Nursing Assistant Program Overview

There are no prerequisites needed to apply to the Olympic College Nursing Assistant program.

To be successful in the program and meet Washington State standards, students must be able to communicate effectively in English in both classroom and clinical settings. This includes the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level required to safely perform Nursing Assistant responsibilities (please refer to WAC 246-841A-400).

1. Attend an Advising & an Information Session (recommended but not required in order to register for Nursing Assistant classes) to learn more about this program.
2. Complete all of the Olympic College Admissions Steps, including:
   1. Apply to the college (a $30 appliction fee may apply)
   2. Activate student account
   3. Explore all programs on the Fund Your Education page (Start Next Quarter and Grant Opportunities) and apply for everything you may be eligible for.
   4. To help pay for your NAC program tuition/supplies/books/state license/support services (basic living expenses), we ask that you apply for the following two grants at your earliest convenience. It is important that you apply for both grants to ensure you maximize your funding options.
      • Worker Retraining:  Application Link | Worker Retraining
      • Opportunity Grant:  Opportunity Grant | Olympic College (scroll down and then click on submit the online application)
3. Wait to pay your tuition & fees until you receive a funding decision (the wait time to be reimbursed can be lengthy)
4. Complete the application for the upcoming Quarter and wait to hear back from the Healthcare Division for instructions on how to register for your classes.
5. Buy Books: Visit the Olympic College Bookstore online to purchase your books.
6. Submit Required Clinical Documentation: Proof of personal health insurance and written verification of all state and federal immunization requirements are required by the first week of the quarter as a prerequisite for NA 120 (see Clinical documentation FAQ below).
7. Pass Criminal History Background Check: Complete the background check prior to taking NA 120. Instructions will be provided in class. Visit the Department of Social & Health Services website for a list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions. 

Projected Cost Estimate: Nursing Assistant Program 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES

• BLS Basic Life Support Manual by American Heart Association; ISBN 13 : 9781616697686
• Scrub top (wine)
• Scrub bottom (wine)
• Gait belt
• Blood Pressure Cuff and Stethoscope Kit OR Blood pressure cuff and Stethoscope
• Watch with a second hand 

Optional Textbook (subject to coverage under grant funding)

• Longman Handy Learner's Dictionary of American English, ISBN 13 : 9780582364721 (can be used on course exams and on the state exam-any edition is fine)

What health and safety documentation is required?

Health documentation includes:

• Hepatitis B vaccinations AND proof of immunity by titer (blood test showing proof of immunity) or signed declination form;
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccinations (2 doses) OR proof of immunity by titer;
• Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccinations (2 doses) OR proof of immunity by titer;
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination and updated Tetanus if >10 years;
• Seasonal influenza (flu) vaccination (fall and winter quarters) or signed declination form;
• COVID-19 vaccinations (fully vaccinated and up-to-date with boosters) or submission of Olympic College request for exemption;
• Tuberculin (TB) status: fill out our TB Status form to help you decide what TB testing requirements meet your situation.
  • 2 TB skin tests if no previous negative result in the past 12 months OR single TB skin test if negative test within the last 12 months OR TB IGRA test (blood test) showing the absence of disease;
  • If test results are positive, follow-up with a healthcare provider is required;
  • If you have a history of a positive test, then proof of the absence of disease is required.

Safety documentation includes:

• Copy of current photo ID;
• Personal Health Insurance;
• DSHS Background Check Authorization.

Where can I obtain immunizations, titers, and TB tests?

You can obtain immunizations, titers, and TB testing through your personal medical provider, urgent care centers, and military medical offices. Local drug stores and pharmacies also offer immunization services. The Kitsap Public Health District lists a variety of providers and offices where you can find testing and immunizations.

Please plan accordingly, as class attendance is mandatory and appointments to obtain vaccinations and lab work will not be considered an excused absence.

Is there somewhere to find my immunization records?

Washington State Department of Health provides several options to help you access your family's immunizations if you do not have records on file at home, through your school, or at your healthcare provider's office.

What if I don't have personal health insurance?

You can enroll in a Student Injury Only Insurance Plan through Washington State Community Colleges for $39 per quarter. Students must actively attend classes for at least the first 31 days beginning with the first day for which coverage is purchased before coverage begins. Enroll online at 4StudentHealth.

Another resource for insurance based on your household monthly income is through Washington State Health Care Authority's Apple Health coverage.

Graduates of this program may pursue careers in the following fields, and expect to earn: 

• Nursing Assistant: $24.02 hourly, $49,962 annually

Salaries based on annual median income in Washington State, Lightcast Q2 2026 Data Set

Olympic College has made a determination that the Nursing Assistant curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification in Washington State. The curriculum does not meet educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.