Crafton Hills College expands nursing program, offering three certifications in one semester

Publish Date: Feb. 1, 2025

Crafton Hills College will soon launch a new Nursing Services Career Pathway to help bridge the gap between patient care and provider services.

The Yucaipa-based college has opened registration for the program’s Spring cohort, offering current and future Roadrunners the opportunity to earn three nursing-related certificates in one semester and begin their careers in an entry-level position.

“Students will leave the program with a broad range of training skills in either a long-term care facilities, clients homes or a hospital setting,” said Heather Jasso, a Crafton instructor and assistant for the College’s Nursing Services program. “It’s a low-risk program that allows for students to try something new and see if healthcare and nursing is for them.”

Crafton’s Nursing Services program is not new but rather has expanded from its original 2021 curriculum. Then, students were able to earn certificates only as certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Today, the pathway opened doors for students to walk away with not only a CNA certificate but two additional certificates: home health aide and acute care nursing assistant.

“So far, the program has been successful as we currently maintain an 80% employment rate  after [students] finish the program,” said Jasso. We emphasize professionalism and building a strong workforce. 

Certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and acute care nursing assistants are not only highly sought-after in health care settings but are also considered essential critical health care occupations. It is estimated that employment in these three fields is expected to increase by 13% by the end of the year.

That need is expected to increase over time as the region’s population expands due to several contributing factors such as affordable housing. An article by the Southern California News Group (SCNG) published earlier this year projects the Inland Empire’s population is expected to grow 20% by 2048 — that’s 5.5 million more people residing in the area in just over two-plus decades.

“There’s always going to be a growing need for CNAs. There’s no risk for [students choosing] our pathway because Crafton tries to keep costs low, and fees are normally covered by a grant, which means students only have minimal costs. 

“From my point of view, Crafton is a good place for some to launch their careers," she said.