Nursing Assistant Certificate

The Nursing Assistant Certificate Program prepares students for employment as a basic care provider under the supervision of a professional licensed provider, such as a Registered Nurse. This course is an introduction to the roles and responsibilities of being a Nursing Assistant. This course will meet the didactic portion of Washington state and Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) requirements for Nursing Assistant Training.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Nursing Assistant certificate, students will be able to:

• Perform approved scope of practice skills in various health care settings.
• Apply patient care skills safely in all care settings.
• Use medical terminology in order to communicate effectively with culturally diverse patients and team members.
• Recall the information in order to pass the state examination for nursing assistant certification.

Physical Activity Requirements

This occupation requires medium physical activity and lifting/handling objects weighing 50 lbs. and standing for long periods of time.

Employability Requirements

Upon completion of this course, students will be eligible to take the State Certification Examination - the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Exam (NNAAP). Graduates must pass the NNAAP exam and meet the state eligibility requirements in order to apply for licensure. Persons with some types of criminal convictions may not be eligible for licensure.

Program Length

The total number of hours to complete the course is 148 hours. NAC 108 involves 58 hours of nursing assistant theory, which includes HIV/AIDS and CPR. NAC 111 includes 40 hours of nursing skills. NAC 114 includes 50 hours of unit-based clinical experience in a long-term care facility, using the knowledge and skills acquired from NAC 108 and NAC 111. Mandatory attendance is required for all nursing laboratory and clinical days.

For additional inquiries regarding the program or orientation, email [e-mail] or call 253-589-5800.

Admission Dates

Summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters. Students entering the evening program will be required to attend an I-BEST information session and complete entry and quarterly assessments while enrolled in the program.

Completion Requirements

Prerequisite(s)

Students must pass a criminal background check performed by the Washington State Patrol and DSHS and have a “No Record On File” report. A non-refundable fee is charged to each student for the background check.

Students must have current immunizations including Measles/Mumps/ Rubella, Hepatitis B series, T-dap (within the last 10 years), TWO-PPD/ Tuberculosis Tests (the second PPD should occur 10-14 days after the reading of the first PPD), Seasonal Flu and Varicella, as required by contracts with clinical facilities and CDC recommendations. Proof of immunizations should be submitted the first day of class, unless arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Program Course List

NAC 108	Nursing Assistant Theory	5
NAC 111	Nursing Skills Fundamentals	2
NAC 114	Unit Based Clinical Experience	2
Total Credit Hours:		9