Nurse Assistant Training Program

Through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical training, students learn about patient rights, communication skills, infection control, vital signs, and basic nursing skills such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. The program prepares students for the California Nurse Assistant Competency Exam and provides them with the skills necessary to work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

Important Information

Estimated Course Cost (Gainful Employment)

Students are responsible for enrollment fees, physical examinations, immunizations and/or vaccines, drug and alcohol screen and uniform attire. See Nurse Assistant Training Program Estimated Costs (revised Spring 2023) for the estimated cost of fees, examinations, textbooks and uniforms for the program. Financial Aid may be available.

What is a Nurse Assistant?

A Nurse Assistant, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). They work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, and are responsible for tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with mobility. Nurse Assistants also monitor and record vital signs, report any changes in patients' conditions to the nursing staff, and provide emotional support to patients and their families. The role of a Nurse Assistant is crucial in providing quality patient care and maintaining the overall functioning of healthcare facilities.

Is Studying to be a Nurse Assistant Right for Me?

A Nurse Assistant Job Skills Certificate would benefit individuals who have a passion for helping others and are interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry. The program is also ideal for those who have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as nursing assistants often have frequent interactions with patients and their families. Additionally, individuals who are interested in pursuing further education and career advancement in nursing and healthcare may also benefit from this certificate as it can serve as a starting point for further education and career development opportunities. Finally, anyone looking to enter the healthcare industry with a minimal amount of education and training may find this certificate program to be a good fit.

Some key traits and skills that would make someone a good fit for studying to be a Nurse Assistant include:

• Compassion
• Patience
• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Physical stamina
• Teamwork
• Flexibility
• Professionalism
• Critical thinking

Overall, someone who is caring, patient, communicative, attentive, physically capable, team-oriented, adaptable, professional, and critical thinking would be a good fit for studying to be a Nurse Assistant.

Nurse Assistant Certificate

Nurse Assistant Job Skills Certificate

The Nurse Assistant job skills certificate prepares the student to provide services to those who need health care. The student will learn the role of the caregiver, the healthcare environment, health care safety, adult needs in health and illness, and basic caregiving skills.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Nurse Assistant Careers

A Nurse Assistant Job Skills Certificate can prepare individuals for various entry-level healthcare positions. Here are some careers that someone can have with a Nurse Assistant Job Skills Certificate:

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs provide basic patient care, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with mobility. They work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.
2. Home Health Aide: Home health aides provide care for patients in their homes. They assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, and may also provide medication reminders and perform light housekeeping duties.
3. Hospice Aide: Hospice aides provide care for terminally ill patients in hospice settings or in their homes. They provide emotional support, assistance with personal care, and may also perform light housekeeping duties.
4. Patient Care Technician: Patient care technicians (PCTs) work under the supervision of RNs and provide basic patient care, such as checking vital signs, collecting specimens, and assisting with mobility. PCTs may also perform other tasks such as performing electrocardiograms (EKGs) and blood glucose testing.
5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): EMTs provide basic medical care and transportation to patients in emergency situations. With additional training, EMTs can become paramedics and provide advanced life support care.
6. Medical Assistant: Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings. They may perform tasks such as taking patient histories, scheduling appointments, and performing basic clinical procedures such as drawing blood.

Overall, a Nurse Assistant Job Skills Certificate can prepare individuals for a variety of entry-level healthcare positions that involve providing basic patient care and support. These careers provide a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Academic Department: Nursing

Career & Learning Pathway: Health Sciences (HS) Pathway

More Nursing Programs: Vocational Nursing, Registered Nursing

Courses: Nurse Assistant (MEDS B69)