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Online/Distance Learning Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP)

Announcement: July 16, 2024ā€‹

Unannounced Onsite Visits for Online Nurse Assistant Training Programs

On May 29, 2024, the eLearning Review Unit (ELRU) began conducting unannounced site visits for Online Nurse Assistant Training Program (NATP) Renewal Applications and Complaint Investigations.

The purpose of the site visit is to ensure Online NATPs are complying with, but not limited to the Department approved program terms and Online NATP codes and regulations.

ELRU will be reviewing Department approved Online NATPs based on factors including, but not limited to, Online NATP pass/fail rates, reports of noncompliance, and graduation rates. During the program site visit, ELRU will review documents submitted for Online NATP renewal applications including, but not limited to, the following forms found in the links below.

Referenced Compliance Authority:

  • California Code, Health and Safety Code 1337.3(b): The department shall inspect a sample of training programs.
  • Code of Federal Regulations 483.151(f)(3): The State must withdraw approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program or a nurse aide competency evaluation program if the entity providing the program refuses to permit unannounced visits by the State.
  • AFL 20-89.1:
    • The program provider is responsible for maintaining compliance with all codes, regulations, and CDPH rules pertaining to the operation of their NATP. CDPH may verify a provider's compliance at any time.
    • The providers are subject to regulatory oversight and enforcement by the eLearning Unit in the form of unannounced site visits, class audits, complaint investigations, and desk audits.

eLearning Review Unit

As a result of Assembly Bill 2850 (Chapter 769, Statutes of 2018), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) established a distinct unit called the eLearning Review Unit (ELRU) to review the applications of skilled nursing facilities (SNF), intermediate care facilities (ICF), and educational institutions, which were interested in conducting a nurse assistant training program(NATP) online or in a distance learning format.

The eLearning Review Unit evaluates potential online NATP and alternative online NATP applicants and maintains ongoing regulatory oversight over approved online programs.

In order to become an approved online NATP, the applicant's program must meet all applicable requirements specified in Code of Federal Regulations, Section 483 Subpart D, the California Health and Safety Code Division 2, Chapter 2, Article 9, the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 5, Chapter 2.5 and the requirements listed in the All Facilities Letter(AFL) 20-89.1

After approval by the eLearning Review Unit, the training program provider may conduct the minimum 60 hours of classroom training remotely, in an online or distance learning format and, the minimum 100 hours of clinical training in person and at an approved SNF or ICF. 

For the application process, please select the entity type that applies to you

Educational Institutions 

Are you an educational institution interested in becoming and online NATP provider? See online NATP application information for educational institutions.

Are you looking for online NATP Instructor application information or requirements? See Instructor application requirements.ā€‹

Skilled Nursing Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities 

Are you a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility? interested in becoming and online NATP provider? See online NATP application information for skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities.  

Are you a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility interested in becoming an Alternative online NATP? See Alternative Online NATP application information for skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities.  

Are you looking for online NATP or Alternative NATP Director of Staff Development application information or requirements? See Director of Staff Development application requirements

How to find a training program

Are you looking for Online NATPs near you? See the approved online NATP list


You may contact the eLearning Review Unit by email at eLearning@cdph.ca.govā€‹ā€‹

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