On Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m., twenty-four, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students will be recognized during San Diego College of Continuing Education’s inaugural pinning ceremony at the Cesar Chavez Campus (1901 Main St., 92113) in Barrio Logan. 

While the pinning ceremony dates back to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale pinned trainees who excelled in their work, the College of Continuing Education’s event on December 12th marks the institution's first recognition of its kind in its 110-year history. This is a significant milestone for these adult learners, many of whom come from immigrant and refugee backgrounds looking to advance their career or to establish themselves in a new country.

“We are truly honored to recognize our nursing assistant students in our college's first formal pinning ceremony. Many of our graduates are returning to the classroom after being away for quite some time and or are fleeing their home country for a better future. That already is something to celebrate, and now we are adding on with this incredible accomplishment that will open doors to advance their careers or schooling toward registered nursing and other advanced healthcare professions,” said College of Continuing Education President, Dr. Tina M. King, who will deliver welcoming remarks alongside the San Diego Community College District Chancellor, Gregory Smith. 

The College of Continuing Education offers seven no-cost Healthcare Career certificates; Nursing Assistant, Rehabilitative Nursing Assistant, Acute Care Nursing Assistant, Personal Care Assistant/Caregiver, Home Health Aide, Behavioral Home Health Aide, and Health Unit Coordinator. 

The tuition-free Nurse Assistant training program at the College of Continuing Education prepares students for the state Certified Nurse Assistant examination and provides opportunities for clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. Graduates become certified as a Nurse Assistant by the State of California and can work in rehabilitation, acute care, and long-term care facilities.

In addition to their CNA certificate and a pin during the ceremony, the Class of 2024 graduates were gifted new scrubs, stethoscopes, funds for CPR and certification testing, and other essential caregiving tools.

Students and faculty are available for interviews before and after the pinning ceremony.