hours including a 104-hour clinical externship
- Hybrid format: online theory plus in-person clinical training
- Stepping stone to nursing: HDMC's LVN and RN programs are on the same campus
What You'll Learn
Training covers patient hygiene and mobility assistance, vital signs, infection control, communication, and resident rights, with the majority of hours spent in supervised clinical externship providing real patient care.
Your Credential
Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion in Nursing Assistant, documenting formal training for employers across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.
A First Step, Not a Last Step
Many nursing assistants use the role to build experience and income while advancing their education. HDMC's Lancaster campus offers Vocational Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs, creating a complete career ladder in one location.
Career Outlook in the Antelope Valley
Direct-care roles are among the most consistently posted healthcare jobs in the Lancaster–Palmdale market, spanning acute care, long-term care, and home health settings.
Training Services
- Patient Hygiene & Personal Care
- Mobility Assistance & Transfers
- Vital Signs Measurement
- Infection Control Practices
- Patient Communication & Rights
- Clinical Externship (104 hours)
- Pathway to LVN and RN Programs
- Career Services Support
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
A strong foundation from the right training program sets the stage for a successful career. Explore training programs, meet expert instructors, and discover how quality education can lead to a rewarding future.
Start Your Healthcare Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the Nursing Assistant program at HDMC?
Just 6 weeks — 164 total clock hours, including 60 hours of coursework and a 104-hour supervised clinical externship.
Do I need experience to enroll?
No prior healthcare experience is required. The program is built for students entering healthcare for the first time.
Can I continue into nursing after this program?
Yes. HDMC's Lancaster campus also offers a BVNPT-approved Vocational Nursing program and a BRN-approved Associate Degree Nursing program, so nursing assistants can advance without changing schools.
Are scholarships available for nursing assistant students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors, adult learners, and military members attending High Desert Medical College. Create a free profile to get matched.
