Online/Distance Learning Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If my program was granted a waiver to teach online during COVID-19, can I use the same setup to apply to ELRU for a permanent online NATP?
You may apply but because your program was not setup with eLearning requirements in mind it is unlikely that your current program will be approved without making substantial alternations to meet the requirements.
Is ELRU part of TPRU?
No. The eLearning Review Unit was established within the Aide and Technician Certification Section, separate from the Training Program Review Unit, to process Online Nurse Assistant Training Program applications. For more information, please see the TPRU webpage.
How can I contact ELRU?
You may contact the eLearning Review unit at eLearning@cdph.ca.gov.
If I have an existing, classroom-based NATP that is approved by TPRU, can I use this program to apply for an online NATP application?
No, ELRU and TRPU are different units and have different requirements. You may have both an online and a classroom-based NATP, with each having their specific Provider Identification Training Number (PITN). You may not combine the two NATPs.
Do I need to have an approved, classroom-based NATP before applying for an online NATP?
No, a classroom-based NATP in not necessary in order to apply for an
online NATP.
Can I use TPRU application forms and submit these to ELRU?
No. There are requirements that are specific to ELRU which are not found in the TPRU forms. Please use ELRU forms on this webpage.
We are approved for both online and classroom based NATPs, can we share our staff to do both?
No, the programs were approved with specific staff for each specific program, the staff must be approved for each program prior to any sharing.
What are the components to a complete application packet?
The following links lead to a list of the components for each application type:
How do I ensure faster processing of my Online NATP application?
āāTo ensure faster processing time, submit a complete application packet as listed under the Educational Institutional Initial Application or Skilled Nursing Facility/Intermediate Care Facility Initial Application requirements to eLearning@cdph.ca.govā, and respond to all emails from ELRU requesting clarification or corrections promptly.ā
What kinds of online/distance-learning platforms can I use?
Any teaching method that complies with the Department requirements is acceptable. However, a NATP can only be either synchronous or asynchronous.
What is the difference between synchronous vs asynchronous online programs?
Synchronous classes are livestream lectures with students and instructors interacting in a specific virtual location at a set time. Instructors commonly take attendance as they would in a lecture hall. These classes are conducted via video conference or live-streamed platform.
Asynchronous classes are self-paced with fully narrated content, and closely monitored by the NATP instructor. Students must regularly interact with the instructor to be evaluated on their understanding of each module. These classes are conducted via narrated lectures and the students complete them within a specified schedule and timeframe.
Both synchronous and asynchronous programs must evaluate the student's understanding of the NATP content. For asynchronous instruction, each course module must provide an exam, required to be passed before proceeding to the next module.
For Online NATP application, what should a Crosswalk look like?
The crosswalk can be constructed in a number of ways but must show how the proposed curriculum is meeting the requirements of the 17 modules listing them by each associated subtopic. It must clearly show how overall NATP theory content and time requirements are met at the subtopic level as well as a grand total. The crosswalk must list each module and subtopic in one column (verbatim), then list what material is used to meet the requirement per subtopic in another column and total time per subtopic in another column. Below are examples of possible crosswalks for two variations of synchronous and asynchronous programs in an abbreviated form for module 1 only.
Synchronous program using slides and book for lecture:
| Module 1: Introduction | | ā
| ā |
| Subtopic A) Roles and Responsibilities of a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | Name of book slide deck from the proposed curriculum | Page number or slide number of specific information satisfying the subtopic | Total time per subtopic |
| B) Title 22, Division 5, California Code of Regulations, Overview | āXYZ book of nursingā
Slide deck āCA regsā | PP 23-45 Slide 1-15
| Live lecture directly from book 30 min Live lecture via slides 30 min
|
| | ā | ā | Total for module |
Asynchronous program using videos:
| Module 1: Introduction | | ā | ā |
| Subtopic A) Roles and Responsibilities of a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | Name of video constructed from the proposed curriculum | Minute count of specific information satisfying the subtopic | Total time per subtopic |
| B) Title 22, Division 5, California Code of Regulations, Overview | Video 1 ācivics 101ā
Video 2 ātitle 22ā
|
00:24:21 01:22:10 | Videos Total 01:46:31 |
| | ā | ā | Total for module |
Can a Program Director or Director of Nursing teach an online NATP?
A DON may not teach the program. If a RNPD of an educational institution wants to teach, they must submit a CDPH E279 and meet the requirements for an instructor and ensure compliance with 22 CCR Ā§71828(b)(3) by having another qualified individual equivalent to RNPD monitor the classes they teach.
What are the requirements for a NATP Program Director or Director of Nursing?āAn online NATP program director is responsible for the entirety of the NATP. In facilities, this title is āDirector of Nursingā (DON) and in educational institutions the title is āRegistered Nurse Program Directorā (RNPD).
The requirements for a program director are as follows:
- āActive California Registered Nurse License.
- Two years of nursing experienceā.
- Of the two years, one year of experience must be in provision of long-term care facility services.
The qualification requirements for DSDs/Instructors are not interchangeable with DONs/RNPDs. DSDs/instructors do not carry the same responsibility as DONs/RNPDs.
It is only necessary to submit a CDPH E279 if the RNPD will be teaching.
For an online NATP, do we need to submit a new application for previously approved DSDs/Instructors?
Yes, all DSDs/Instructors, whether new or approved, who will be teaching for an online NATP need to submit a CDPH E279 form with the required information. ā
What are the requirements to take the state CNA exam after completion of an online nurse assistant training program?
For guidance and instruction on taking the CNA certification exam after completion of a program, please visit the Registry Unit home page.
Do we need to have an agreement with a facility as a clinical site?
Yes, if your program is not facility based, a clinical site agreement is mandatory for program approval. Please submit a completed CDPH E276E (Online NATP Clinical Site Agreement) for each facility associated with the online NATP.
Is there a limit to the number of students in a class?
There is no limit to the number of students in a theory class, however, clinical class sizes are restricted to 15 students per 1 instructor.
You may contact the eLearning Review unit at eLearning@cdph.ca.gov ā
Return to eLearning Review Unit page