Love my experience with Portia and Tony!! Great instructors--organized, supportive, easy to talk to. They spent time with each student to make sure everyone would perform the skills necessary to PASS the CNA state exam. Tony and Portia genuinely care about their students and their success. Portia gave me advice on CNA job searching. And they even gifted donuts and coffee on the last day. So nice!!! Great learning environment & would recommend all their courses! read more

Pass Institute - CNA Class Feb 2022 - Specialty Schools Near Me - Antioch, California

Great CNA school!! The teachers are strict, but it shows that they really care about their students. It was a great learning experience, and I still use all the skills I learned as a nurse. Thank you Portia and Tony! read more

Called to research how to get in the HHA class. Was sent an email on what was needed and what I had to do before getting in the class. Got shots and physicals, took a leave from my third job and went to Noc shift with my main job in preparation for this class. Spent money I did not have to insure my spot in this class. Called, left messages, emails no response. Received an email that a payment was late although classes had not started. Got a loan paid for my class. Continued to leave messages and emails due to NO CLASS LOCATION. I could not get an answer on where the class would be held. Being I had to take such drastic measures to even have time to be able to take this class I took out a loan. Figured once certified I would make a little bit more in pay so go for it. Living pay check to pay check, I just wanted to be able to get a better paying job so that I wouldn't have to work so many jobs. Sent an email asking if the class was not a real class and there would be no class how would I go about getting my refund. That very same day, three days before that class is to start, Tony Saucelo sends me an email that they would be glad in bold letters WOULD BE GLAD TO SEND YOU YOUR MONEY BACK. As if I had done something to him. I feel this was more than it appeared to be. Speaking with some people about the matter. Due to being a woman of color I'm pushed to the side often. Treated unfairly simply because. When people know that you are in need they tend to treat you less than. With or without Pass Institute I will be successful. Blessed and highly favored. read more

See all

I took my CNA clinicals here starting September something (27th?) 2023 and ended in November same year and I absolutely loved Tony and Portia. They are extremely informative and had amazing attitudes towards the class and had wonderful personalities. If I had to take a CNA program all over again I would do it here with them read more

Good place to go if you want to become a CNA. Both are very knowledgeable nurses with a lot of experience. A good place to start if you want to become a nurse. What I learned here I was able to apply in nursing fundamentals class. This is almost like a nursing fundamentals lab. Anyway, only two negatives in my experience: way too many student at clinicals, this causes a delay in having you skills signed off; and at times, we are treated like kids, which is fair since 75% of the class are kids (21 and under). Really greatful for this place. Thank you Tony and Portia! read more

Why this institution make a testing place for skilled nursing exam for CNA? They are so strict, only 1 skills you are not able to perform right well, they will failed you. They want you to be perfect. What about those CNA that just expire their license and we have to take the test again. We forgot what we learned from class and to be honest what we learned in class is not 100 percent we follow at work. I can't believe that I worked as CNA for 5 years and at work we don't do range of motion coz we are not allowed to do it. Now I failed in range of motion skills and they really failed me. They have no consideration. They should not make testing center those schools that offer CNA programs. It's not fair that during the examination day, their students don't have to be in the line. We outsiders have to wait for long line. read more

I attended this institution 2 years ago for my CNA. I was so disappointed in the way the owners treated the students. Instead of listing the hand full of examples of mistreatment I could list, I'll just focus on one in particular. During the check offs, I struggled a bit with the math portion, specifically the division. I would ask for help when I needed it to remember the formulas, but Instead of helping (which they are being paid to do) I was told to "figure it out". I voiced that I typically require extended test time and it takes me a little while longer to get the hang of things initially. But once I learn it, i don't forget it. I was then taken aside by the female owner, who spoke to me VERY slowly and in a VERY patronizing way. She spoke to me about my plan to do a nursing program after the CNA program and how she didn't want to discourage me from being a nurse but nursing math is much harder than CNA math. She asked if I completed my prerequisites to which I replied "yes, I have an associates in health science" She then told me that the state boards don't let you use a calculator to do math. After all the discouragement she said she could help me if I needed help... Shouldn't you have lead with the offer of help? I took a while to write this review because I wanted to make sure my review had a purpose. AS OF MAY 2022, I AM A NURSE. The state boards DO allow you to use a calculator on the NCLEX, they also allow extended test time for those who need it. Please do not let miserable people discourage you from your goals and dreams. Please don't give your hard earned money to institutions who are paid to teach but hate teaching. Please don't allow anyones doubt in you, make you doubt yourself read more

Perfect school for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the nursing field. Their CNA course is quick and easy, the instructors Tony and Portia will have you more than ready to take the state exam. They are both very knowledgeable about the nursing field and have lots of tips on getting into nursing programs as well as tips for furthering your nursing career if you want to pursue a higher level degree. I highly highly recommend this school and these instructors!! read more

Pass Institute - Specialty Schools Near Me - Antioch, California

Portia and Tony are the worst. They are so rude and are the worst instructors I have ever met. They aren't welcoming, encouraging, helpful or anything useful for that matter! They talk poorly of previous students and patients. They will laugh at you and make fun of you when you are put on the spot and forget something instead of helping you. They were hard to find anytime when doing the clinical portion. Genuinely did not learn much from them at all. I HIGHLY suggest another program! And the only reason they have good reviews is because this program is based on common sense for the most part and is ridiculously easy. Choose another program that will actually benefit you and you could enjoy your time doing. read more

Took the CNA course and learned a lot of useful stuff. Make sure to read the chapters before each class and you will do great!

An excellent program for those interested in pursuing health care certifications. They offer a variety of programs -CNA -HHA -EKG Tech -BLS/CPR/AED -& more The instructors are Portia, Tony, Tina, and Ruth. Each of them was excellent and has their own teaching style making it easy to learn regardless of your learning style. I took the Nurse Assistant Training Program and passed the finals and state exams on my first try without issue. I recommend this program to anyone looking for a method of jump starting their health care career with both theoretical and practical skills. read more

The instructor Portia is very rude. She talks to certain students like they are children. The group that came in to renew their license she made sure they didn't pass their skills test. I will never go back there to test. I will test only with the red cross. read more

I was directed to PASS Insitute for their CNA Training program by another local program that unfortunately delayed their start date the week of our first session. I am thankful that the other place did not work out because I have met some amazing people at this school and we are like a mini family now. Tony and Portia are both RNs, State Exam evaluators and rolling fingerprint certified. Their Antioch location at 5111 Lone Tree Way is also an NNAAP State testing site. This program and all of the tests you will take gets you adequately prepared to take the state exam and pass. All of the individuals in my cohort that took the state exam today, passed! I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants to enter the medical field. They also have EKG and HHA programs. Thank you Portia and Tony! read more

I just pass my State exam in ARC. I went to this school for CNA and I'm glad I did. First, I was thinking twice if I want to enroll coz I thought I'm not ready and I'm scared but they are really good instructors. Portia and Tony are Top of the game. They show you to be top of your game as well that you don't slack and you read your modules. They will give you more information outside the textbook you read. They have a YouTube account that you can watch for the skills they teaching you.They are very nice too. So Goodluck guys if you decide to go to this school. read more

I'm glad others had a good experience. My experience was horrible!! The instructor was constantly late to class and then never apologized for keeping us waiting. They have an incredible disregard of other people's time. I expressed my concern about the State skills exam and the instructor pretty much said she didn't care and said she it wasn't her job to prepare me for it. That's funny because that is what it says in the mission statement. Also, call before you go to the Antioch location. They create their own hours and don't let anybody else know. Save your money and go to a more established school!! This school is way too expensive for what you get and how you are treated. read more

I PASSED MY STATE EXAM!!! Pass Institute is the best CNA school in the Bay Area! The school prepares you to take the state exam and more. Pass Institute has awaken the nurse in me!! Thank you Portia and Tony for everything! read more

To say that Portia and Tony were a blessing in my life is an understatement. I went in to the first class not knowing exactly what to expect or how much I would learn about being a CNA, but having precious knowledge in the health field I still had no idea how valuable nursing assistants truly are. The training and education given by Portia and Tony is outstanding. They truly want you to succeed in the program and to pass with flying colors. They make sure you are ON TOP of your game and your studies so that you do well clinicals (which you will). I have nothing but positivity to spread about PASS institute, and I am so so grateful for all of the skills I have learned and will keep with me for the rest of my nursing career. For anyone considering this program in journey of getting your RN or furthering your nursing career, I highly recommend it because being a CNA and simply having the knowledge taught by Portia and Tony (not to mention having their great expertise in the field having both been RN's) is an amazing tool to have as a nurse. I know I will stand out in my nursing program because I am equipped with the confidence that these two have enlightened in me. Thank you again PASS Institute read more

They are strict but very fair. I learned so much through this program, and they are strict for a reason, to make sure you are properly prepared when you enter the workforce, which I really appreciate. Do the readings, memorize all the steps and you will do well. Passed my NNAAP exam on the first try, and I found studying and taking the exam were both pretty low stress given how prepared I was from Portia and Tony's teaching. read more

Tony and Portia are super funny and really prepare you for the state exam. Literally, the state exam was super easy because they were tough on you about it. Clinicals are super interactive and you learn the most on the floor with the residents. They are very accommodating to your schedule if you miss a class or two. However, if you go to the pleasant hill campus be aware that you have to visit the Antioch campus atleast a few times. Sometimes instructors would be late, but overall I recommend this school. Tina is great too! read more

I recently graduated from this program as a CNA and I feel extremely prepared to enter the health field. As a student with no previous experience, Portia and Tony educated me not only on proper procedures but also on how to handle stressful situation in the workplace. If you are looking to become a healthcare professional, this is the place for you. read more

Very knowledgeable, and friendly. They want you to succeed, but also tell you how it is. So you will be ready to take it hands on in real world experience. Follow what they say, study, and do your homework. I was able to understand the lectures, I did good on the quizzes, and tests. I recommend Pass Institute! read more

As a student at PASS INSTITUTE, I truly learned a significant amount in six weeks ! Tony and Portia are amazing teachers who are very experienced in the field. They make class more interesting with their stories and humor. Could not have found a better program. They are really there to help you succeed. I would highly recommend you take the nursing assistant training through them. Couldn't have been more prepared for the state test. Passed all skills as well as written! Thanks again Tony and Portia. Looking forward to what the future brings and it all began with you guys. -Cassie H. read more

Whatever you do DO NOT TEST HERE! The evaluators Portia and Tony were condescending, rude, and disorganized. While reading the directions for the written exam one of the students had asked a question and Portia said,"Can't You read! It's right there!". The evaluators were inconsistent in their testing, the set up for the skills couldn't have been harder to navigate but because everything had a label (even though some label's didn't correspond with what was inside the drawers), we had to spend time looking for our supplies. Mind you we only have 30 minutes to complete all the skills so it took time away from our testing. I only passed the exam because I had a different evaluator who was nice enough to get my supplies for the very last skill since I was running out of time but she left right after testing me because another student started crying from how horrible the testing was being presented. My evaluator must have had enough because she never came back to test more students which unfortunately left the others in the hands of Tony and Portia. I learned from a classmate of mine that other than me and 2 other people everyone in the facility had failed the skills portion of the exam and I can say for certain it was because of their unprofessional and disrespectful demeanor and disorganization. They didn't have enough evaluators for the amount of students who were presenting their exams. No one was allowed to eat, some were there from 9am all the way to 7pm which is illegal by the way. I was not even tested by Portia and she scorned me while I was waiting for my evaluator who had left the room for a moment telling me to sit as if I were a dog. I can only imagine how they are as instructors. read more

If you are as committed as the instructors at PASS Institute, you would have no problems passing the State exam! My favorite part of the program was that they offered me higher level of knowledge and real experience on the floor. You will never get bored sitting in the classroom. Good luck! read more

Passed certification test!! As did 99% of our class. Obviously we all were taught well. Thank you Portia and Tony.

Great program with flexible hours. Wonderful staff with lots of experience to share. So happy I found PASS and was able to take the CNA class during my summer break! Now I have a job that will set me up for success once I reach nursing school. Thanks PASS! read more

I had a very positive experience here. They are a state testing site, and as such, they prepare you well for the state exam. I took the course in Pleasant Hill, which is a smaller location, but you are given full access to the Antioch location to practice skills. I passed the state exam on the first try and landed a job soon after through a referral of the school's director. You can't ask for much more than that. read more

They are the best and help full people. Thank you Portia and tony!

Booked Livescan fingerprinting with the Pass Institute on Saturday 4th June at 930am. This was confirmed with a female receptionists on Friday 3rd June. On Saturday morning we were on time but no one arrived. We waited for 25minutes before leaving. Serious inconvenience. Don't use these guys for livescan fingerprinting! read more

Pass Institute is a great school to go to. Tony and Portia are excellent teachers and they are there every step of the way for you. The training in the Nursing Home was very educational. A lot of hands on stuff. The classroom work was very thorough. Tony and Portia do teach you in a way to pass the final exam in the class and they give you the confidence to pass the State Exam. This program is a great program to get a certificate in a short amount of time. read more

I took my CNA class with Portia and Tony. They have deep knowledge and experience in medical field with an outstanding education to back it up. The class is only 22 days but spread through out bet. November-December. There were only 3 students in my batch including myself, the theory was fast pace, but we were able to keep up because there's a schedule for it, they will give you a copy so you can read a long at home to keep up. Portia, Tony, and Tina are very good communicator and listener, although we only had Tina for one day for clinicals. If you are having any trouble understanding the theory part aka the lessons, just approach Tony or Portia during or after the class and they will patiently explain it to you in laymans term. The clinicals for us were overall a great place to continue learning and actually understand what they taught you in class, it will be physically exhausting especially, for people who is not used to the job or if it is your first time practicing it. The admin are always there to check up on you to make sure you are ok, if you are completing your task, and if you are actually learning. The only negative thing (if there is any) on clinical days the facility sometimes are short staffed that they will entrust you a few patients (with your partner) to help with that will lead you to not finishing anything on your TASK SHEET, so, be sure to be on top of it. So yeah, for theory just keep up with the readings and for skills just repetitive practice will help you remember it. read more

I completed the Pass Institute CNA training program this summer and I passed the state exam! I was in the Pleasant Hill class which was wonderful because of its small size. There were only about 12 of us in the class and we became very close by the end of the program. I took evening classes so I was able to work a full time job while I did the program. The instructors challenged us to learn our skills backwards and forwards so that when it came to the state exam, I was very prepared. The frequent quizzes on class material, and workbook for practice questions, pushed me to study each week and ultimately prepared me well for the written portion of the state exam, which had a lot of the same material. Tony and Portia are incredibly passionate about nursing and experienced, both in the field and in teaching. They also both have a great since of humor. I almost cried from laughing once in class listening to Portia crack jokes to keep our class engaged. Thank you Tony and Portia for all that you taught me! read more