About West Harbor CNA Academy

Welcome!

My name is Mollie Openshaw, and I have had the incredible privilege of serving in healthcare for more than 45 years. Looking back, one of the most rewarding and unforgettable moments of my career was receiving my work permit and beginning my journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Chico, California. That experience changed the course of my life and opened doors I never imagined possible.

Today, I have the opportunity to help others take that same first step, and I couldn't be more excited.

I truly believe that becoming a CNA is much more than learning skills — it's the beginning of a career filled with endless possibilities. Whether your dream is to remain an exceptional CNA, become a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse, or therapist, or pursue another path in healthcare, every great journey begins with that very first step.

My passion is teaching, mentoring, and encouraging future caregivers. I strive to create a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, inspired, and excited to come to class each day. I believe learning should be engaging, interactive, and — yes — fun! My goal is for every student to leave our program not only confident in their clinical skills, but also proud of the compassionate caregiver they are becoming.

I am especially honored to be a member of the West Harbor Healthcare team, an organization whose values closely reflect my own. Their mission states:

We believe that people are the key to our success. We understand that treating our employees with love and respect will result in exceptional patient care.

I couldn't agree more.

Certified Nursing Assistants are truly the backbone of resident care. They are the caregivers who spend the most time with residents, providing comfort, compassion, dignity, and human connection every single day. Their work makes an extraordinary difference in the lives of residents and their families.

Our inaugural West Harbor Healthcare CNA Academy for the greater North Valley will proudly provide classroom instruction with clinical training opportunities at Bridgeview Post Acute in Yuba City and Gridley Post Acute. Students will learn from experienced healthcare professionals while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive skilled nursing environment.

One of the most exciting aspects of our program is that this is more than a traditional CNA class — it's your career opportunity.

Applicants will participate in an interview process with our leadership team. Those selected for the program will receive full tuition sponsorship from West Harbor Healthcare. In return, graduates will join our team and begin their healthcare careers serving residents at one of our West Harbor facilities. It's our way of investing in people who have a genuine heart for caring for others.

If you've ever thought about a career in healthcare, if you've wondered whether you could make a difference in someone's life, or if you're simply looking for an opportunity to build a meaningful future, I encourage you to apply.

I can't wait to meet you, learn your story, and help you begin an incredible journey that may change your life just as becoming a CNA changed mine all those years ago.

Welcome to the West Harbor Healthcare CNA Academy.

Let's begin your journey together.

At West Harbor CNA Academy, we believe that becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is more than learning skills — it's answering a calling to care for others with compassion, dignity, and excellence.

Our academy was created to prepare the next generation of highly skilled, confident, and compassionate Certified Nursing Assistants who are ready to make a difference in the lives of residents, patients, and families every day.

Whether you are beginning your first career, changing professions, or returning to the workforce, we are committed to providing you with the education, support, and hands-on experience you need to succeed.

A Unique Learning Experience

Our program combines engaging classroom instruction with real-world clinical experience to prepare students for success both in the classroom and at the bedside.

Classroom Instruction

Historic Downtown Gridley

Classes are held in beautiful Historic Downtown Gridley, providing students with a comfortable and welcoming learning environment where they will develop the knowledge and confidence needed to excel as healthcare professionals.

Clinical Training

Two respected skilled nursing facilities

Students will complete their supervised clinical training at two respected skilled nursing facilities. These clinical experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge while working alongside experienced healthcare professionals in real patient care settings.

Gridley Post Acute – Gridley, California
Bridgeview Post Acute – Marysville, California

Serving Northern California

We proudly welcome applicants from communities throughout the region. No matter where you call home, if you have a heart for helping others, we encourage you to apply.

Chico
Paradise
Gridley
Oroville
Marysville
Yuba City
Live Oak
Biggs
Colusa
Sutter
Wheatland
Durham
Surrounding Northern California

More Than a Certification

At West Harbor CNA Academy, we don't simply teach students how to perform nursing assistant skills — we teach professionalism, accountability, teamwork, compassion, communication, and respect.

Guided by West Harbor Health Care's mission of treating employees with love and respect, we strive to develop caregivers who understand that every resident deserves exceptional care, kindness, and dignity.

When you graduate from West Harbor CNA Academy, you'll leave with more than a state-approved education — you'll leave prepared to begin a meaningful career that truly changes lives.

We look forward to welcoming you into the West Harbor family and helping you take the first step toward a rewarding future in healthcare.

CNA students and caregivers providing compassionate care

Learning Objectives

At West Harbor CNA Academy, our goal is to prepare students to become knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate Certified Nursing Assistants who provide safe, high-quality care with confidence and professionalism. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate safe, competent, and compassionate nursing assistant skills in a variety of healthcare settings.
Provide person-centered care while respecting each resident's dignity, independence, privacy, cultural background, and individual needs.
Communicate effectively and professionally with residents, families, nurses, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team.
Apply infection prevention and control practices to maintain a safe environment for residents, visitors, and healthcare workers.
Accurately measure, observe, document, and report changes in a resident's condition using appropriate procedures.
Assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, nutrition, hydration, mobility, and restorative care.
Demonstrate proper body mechanics and safely transfer, position, and ambulate residents using approved techniques and equipment.
Recognize and respond appropriately to resident rights, ethical responsibilities, confidentiality, and professional standards of practice.
Exhibit critical thinking, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism in all aspects of resident care.
Develop the confidence and competence needed to successfully complete the California State Examination and begin a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

At West Harbor CNA Academy, we believe exceptional caregivers are developed through knowledge, hands-on experience, integrity, and a genuine passion for serving others. Our commitment is to help every student graduate prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of those they care for.

Our Programs

At West Harbor CNA Academy, we provide more than a CNA training course — we provide a pathway to a rewarding career in healthcare. Our state-approved program combines expert classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, and supervised clinical experience to prepare students for success as Certified Nursing Assistants.

Throughout the program, students receive personalized guidance from experienced instructors who are committed to helping each individual build confidence, develop professional skills, and prepare for the California State Licensing Examination.

As a tuition-free program for qualified applicants, West Harbor CNA Academy removes financial barriers while offering an exceptional educational experience. From your first day in the classroom to your final clinical shift, you'll be supported every step of the way as you gain the knowledge, compassion, and practical experience needed to begin a meaningful career caring for others.

Whether you're just entering the workforce, changing careers, or looking for a profession with purpose and opportunity, West Harbor CNA Academy is here to help you achieve your goals.

Our Mission
Building the Heart of Healthcare
At West Harbor CNA Academy, we believe that exceptional healthcare begins with exceptional caregivers. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and mentor future Certified Nursing Assistants by combining excellence in clinical education with compassion, integrity, and service.
We strive to create a supportive learning environment where every student is encouraged to grow in knowledge, confidence, professionalism, and character. Our graduates leave prepared not only to provide outstanding resident care but also to make a lasting difference in the lives of patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Your Path to Becoming a CNA

Our inaugural class begins January 4, 2027. Apply now to take the first step.

Apply
Interview
Acceptance
Classroom Training
Clinical Training
California State Exam
Begin Your Career

Your Journey to a Meaningful Career Starts Here

Welcome to the West Harbor Healthcare CNA Academy