Online/Distance Learning Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) 

Alternative Online NATP Application Requirements

AFL 20-89.1

As of June 8, 2021, this option is available to skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities that can secure an agreement with an existing CDPH-approved online NATP for theory instruction and teach the clinical portion of using the same clinical instruction materials and schedule from the contracted online NATP or developing their own.

When using this option, facilities must require their nurse assistants to attend and complete the online NATP provider’s theory training courses based on that provider’s training schedule (Clinical instruction cannot begin unless the mandated preclinical theory hours are completed first). Should facilities develop their own clinical instruction material, they must ensure that this material is complementary to the contracted online NATP’s curriculum, meets state and federal requirements, and is approved by CDPH prior to its implementation.

Alternative online NATPs are responsible for all student training records, statistics, and must be able to demonstrate their compliance with all applicable NATP regulations at any time.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) means a health facility or a distinct part of a hospital which provides continuous skilled nursing care and supportive care to patients whose primary need is for availability of skilled nursing care on an extended basis. It provides 24-hour inpatient care and, as a minimum, includes physician, skilled nursing, dietary, pharmaceutical services and an activity program.

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) means a health facility, or a distinct part of a hospital or skilled nursing facility, which provides the following basic services: Inpatient care to patients who need skilled nursing supervision and supportive care, but do not require continuous nursing care.

Note: Nurse assistants employed by a facility must not be charged for any portion of the nurse assistant certification training program.

Alternative Online NATP Initial Application Requirements (Skilled Nursing Facility / Intermediate Care Facility)

The Department may take up to 90 days to process an Alternative Online NATP Initial Application.

Please submit the following:

When applying, changing, or renewing a program, applicants must use the current version of CDPH eLearning forms and instructions provided on this website.

Note: Do not alter any of the Department approved forms. Altering the Department approved forms is unacceptable and will delay the intake of the application and review process.

Alternative Online NATP Program Update Application Requirements (Skilled Nursing Facility / Intermediate Care Facility)

When updating an approved Alternative Online NATP:

• Please describe in detail your requested changes by sending an email to eLearning@cdph.ca.gov. 
  

Alternative Online NATP Renewal Application Requirements (Skilled Nursing Facility / Intermediate Care Facility)

It is the responsibility of the online NATPs to keep track of program expiration date(s) and renew their programs every two years.

Note: Do not alter any of the Department approved forms. Altering the Department approved forms is unacceptable and will delay the intake of the application and review process.

• CDPH E276R (PDF) – Online Nurse Assistant Training Program Renewal Application
• When renewing an approved NATP, applicants must meet all initial online application requirements. This includes all required updates since your most recent initial or renewal approval. 
• It is strongly recommended that renewal applications be submitted 90 to 120 days prior to the expiration of the program to allow adequate processing time.