What Is It Known For?
Registered nurse Hellen Bush has spent over a decade preparing nursing students for state certification exams. She founded Hellen School for CNA, formerly Trident School of Nursing, in 2012 in Long Beach, California. Its purpose was to expand opportunities for aspiring healthcare workers entering the field.
The institution achieves remarkable results: 100 percent of enrolled students pass internal assessments, while 98 percent successfully complete the State Exam. Current enrollment figures can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
Degrees & Certifications
At Hellen School for CNA, you complete Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide training in just four weeks under the guidance of registered nurse instructors.
The program combines 60 hours of theoretical instruction with 100 hours of clinical practice. After graduation, you take the State examination and receive CNA and HHA licenses from the California Department of Public Health.
This accelerated timeline allows rapid entry into healthcare employment while building the knowledge base needed for certification.
Class Schedules
CNA classes at Hellen School run from Monday to Friday for two hours daily, with sessions available from 10am to 12pm or 4pm to 6pm.
Clinical training/externship happens on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 AM to 7 PM for 12-hour shifts. CHHA courses meet Monday and Tuesday from 12 noon to 8 PM, with clinical hours arranged around your personal schedule. There’s no information on online course availability. Contact the school.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Educationapproved Hellen School to operate CNA and HHA training programs beginning in 2019.
Formal accreditation requires programs offering at least 600 training hours, which is not the case for Hellen School for CNA, as it’s approved to operate for 200 hours.
Acceptance Rate
There is no published acceptance rate for the Hellen School for CNA. Contact the school for admission information.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
CNA training at Hellen School for CNA costs $2,000, with the $120 State Exam fee billed separately. HHA training costs $500.
The school covers uniforms, CPR-BLS, Live Scan, books, and study materials within tuition. A net price calculator is not currently available for cost planning purposes.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- CNA
Campus Locations
Long Beach 2047 Orange Ave Long Beach, CA 90806
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Hellen School for CNA is regarded as a top-tier, highly supportive, and intensive training program that consistently over-prepares students to pass the California CNA State Board Exam.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional State Exam Preparation: The school’s primary strength is its intensive, 4-week preparation that students consistently report as “over preparing” them for the California CNA State Board Exam, leading to high pass rates.
Caring, Knowledgeable, and Inspirational Instructors: The lead instructor and the teaching staff are highly praised as experienced Registered Nurses who are deeply committed to student success, often going beyond the curriculum to offer life lessons and career guidance.
Effective, Engaging Teaching Style: The lead instructor’s approach is described as being “strict at times but it’s because she cares,” using a “spicy attitude” and great humor to keep the class focused and make the fast-paced learning enjoyable.
Strong Career Reputation: Graduates note that local skilled nursing centers know the school and that its students are highly sought after, suggesting the program is well-respected in the Long Beach area.
High Accessibility: The program is accessible, with no requirement for a high school diploma or GED and offers help with job placement after graduation.
Common Criticisms
No Substantial Negative Criticisms: The visible reviews contain no reports of administrative issues, poor facility conditions, or ineffective teaching. The only minor caution mentioned is the instructor’s strictness, which students qualify as a positive trait focused on preparation.
Higher Tuition: At approximately $2,000, the tuition is competitive with other for-profit vocational schools in the area (like Los Angeles Skills Academy at $1,990), but it is significantly higher than subsidized community college options like Long Beach City College (tuition $276) or Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County ($750 for eligible students).
Momentum
The momentum for Hellen School for CNA is exceptionally strong and purely positive. It has carved out a premium niche by delivering a fast, high-quality, and reliable path to CNA licensure. The consistent 5-star feedback and high self-reported 98% state exam pass rate confirm the effectiveness of its specialized, instructor-led model. While the price point is higher than subsidized options, the school’s success is built on providing a highly efficient, non-stop learning experience and strong job placement support, ensuring it maintains a powerful, positive standing in the local healthcare training market.